The recent DWI arrest of Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Nick Brooks, a highly touted early enrollee from the 2025 recruiting class, has raised serious concerns within the Texas football program. According to an affidavit from the Austin Police Department, Brooks was stopped shortly after 2 a.m. on West 6th Street for driving 47 mph in a 30 mph zone. Although he passed a breathalyzer test at the scene, officers determined he was intoxicated due to cannabis or central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
Brooks, a consensus four-star recruit out of Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, had earned a national ranking of No. 238 and was considered the No. 25 offensive tackle in the country according to the 247Sports Composite. He chose Texas over several elite programs, including Georgia and USC, both of which hosted him for official visits.
The situation escalated after the initial traffic stop. Officers reported observing signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, including visible body tremors when Brooks attempted to perform the one-leg stand. In addition to failing those tests, Brooks admitted to officers that he had recently smoked a blunt and was carrying a marijuana vape pen in his pocket. These admissions played a significant role in the officers’ conclusion that he was under the influence of cannabis or CNS depressants, leading to his arrest.
Perhaps more damaging were Brooks’ remarks to the arresting officers. According to the affidavit, Brooks stated that the club he had just left “makes exceptions for UT football players,” implying preferential treatment. He also admitted that he had been taking recruits on unofficial visits to a strip club, a revelation that could raise compliance questions for Texas and draw the attention of the NCAA.
The incident is troubling for multiple reasons. As an early enrollee, Brooks had only recently joined the Texas program, and his arrest now puts a spotlight on the team’s disciplinary policies and its support structure for young athletes transitioning to college life. Additionally, Brooks’ decision to drive after consuming marijuana raises both legal and safety concerns, especially given the ongoing national conversation around substance use and athlete accountability.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns’ athletic department have not released an official statement on the matter. However, disciplinary action is expected, and it remains to be seen whether Brooks will face suspension, mandatory counseling, or dismissal from the team.
This incident not only tarnishes the early stages of Brooks’ collegiate career but could also impact his long-term development as a player. It serves as a stark reminder of the pressures and pitfalls young athletes face and underscores the importance of guidance, responsibility, and adherence to both legal and programmatic standards. For Texas, it’s a sobering moment that calls for a reassessment of how best to support and monitor student-athletes, especially those new to the program.
