Top-ranked DT Ishmael Sopsher includes Texas in top 7

Only seven schools remain in the mix with top-ranked defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher.

On Monday, the elite Amrite (La.) product announced his top seven schools and the Texas Longhorns are still standing. Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Texas A&M round of Sopsher’s top group.

As noted in his announcement, Sopsher will utilize his five official visits during the season. If Texas earns one of those trips, it would mark his first to the Forty Acres, which speaks of Oscar Giles’ recruiting efforts here with the Longhorns being a top school despite the fact that Sopsher is yet to visit.

Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, and Texas A&M have each welcomed Sopsher for unofficial visits.

Unsurprisingly, the entire bunch appears to be jostling for second behind LSU. Per usual with an elite Louisiana prospect, the Tigers are considered the overwhelming favorite for the five-star defensive tackle, as 94 percent of his Crystal Ball favors the LSU. If Texas can get Sopsher on campus during the season, the ‘Horns can pitch immediate playing time and the recent success of reigning Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Poona Ford, but prying Sopsher away from The Boot will be nothing short of a tall task.

As it stands, Texas has a pair of defensive line pledges in the form of three-star Richmond George Ranch weak-side defensive end Peter Mpagi and three-star Huntsville strong-side defensive end T’Vondre Sweat, but the Longhorns are still looking for their first addition at defensive tackle.

Sopsher is scheduled to make his decision on National Signing Day next February.

At 6’3.5, 324 pounds, Sopsher is ranked as the nation’s No. 6 overall player and as the No. 2 player in Louisiana, per the 247Sports Composite.