Five-star PF Marcus Spears Jr., son of former NFL DE, set to play for Texas next season after reclassifying
Five-star power forward Marcus Spears Jr., the son of former NFL defensive end and current ESPN analyst Marcus Spears, has committed to Texas men’s basketball, the 17-year-old confirmed on Instagram Thursday.
Spears, a highly touted prospect previously in the 2027 class, will take his talents to the collegiate ranks a year early. Due to his April birthday, he’s two years away from being eligible for the NBA Draft, meaning that he can’t be a one-and-done college player.
The 6-foot-9 Spears is now regarded as the No. 19 overall prospect and No. 3 power forward in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals industry ranking. He currently stars for Dynamic Prep in Texas. He pledged to the Longhorns after considering offers from a host of others schools, including Arizona, Kentucky, LSU and North Carolina, per Rivals.
NEWS: 5⭐️ Marcus Spears Jr. has committed to Texas and is reclassifying to the 2026 class to play for the Longhorns this upcoming season, per his Instagram page.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) July 9, 2026
The 6-9 power forward chose Texas over offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, LSU, and others.… pic.twitter.com/0IOJu7kFmN
Spears’ older sister, Cari, plays volleyball for Texas. She took to IG to post a story following Marcus Jr.’s commitment news that featured the caption, “family ties.”
Their mother, Aiysha, played basketball at LSU, where, their father, Marcus Sr., played football before launching his nine-season NFL career, most of which he spent with the Dallas Cowboys.
"Marcus Jr. grew up in Texas, and there's nothing like playing for your home school and winning," Spears Sr. said, per ESPN. "I experienced that growing up in Louisiana at LSU. This is his decision and his future."
This story is being updated.
