UTEP's first 22 commits in the 2025 class came from the state of Texas.

But as the cycle wound to a close, the Miners began to diversify their search for talent, and chose to make a foray into the Sooner State for three-star Tuttle (Okla.) wide receiver CJ Simon.

Formerly committed to Nebraska, Simon had backed off his pledge to the Huskers earlier this year and had remained on the open market for several months. UTEP offered him in mid-November, moved quick to schedule him for a Nov. 30 official visit and has now picked up his commitment. Checking in with a 5.6 rating on Rivals, Simon becomes the highest-ranked verbal of the 2025 cycle for Scotty Walden and his staff.

"What sold me at the beginning was how the coaches all have high energy and a positive attitude," Simon told MinerInsider.com shortly after announcing his pledge.

This story is developing and will be updated.