4-star OLB Jonathan Cunningham pledges commitment to Steve Sarkisian's Texas 

By Maliha

Modified Jul 13, 2024 05:34 GMT

Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley linebacker Jonathan Cunningham committed to the Texas Longhorns' 2025 class. The four-star prospect announced his decision on Friday, choosing head coach Steve Sarkisian's program over TCU and Utah.

Cunningham had 19 offers, but ultimately decided on Texas, which entered his recruitment relatively late with an offer on Feb. 1. The decision came after his official visit to Austin on June 14, which followed earlier visits to Kansas, Utah and TCU.

“I chose Texas because I feel like my work ethic and their work ethic match,” Cunningham told Rivals. “I feel like I need to surround myself by the people that are going to push me past my limits to get better and Texas does that.”

"They’re hard on you, make sure you’re going to do what you need to do. It’s none of that sweet stuff. I don’t need any babying,” Cunningham added.

The Longhorns' linebackers coach, Johnny Nansen, led his recruitment process.

"The way Coach Nansen and Coach Sarkisian show me how much I can be developed there, it's close to home too," Cunningham said [via Hook'em Headlines]. "And the atmosphere and the culture. It's a lot of love and it's like one big whole family."

On3 lists him as the No. 51 linebacker and the No. 106 overall prospect in Texas. Rivals.com ranks him as the No. 56 player in the state and No. 24 linebacker in the 2025 class, while 247 Sports places him as the No. 50 player in Texas and No. 34 linebacker in his class.

What does Jonathan Cunningham bring to Texas?

Jonathan Cunningham’s commitment to Texas marks the 14th addition to the Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class and their third commitment this month, following four-star edge rusher Smith Orogbo and four-star cornerback Kade Phillips.

Cunningham's skill set allows him to effectively cover tight ends and slot receivers. His versatility in playing in space and handling multiple roles will likely see him used in a hybrid capacity, bridging the gap between the linebacker and safety positions.

Cunningham helped lead the Panthers to the Class 6A Regional Finals, earning him a unanimous District 3-6A First Team selection. He recorded 38 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries and one sack that season.

The addition of Cunningham has had a quick impact on Texas's recruiting standing, as it has ascended from No. 33 to No. 26 in the Rivals 2025 Recruiting Team Rankings. The program is also eyeing prospects like Madden Faraimo to boost its ranks.