What happened: ESPN examined the same Marcus Spears Jr. who reclassified to the 2026 class and committed to Texas. Spears, still 17, told ESPN his plans include at least two years in Austin before turning pro.

Why it matters: Jumping a class year moves up Spears' path to draft eligibility, with the switch already drawing NBA Draft ramifications tied to the 2027 class. The commitment also locks in a name for Texas' incoming recruiting class a year earlier than his original timeline.

What to watch: Spears is expected to enroll at Texas as a member of the 2026 class, with scouts tracking his development through at least two seasons in Austin before any draft decision.