Marcus Spears Jr., one of the nation’s top 2027 high school recruits, told ESPN Thursday that he’s reclassifying to the 2026 class and is committing to Texas. He joins his older sister, Cari Spears, a volleyball player for the Longhorns.
“Texas basketball is becoming a big thing again, and I am excited to be part of it,” Spears told ESPN. “The Texas fans can expect a worker with a lot of energy. I will be trying to bring Texas a national championship.”
Spears is the No. 2 overall prospect in the nation, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, although ESPN has him No. 1. The 6-foot-9, 210-pound power forward averaged 20.9 points and 8.7 rebounds for Dynamic Prep on the EYBL circuit this past spring. He’s the son of former NFL defensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Marcus Spears.
Most highly recruited freshmen enter the NBA draft after one season of strong college production. But even if Spears shines for Texas this upcoming season, he’ll have to wait until 2028 to do so under the current rules. He turned 17 in April, and the league requires prospects to be 19 before entering their names into the draft.
Spears joins a Texas recruiting class of forward Coleman Elkins, guard Bo Ogden, guard Joe Sterling and McDonald’s All-American forward Michael Goosby. Texas’ class was ranked No. 16, but will assuredly leap up the ranks with Spears’ addition.