Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Caleb Bluiett (42) runs with the Texas flag after the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Texas won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The football season gets underway for Texas football on Sunday when No. 10 Notre Dame comes to Austin. In addition to the game having tremendous meaning for the 2016 season, it could have ramifications for future seasons as well. More than 20 recruits from the next three recruiting cycles will be in attendance, looking for Texas to make a statement.

While wins have been hard to come by under Charlie Strong, top recruiting classes have not. Strong has brought in back-to-back elite classes, ranking No. 10 in 2015 and No. 7 in 2016 according to 247 Sports. That influx of talent has raised expectations on the Horns this season who need to turn their recruiting success into on-field wins.

That’s what this significant group of potential recruits is going to be looking for. In all, four 5-star targets will be in attendance including three from the 2017 class. Defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, outside linebacker Baron Browning, and offensive tackle Walker Little are going to be top priorities for this Texas coaching staff on the recruiting trail and could be huge commitments to build next season’s recruiting class around.

Wilson, in particular, is going to be a star recruit on campus. At 6-foot-4, 329 pounds, Wilson is a massive presence in the middle with the ability to demolish opposing offense. The No. 3 rated prospect in the 2017 class and No. 1 defensive tackle is a highly sought-after recruit holding offers from 23 Power 5 conference schools. As of now, Texas is the favorite for the Bellaire, TX (Episcopal), star but they need a signature win to seal the deal. Why not make it the one where he’s in attendance at DKR?

In addition to the 5-star studs in attendance. Texas will welcome 16 4-star recruits and five 3-star recruits. Three 2017 verbal commitments will be in attendance with wide receiver John Tyler, cornerback Josh Thompson, and guard Xavier Newman likely acting as ambassadors for UT. Putting on a good performance against the Irish will help these already committed prospects sell Texas to some of the prospects currently on the fence.

College football requires teams to win on the field and on the recruiting trail. So far, Strong and Texas have made waves in recruiting. Now, they need to start winning on the field or they risk losing their momentum with some of the elite recruits on their radar. Particularly those with a front-row seat for this Sunday’s matchup with Notre Dame.