Marcus Spears Jr., ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class, is reclassifying to 2026 and committing to Texas, he told ESPN on Thursday. Arizona, LSU and Kentucky had also pursued the 6-foot-10 power forward.

Spears is a Texas native whose sister, Cari, plays volleyball for the Longhorns. He took an official visit to Arizona in late June and made two unofficial visits to Texas, including a trip to Austin on June 16.

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

His father, ESPN analyst and former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears, said the decision carried personal meaning.

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

Spears, who plays for Dynamic Prep in Texas, averaged 20.9 points and 8.7 rebounds this spring on the Nike EYBL circuit, ranking top 10 nationally in both categories. He also helped Team USA win gold at the 2025 FIBA U16 Men's AmeriCup, averaging a team-high 14.0 points and 6.5 rebounds.

Spears turned 17 in April and will need to spend two seasons in Austin before becoming draft eligible. Spears will play collegiately for at least the upcoming 2026-27 season and in 2027-28.

His father cited Texas coach Sean Miller's track record developing players like Deandre Ayton and Aaron Gordon as a major factor in the decision.

The reclassification process began about a month ago after Spears' mother, former WNBA player Aiysha Spears, suggested the move. Spears will enter the 2026 SC Next 100 at No. 4 and joins a Texas recruiting class now ranked No. 4 nationally, alongside five-star forward Austin Goosby and four others.

According to Cerebro, only three other players since 2022 have matched Spears' EYBL production of 20 points, 8.5 rebounds and one block across three straight sessions in Cooper Flagg, Cameron Boozer and Tyran Stokes.