OTF Premium Stepping Up for Departed Longhorns | Wednesday 1:20 p.m.

[CJ Vogel]

Who is Stepping Up for the Texas Portal Departures / NFL Draft Declarations

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Going position x position.

Quarterback 
Departures: Trey Owens

No change in the pecking order.

 

Running Back
Departures: CJ Baxter, Jerrick Gibson, Rickey Stewart

Tre Wisner continues to take the most first team snaps in practice, no surprise there. The name I have heard the most about in the running back room is freshman Michael Terry III. Two sources have referenced a play from MT3 in practice where he juked a veteran Longhorn defensive back and drew the praise of the staff immediately after. Christian Clark has been the 2nd back up, followed by James Simon.

 

Wide Receiver
Departures: Aaron Butler, DeAndre Moore (NFL)

Daylan McCutcheon is getting the reps in place of DeAndre Moore, and is doing well. I have yet to hear much about the other two freshmen, this month. Most people I have talked to around the program have voiced excitement for the 2026 season with the continuity of Mosley, Wingo, Livingstone and others with the Texas QB.

 

Tight End
Departures: None

Nick Townsend and Emaree Winston have both been mentioned as freshmen taking advantage of the extra practices. We will see what movement comes in the next couple of days or weeks but overall, this room continues to development. Jordan Washington deserves mention as well.

 

Offensive Line
Departures: Connor Stroh

These practices are huge for a Nate Kibble, Daniel Cruz and the freshmen. With the full offensive line still practicing, the first team reps have been few and far between for a number of second stringers. However, it would not come as a surprise should you see a Kibble or Cruz in for a series or two against Michigan. Brooks is priming to be OT3 for next season.

 

Defensive Line
Departures: Melvin Hills

The two I have wanted to hear the most are Josiah Sharma and Myron Charles. I have not heard much about the defensive line in the month of December, but I have been told the 2026 season is setting up for Justus Terry to see a significant increase in snaps and impact.

 

EDGE
Departures: Ethan Burke (NFL)

Lance Jackson is seeing action with the first team defense alongside Zina Umeozulu. The question becomes what is the future of Colton Vasek with Texas, especially with Richard Wesley arriving at the semester.

 

Linebacker
Departures: Liona Lefau, Trey Moore (NFL), Anthony Hill Jr. (NFL)

It is Bo Barnes season! Perhaps no bigger benefactor than Barnes when it comes to departures and opt outs this December. TyAnthony Smith will be the voice of the defense come the Citrus Bowl with the green dot on his helmet, but it is Barnes who is seeing the largest increase in his role for the game.

 

Cornerback
Departures: Santana Wilson

Still awaiting an NFL announcement from Malik Muhammad, but practice has been very beneficial for guys like Kobe Black and Warren Roberson. I've heard Wardell Mack remains practicing with the team after a portal report, could he still enter? Yes, but for now he is set on playing through the bowl game. 

 

Safety
Departures: Derek Williams Jr., Michael Taaffe (NFL) 

This should be incredibly valuable snap opportunities for Jonah Williams. Williams was slightly dinged last week, but should be fine for the game at the end of the month. Xavier Filsaime continues to takes steps in the right direction as well. The athletic safety is learning more and more which should pay off in the long run. Zelus Hicks is one I am eagerly hoping to hear more about, just haven't had much passed along to me.

 

Specialists

For what it's worth, I am expecting Ryan Niblett to return in 2026.

[Alex Butler]

We want more Niblett!! Would love to see his role increase next season. Really hoping to hear more glowing reviews from Lockett and Ffrench. Excited to see MT3 and how the DNs are growing up. Kade Phillips report? Williams injured again is not a positive sign at all. What do we think about JJR getting run at safety along with Hicks? 

[Itsamystery]

Was I the only person who read the post title and thought there was a GoFundMe started for a recently passed Longhorn?