Arizona picked up its first commitment for 2027 on Wednesday, and it's from a state the Wildcats have prioritized since transitioning to the Big 12.Â
Three-star Austin-area defensive back Jalani Culpepper committed to the Wildcats. The 5-9, 170-pound Culpepper selected ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV over USF, SMU and Houston. Culpepper also held offers from Florida State, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan State and Texas Tech, among others. Â
A standout at East View High School in Georgetown, Texas, Culpepper has 62 tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections since the start of last season.
Culpepper becomes the latest Texan to either commit or sign to Arizona. Arizona's 2025 recruiting class had nine players from Texas, the most since 2005. The Wildcats currently have five players from Texas committed for 2026. Â
Arizona's 20-player recruiting class for 2026 is rated No. 41 nationally, according to .
Contact Justin Spears, the Star's Arizona football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
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