5-star recruit Marcus Spears Jr. reclassifies to 2026, picks Texas

Field Level Media|published: Thu 9th July, 18:18 2026

Jan 2, 2026; Mesa, AZ, USA; Dynamic Prep (TX) forward Marcus Spears Jr. (24) against Dream City (AZ) during the HoopHall West Tournament at Skyline High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Five-star basketball recruit Marcus Spears Jr. will reclassify and has committed to Texas for the 2026-27 college season, he informed ESPN on Thursday.

The 17-year-old Spears, a native of Plano, Texas, is regarded as the nation's No. 1 prospect. He elected to play for Texas and coach Sean Miller over Arizona, LSU and Kentucky.

Spears is the son of former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears (Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens) and Aiysha (Smith) Spears, who played for two seasons (Washington Mystics) in the WNBA. Both of his parents attended LSU and Spears' sister Cari plays for Texas' volleyball team.

The 6-foot-9 power forward averaged 15.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game as a junior at Dynamic Prep in Irving, Texas, in 2025-26. He earned a gold medal as a member of Team USA at the 2025 FIBA U16 Men's AmeriCup. Spears led the team, averaging 14.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

"Texas basketball is becoming a big thing again, and I am excited to be part of it," Spears told ESPN. "The Texas fans can expect a worker with a lot of energy. I will be trying to bring Texas a national championship."

Due to his age, Spears will not be eligible for the NBA draft until 2028.

"Marcus Jr. grew up in Texas, and there's nothing like playing for your home school and winning," added the senior Spears. "I experienced that growing up in Louisiana at LSU. This is his decision and his future."

--Field Level Media