JUST IN:Elite Recruit Harvey Dyson Commits to Kansas, Snubs Texas due to…
Harvey Dyson Commits to Kansas Over Texas in Stunning Decision
This move is being described as not only a win for Kansas, but also a statement that Leipold’s staff is willing and capable of going head-to-head with college football giants—and winning.
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From Texas Favorite to Jayhawk Pledge
Harvey Dyson’s name has been at the top of many recruiting boards since his junior season, when he posted 92 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range and elite anticipation, Dyson quickly rose into the national spotlight. His recruitment heated up with offers from Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Florida State, and of course, Texas.
For months, Texas was the perceived favorite. Dyson took multiple unofficial visits to Austin, connected well with the defensive coaching staff, and had even been spotted wearing Longhorns gear during the offseason. Few thought Kansas stood a chance.
But recruiting is rarely predictable.
Dyson’s official visit to Kansas in early July reportedly blew him away. Multiple sources say Leipold’s presentation focused on more than just football—it included player development, academic fit, and a roadmap to early playing time in a rising Big 12 defense. Dyson, impressed by the clarity of Kansas’ pitch, returned home with a new outlook.
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Leipold’s Defensive Vision Wins the Day
Kansas has been quietly building one of the most athletic and aggressive defensive units in the Big 12, and Dyson’s commitment could be the centerpiece of that long-term vision. Leipold and defensive coordinator Brian Borland have emphasized speed, versatility, and football IQ—qualities that align perfectly with Dyson’s playing style.
“Harvey is a game-changer. He’s exactly the kind of player we want leading our defense,” said Borland in a statement following the commitment. “He brings physicality, leadership, and football instincts you can’t coach. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Lawrence.”
Dyson is expected to slot in as an outside linebacker who can also rush the passer in third-down situations. His ability to cover in space, combined with his nose for the ball, makes him a modern hybrid linebacker—one capable of handling a spread-heavy conference like the Big 12.
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A Blow to Texas’ In-State Recruiting
While Kansas celebrates, this commitment stings for the Longhorns. Texas had made Dyson a priority early in the cycle and believed they had built a strong enough relationship to lock down the Houston native. Losing Dyson to a conference rival, especially one not traditionally considered a recruiting powerhouse, raises questions about Texas’ defensive recruiting strategy in the 2025 class.
Insiders say Texas believed they were still in the lead as recently as last week, which makes Dyson’s sudden flip all the more painful. The Longhorns will likely look to pivot to other linebacker targets, but the loss of Dyson leaves a noticeable hole.
“Texas isn’t used to losing battles like this to Kansas,” said a regional recruiting analyst. “It shows how much things have changed under Leipold.”
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The Momentum in Lawrence Is Real
This is not an isolated win for Kansas. Dyson becomes the seventh four-star commitment in the Jayhawks’ 2025 class and joins a rapidly improving roster. In the past three cycles, Leipold has steadily raised the program’s recruiting profile. Kansas, once considered an afterthought in Big 12 recruiting battles, is now making headlines for pulling blue-chip talent.
Just last month, Kansas secured commitments from wide receiver Kai Rapolla and defensive end Mason Tillman—both nationally ranked. With Dyson in the fold, the Jayhawks’ 2025 class now ranks in the Top 20 nationally according to several recruiting services.
Leipold’s work is being noticed not only by recruits, but also by national media and opposing coaches.
“They’re building something serious at Kansas,” said one Big 12 assistant who requested anonymity. “Players are starting to believe in the vision. And when you start landing guys like Dyson, that’s when things really change.”
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Dyson’s Commitment: What It Means for the Field
While many commitments are celebrated as future potential, Dyson’s may have immediate implications for Kansas’ defense. Sources say he’ll be enrolled early and could push for a starting job as a freshman, given Kansas’ relatively young linebacker corps. His football IQ and work ethic are well documented, and his leadership qualities have drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike.
In an interview following his commitment, Dyson made it clear that his decision was about more than prestige.
“Everyone expected me to go to Texas. But at Kansas, I felt like a priority, not just a number. Coach Leipold laid out a real plan for me—on and off the field. It felt like home,” Dyson said.
That kind of mindset is exactly what Kansas needs from its top recruits. It shows a shift in culture—a move toward a program that not only recruits talented players but also keeps them focused and motivated.
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What’s Next for Kansas and Dyson
With the commitment behind him, Dyson plans to shut down his recruitment completely. He will not take any additional visits and says he’s “100% locked in” with Kansas. His focus now turns to his senior season of high school football, where he hopes to cap off his prep career with a deep playoff run and a state championship.
Meanwhile, Kansas continues to build. The Dyson news is expected to have a ripple effect in recruiting circles, particularly among other Texas prospects. There’s already speculation that his commitment could help Kansas land fellow Houston-area safety Elias Crayton, a high three-star prospect with offers from Baylor, Texas Tech, and Ole Miss.
The Jayhawks are also in the hunt for several other top defenders in the 2025 class, and Dyson’s decision could prove to be the domino that sparks another surge in commitments.
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Final Thoughts: A Symbol of Changing Times
Harvey Dyson’s commitment to Kansas over Texas is more than just a recruiting headline—it’s a symbol. A symbol that the Jayhawks are no longer the underdog. A sign that Lance Leipold’s vision is taking root. A message to every elite prospect that Kansas is a legitimate option, not just a fallback.
For decades, the Jayhawks were seen as a basketball school with a football team. Today, they’re proving they can build something real on the gridiron too.
And with players like Harvey Dyson leading the charge, the rest of the Big 12 should take notice.
