Texas put an offer on the table for Kingwood linebacker Cade Haug last week. Haug wasted little time in committing, announcing moments ago that he has given the Longhorns a verbal pledge.
The 6-2, 220-pound standout announced his decision on social media, choosing Texas over recent offers from programs like Arkansas, SMU, Oklahoma State, Kentucky, North Carolina and Oregon State, among others.
Haug picked up the offer from Texas on Wednesday, and said that moment was huge for him.
“Early that week I had Sark and coach (Mark Orphey) come in. Me and Kennedy Brown both met with them, had a great conversation. Later I went to my track meet on Wednesday, did a practice meet. On the drive home, coach O called me and said that this was going to happen, I just had to wait on a call from coach (Johnny) Nansen,” Haug said. “Around 8, I got the call and it was official. That was one of the greatest moments of my life. What Texas kid doesn’t want to get a scholarship offer from Texas?”
With so many offers coming in this spring, Haug said the invitation from Texas had a different feel.
“That one hit different,” Haug said.
Haug, rated as a high three-star prospect by both 247 and On3, has drawn attention with his production and athleticism. At Kingwood, he has already etched his name in the record books, setting the school record with 330 career tackles entering his senior year. As a sophomore in 2024, Haug totaled 153 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, an interception, a forced fumble, fumble recovery. Last year, as a junior, he notched 108 tackles and 19 tackles for loss in just nine games.
Haug took an under-the-radar visit to Texas on Saturday and that’s when it really hit him that Texas was the move. The talks with Nansen and Will Muschamp moved the needle, and Haug said he’s ready to play for the highly-respected Texas assistants.
“There’s a lot (that led him to pick Texas). I would have to say that the competition at Texas is unmatched. I get to go in and just compete at the highest level of football there is in Texas. There’s no other competition like it,” Haug said. “You walk into the SEC as a freshman, and obviously the goal is to be freshman all-American. The goal is always to be the best of the best. Then, you can’t not recognize the amazing staff they have there. Coach Nansen, coach Muschamp, they’re very successful at what they do. You can’t turn that opportunity down.”
A player who has filled up the stat sheet going back to his freshman season, Haug said his productivity is mostly based on preparation before he ever takes the field.
“I believe one of my biggest strengths is my instincts, being able to diagnose plays solely off instincts. And just energy. That’s one of my favorite things to do on the football field, just have energy,” Haug said. “Being able to have the entire team in it, get excited, I feel that’s something I bring to the table. I feel like I bring that no matter what. And I might spend more time in the film room than most places in my life. It’s almost like you’re putting pieces to a puzzle. I love that part.
With his commitment now behind him, Haug can turn his attention towards what will almost certainly be another strong season in 2026. He’s locked in with Texas and doesn’t have any plans of looking back.
“I’m not going anywhere. Once I’m there, I’m there. I don’t plan on transferring. I’m very true to my word. I feel like this is going to be the best fit for me, and my four years of college,” Haug said.
Haug becomes the Longhorns’ fifth commitment in the 2027 recruiting class and he is the first linebacker pledge. He joins previous commitments from wide receiver Easton Royal, defensive lineman Cameron Hall, tight end JT Geraci and defensive back Karnell James.
