Braden Smith's recruiting stock continues to soar.
Another big-time program entered the race to land the 6-foot-6, 265-pound offensive lineman, as The University of Texas made a verbal offer to Smith on Wednesday, according to Smith's father.
A relative unknown to begin the offseason, Smith has emerged as one of the country's most sought-after juniors.
The Longhorns add to a growing list of schools that include Missouri, South Carolina, Ohio State, Notre Dame and others.
Smith will play both ways for South (Olathe, Kan.), which opened the season as the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps Kansas Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard.
According to Smith's father, Smith has shutdown his recruitment for the season to focus on Olathe South's quest to repeat as Class 6A state champion.
