Landen Williams-Callis, the No. 3 running back in the 2027 cycle, has committed to Texas. The Randle High four-star prospect is the last top-100 player in the class to pick a destination and now gives the Longhorns their second-ranked recruiting class in the country. A key figure in the 2027 recruiting class, Williams-Callis has been a standout in Texas high school football, making a major impact for the Randle Lions. His commitment to the Longhorns comes as a major boost for Texas, which now holds a top-ranked recruiting class heading into the 2027 season. This decision marks a significant win for the coaching staff, especially for head coach Steve Sarkisian and position coach Jabbar Juluke.
The competition for Williams-Callis
Williams-Callis chose Texas over schools like Texas A&M, SMU, Houston and Missouri. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound back has drawn national attention for his performance on Friday nights. He's rushed for over 3,500 yards and 59 touchdowns in his junior season alone. His production earned him the 2025 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year award and a Gatorade National Player of the Year finalist nod. The decision to commit to Texas was seen as a major victory for the Longhorns, who had been in a competitive battle with other programs. Williams-Callis' decision to choose the Longhorns was a major factor in elevating their recruiting class to a top-6 national ranking.
Williams-Callis' impact on the Longhorns
Recruiting insider Justin Wells called Williams-Callis 'one of the most productive tailbacks in the history of Texas high school football.' He added that Williams-Callis' combination of size, speed and vision could fit the system of head coach Steve Sarkisian and position coach Jabbar Juluke. Wells described Williams-Callis as a player who can thrive in multiple facets of the game, including running outside zone, catching passes in the flat, and making defenders miss. His versatility and ability to perform at a high level have made him a coveted prospect in the 2027 cycle.
Wells even compared Williams-Callis' playing style to NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, noting that his ability to avoid big hits could prolong his college and professional careers. 'He never gets hit hard, never takes big hits and that's how Smith lasted in the NFL for 10-15 years.' This comparison highlights Williams-Callis' potential to be a long-lasting impact player in college football and beyond.
Williams-Callis' legacy in Texas high school football
Williams-Callis is in position to become one of the state’s all-time greats. He's chasing Kaegan Ash's single-season rushing record, which currently stands at 11,382 yards. To break Ash's record, Williams-Callis would need to rush for over 3,800 yards during his senior season. If he can achieve this, he would cement his legacy as one of the most prolific rushers in the history of Texas high school football. His current career totals of 7,554 yards and 125 touchdowns over the last three seasons already place him among the top performers in the state.
Randle's head coach, Brian Randle, called his star player 'a different, different kid, man.' He praised Williams-Callis for his love of the game and his consistency from his earliest days as a player. 'The kid is truly in love with the game of football. Williams-Callis' dedication and work ethic have made him a standout on the field, and his performances have earned him national recognition.
Williams-Callis has a strong football lineage, with relatives who have played in the NFL and college ranks. Randle said the talent is in his DNA and that Williams-Callis was always destined to be special. He's just different,' Randle said. This background has played a role in shaping Williams-Callis into the player he is today, and it's clear that his talent is in his bloodline.
Williams-Callis' commitment to Texas is a major step in his football journey, but he still has one more season to play for the Randle Lions. He will look to lead his team to another state title and potentially break the state's all-time rushing record. With his combination of talent, size, and determination, Williams-Callis is poised to make a lasting impact on the football field.
Randle High will enter the 2026 season with high expectations, as they are set to face a state title rematch against South Oak Cliff. With Williams-Callis in the backfield, Randle is in a strong position to contend for another state title and continue his legacy as one of the top running backs in the state.