This Texas Longhorns Freshman Has Already Made Drastic Changes to His Body

Austin—While five-star quarterback Dia Bell and blue-chip wideout Jermaine Bishop have dominated the headlines of Texas’ 2026 recruiting cycle, another early enrollee is quietly turning heads inside the Longhorns football complex. Four-star offensive tackle John Turntine III arrived on campus in January weighing 270 pounds; six weeks later the North Crowley product is tipping the scales at 284, according to updated roster data released by the program.

The 14-pound jump was first spotlighted by Turntine’s father on social media last month. “My son @TurntineJohn been at UT for a month and two weeks,” the elder Turntine posted on X. “He is stacking days and learning the college system on and off the field. I’m so proud of him. Keep stacking days and believing in yourself.”

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff prioritized rebuilding the offensive line after surrendering 23 sacks of quarterback Arch Manning last season. The Longhorns signed four transfer linemen, headlined by Wake Forest’s Melvin Siani, and added three freshmen, with Turntine—the No. 4 tackle and No. 11 overall prospect in Texas per Rivals—drawing immediate notice for his physical transformation.

Siani, who projects as the starting right tackle, and returning standout Trevor Goosby could limit Turntine’s 2026 game reps, but the freshman’s rapid weight gain and early immersion in the program have staffers optimistic about his trajectory. Listed as the No. 90 player nationally in the 2026 class, Turntine will spend the season refining technique and continuing to add mass before competing for a starting role in 2027.

Texas finished No. 1 in Rivals’ 2025 team rankings and currently holds the No. 10 spot for 2026, with Turntine’s development offering another glimpse of the program’s long-term blueprint along the offensive front.