Ranking the 2025 Position Rooms (Thursday AM)

[CJ Vogel]

I’m on the road this morning and for the last 30-45 miles or so have been contemplating in my head the order in which I would rank the position rooms for the 2025 Texas Football team. 

A perfect post for some offseason fodder.

Obviously there is no perfect science to this listing, but I wanted to incorporate a balance between the ultimate top-end talent with and the depth of the overall room. 

Fortunately for Texas, there isn’t a position on the roster that is void of multiple capable bodies. 

1. EDGE
2. LB
3. QB
4. DB
5. OL
6. DL
7. WR
8. TE
9. CB
10. RB

Linebacker and edge is almost synonymous to me given the expected multiplicity between guys like Anthony Hill Jr., Brad Spence, Trey Moore and even Colin Simmons. 

I would also like to do a dive on how many teams have a preseason Heisman favorite who wouldn’t be considered the ultimate team strength heading into the season. But alas, the front seven exists and I’m riding high with the edges and backers. 

The safety unit, given a full return of Derek Williams Jr., is next up in my eyes. At the worst you have a returning 2nd team All-American roaming centerfield. Thats not bad. 

[georgethepunter]

Outside of QB, what position do you think is the most important for a college football team? I think I would lean OL or DL but I'm not 100% sold. 

[CJ Vogel]

Just now, georgethepunter said:

Outside of QB, what position do you think is the most important for a college football team? I think I would lean OL or DL but I'm not 100% sold. 

Offensive line, no doubt. Michigan won games two years ago without throwing the football more than 10 times in a game — in 2023, that is ridiculous. I think they ultimately had six OL drafted off that team alone. 

[AJJ_Sports]

I think WR is the slept on position room this season. Pressley will be a great compliment to Wingo and Moore. 

[CJ Vogel]

1 minute ago, AJJ_Sports said:

I think WR is the slept on position room this season. Pressley will be a great compliment to Wingo and Moore. 

Certainly could be the case when we reflect back at the end of the season. 

I probably don’t need to say this, but a low ranking doesn’t indicate a bad room. It just means it isn’t better than other really good/deep rooms. For instance, Texas is returning a 1,000 yard rusher and I have that room as No. 10. 

[Jeff Howe]

6 minutes ago, georgethepunter said:

Outside of QB, what position do you think is the most important for a college football team? I think I would lean OL or DL but I'm not 100% sold. 

Pass rusher, followed by offensive line.

[rlluca]

If we are rating position rooms,  I would put QB lower on the list. If Arch gets hurt, then what?

[Joe Naural]

36 minutes ago, AJJ_Sports said:

I think WR is the slept on position room this season. Pressley will be a great compliment to Wingo and Moore. 

Last summer , my general feelin was our secondary was our weak point

yet they were our strength!!! ThorpeAward …2nd AlAmer Taeffe

and i m w u on the Wr…. They might be like last yrs Surprise of the Season!  Throw in the Rb s like Clark … Simeon .. Gibson.  

 

[CJ Vogel]

4 minutes ago, Joe Naural said:

Last summer , my general feelin was our secondary was our weak point

yet they were our strength!!! ThorpeAward …2nd AlAmer Taeffe

and i m w u on the Wr…. They might be like last yrs Surprise of the Season!  Throw in the Rb s like Clark … Simeon .. Gibson.  

 

I like that about the WR room being the surprise. 

[HookemChappy]

51 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

I’m on the road this morning and for the last 30-45 miles or so have been contemplating in my head the order in which I would rank the position rooms for the 2025 Texas Football team. 

A perfect post for some offseason fodder.

Obviously there is no perfect science to this listing, but I wanted to incorporate a balance between the ultimate top-end talent with and the depth of the overall room. 

Fortunately for Texas, there isn’t a position on the roster that is void of multiple capable bodies. 

1. EDGE
2. LB
3. QB
4. DB
5. OL
6. DL
7. WR
8. TE
9. CB
10. RB

Linebacker and edge is almost synonymous to me given the expected multiplicity between guys like Anthony Hill Jr., Brad Spence, Trey Moore and even Colin Simmons. 

I would also like to do a dive on how many teams have a preseason Heisman favorite who wouldn’t be considered the ultimate team strength heading into the season. But alas, the front seven exists and I’m riding high with the edges and backers. 

The safety unit, given a full return of Derek Williams Jr., is next up in my eyes. At the worst you have a returning 2nd team All-American roaming centerfield. Thats not bad. 

Given this ranking, which I would not have a strong disagreement with, defense once again is going to be the overall strength of the team. Last year, Sark leaned on the defense to get to the CFP. The offense just had to be good - not great. Will Sark try to be more aggressive with the offense this year?

 

[HookemChappy]

The RB could also surprise. Has Gibson improved? Will Baxter or Clark be available by mid/late year? Arch changes the dynamics a little on the run game. Teams have to account for his legs. If both Wisner and Gibson have improved over last year and are able to stay healthy, I would put them above our CB's and maybe even above our TE's. I think with Neal Brown and Jason Endoo, plus some bigger body TE's (shannon, Emaree) we could see some new running game concepts.

[ArizonaLonghorn]

56 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

I’m on the road this morning and for the last 30-45 miles or so have been contemplating in my head the order in which I would rank the position rooms for the 2025 Texas Football team. 

A perfect post for some offseason fodder.

Obviously there is no perfect science to this listing, but I wanted to incorporate a balance between the ultimate top-end talent with and the depth of the overall room. 

Fortunately for Texas, there isn’t a position on the roster that is void of multiple capable bodies. 

1. EDGE
2. LB
3. QB
4. DB
5. OL
6. DL
7. WR
8. TE
9. CB
10. RB

Linebacker and edge is almost synonymous to me given the expected multiplicity between guys like Anthony Hill Jr., Brad Spence, Trey Moore and even Colin Simmons. 

I would also like to do a dive on how many teams have a preseason Heisman favorite who wouldn’t be considered the ultimate team strength heading into the season. But alas, the front seven exists and I’m riding high with the edges and backers. 

The safety unit, given a full return of Derek Williams Jr., is next up in my eyes. At the worst you have a returning 2nd team All-American roaming centerfield. Thats not bad. 

Here's how PFF rates our various "units" for 2025 - best returning secondary and linebacker units in the country

# 1 Secondary

# 1 Linebacker

# 3 Running Back

# 8 Receiver (WR + TE)

# 10 DL (includes EDGE, Simmons is # 1 returning EDGE player)

Honorable Mention (# 11) Quarterback

Outside Top 10 - Offensive Line

 

[Burnt Orange Horn]

50 minutes ago, rlluca said:

If we are rating position rooms,  I would put QB lower on the list. If Arch gets hurt, then what?

Then who???  Buff up on Trey Owens.

[CJ Vogel]

20 minutes ago, ArizonaLonghorn said:

Here's how PFF rates our various "units" for 2025 - best returning secondary and linebacker units in the country

# 1 Secondary

# 1 Linebacker

# 3 Running Back

# 8 Receiver (WR + TE)

# 10 DL (includes EDGE, Simmons is # 1 returning EDGE player)

Honorable Mention (# 11) Quarterback

Outside Top 10 - Offensive Line

 

I disagree with RB. Until I truly know about Baxter’s ability and contribution level I’ll remain skeptical. 

 

[HookemChappy]

19 minutes ago, ArizonaLonghorn said:

Here's how PFF rates our various "units" for 2025 - best returning secondary and linebacker units in the country

# 1 Secondary

# 1 Linebacker

# 3 Running Back

# 8 Receiver (WR + TE)

# 10 DL (includes EDGE, Simmons is # 1 returning EDGE player)

Honorable Mention (# 11) Quarterback

Outside Top 10 - Offensive Line

 

I think there is a lack of respect for what Wisner did for us last year. PFF recognizes 1000+ yd rusher returning for their 3rd year and the potential of the other backs in the room. I think Gibson is going to show growth. Look at the history of our backs. Year two, after a mediocre first year, (Brooks, Bijan, Blue, etc) they have shown significant improvement. Gibson got some valuable snaps even though the majority of them were short yardage situations. 

[CJ Vogel]

1 minute ago, HookemChappy said:

I think there is a lack of respect for what Wisner did for us last year. PFF recognizes 1000+ yd rusher returning for their 3rd year and the potential of the other backs in the room. I think Gibson is going to show growth. Look at the history of our backs. Year two, after a mediocre first year, (Brooks, Bijan, Blue, etc) they have shown significant improvement. Gibson got some valuable snaps even though the majority of them were short yardage situations. 

Wisner is a really good college back. He will be RB1 this fall when Texas kicks off against Ohio State. 

Gibson, in theory, should be better. Ball security and trust was a clear issue a year ago. 

RB is the only position on the roster for 2025, that did not have a 5-star or All-Conference player on the field in 2024.

[Oscar Wittenbraker]

RB at last is wild. We have the best RB duo besides Ohio State. Yea we didnt have a 5 star running back on the field last year because Baxter (#1 rb in his class) was out for the season. Wisner also dropped 1,064 yards without getting above 10 carries until game 4. If you gave that man 18 carries against Colorado state and UTSA he would wave been at 1300 minimum. and he only got four touches against florida. We are going to have an elite backfield, i dont know what you mean ranking it as our last position groups.

[GDI]

1 hour ago, HookemChappy said:

Arch changes the dynamics a little on the run game. Teams have to account for his legs.

I think Arch changes the dynamics of the run game a lot for the exact reason you stated.

They will have to respect the fact that he can and will hurt them. 

Edited 2 hours ago by GDI

[CJ Vogel]

12 minutes ago, Oscar Wittenbraker said:

RB at last is wild. We have the best RB duo besides Ohio State. Yea we didnt have a 5 star running back on the field last year because Baxter (#1 rb in his class) was out for the season. Wisner also dropped 1,064 yards without getting above 10 carries until game 4. If you gave that man 18 carries against Colorado state and UTSA he would wave been at 1300 minimum. and he only got four touches against florida. We are going to have an elite backfield, i dont know what you mean ranking it as our last position groups.

Who else would be last? 

Again, I don’t believe the room is bad. I just don’t have an argument for it over any other room on the roster currently. 

[HornsRUs]

20 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

Who else would be last? 

Again, I don’t believe the room is bad. I just don’t have an argument for it over any other room on the roster currently. 

Playing devil’s advocate, I would argue TE is the weakest. Something has to be said about not a single player in the room having a catch here at Texas

[Thisrowyellssorry]

Also in a tough spot with RB because two of the potential “pleasant surprises” to buoy our returns are too speculative to factor now. What if we get surprising seasons, say 500 yards plus, from guys like Christian Clark or James Simon? Y’all have been outspoken on the positive Simon chatter, but who ranks that unit highly based on an unproven 18 year old?

[ArizonaLonghorn]

2 hours ago, CJ Vogel said:

I disagree with RB. Until I truly know about Baxter’s ability and contribution level I’ll remain skeptical. 

Hey I just posted the info from PFF, I don't have a doggie in the fight.

Looking at the QB position it seems to me PFF puts a lot of emphasis on depth and recruiting ranking.  Bama, OSU and us all are similar at QB in that we all have 5* newbies we have high hopes for, so why are Bama and OSU ranked slightly ahead of us?  In their write up of QB units PFF mentions Bama has TWO 5* guys (even though Russell is a frosh and Simpson hasn't shown much) plus a 4*, and OSU also has two 5's and a 4.  Texas?  Just one 5* (even though he has played a lot more snaps than the other returning guys and has a higher PFF rating) and two 4's. So I'm interpreting it like PFF puts emphasis on depth (even if unproven), and perhaps too much emphasis on recruiting ranks.  For sure I'd rather have Arch over Sayin and Simpson.

At RB what PFF sees is a returning thousand yard rusher, a former 5* # 1 RB, two top 10 four stars (Simon and Gibson) and another 4*.  Pretty impressive group on paper.

What you (and most Texas fans probably) see is Wisner, then a former 5* with a serious injury who may not contribute for months, a 4* (Clark) who is also coming off a serious injury, Gibson who had fumbling issues last year plus two freshmen.   You see it as the worst unit on the team; PFF sees it as the third best on the team and the nation ... we'll see.

Personally I think our OL has the most unknowns, and I understand why it's PFF's lowest rated unit, after losing four starters. 

[CJ Vogel]

1 hour ago, HornsRUs said:

Playing devil’s advocate, I would argue TE is the weakest. Something has to be said about not a single player in the room having a catch here at Texas

Fair point. But there is an all-conference-level player in the room at the very least. 

[HookemChappy]

16 minutes ago, ArizonaLonghorn said:

Hey I just posted the info from PFF, I don't have a doggie in the fight.

Looking at the QB position it seems to me PFF puts a lot of emphasis on depth and recruiting ranking.  Bama, OSU and us all are similar at QB in that we all have 5* newbies we have high hopes for, so why are Bama and OSU ranked slightly ahead of us?  In their write up of QB units PFF mentions Bama has TWO 5* guys (even though Russell is a frosh and Simpson hasn't shown much) plus a 4*, and OSU also has two 5's and a 4.  Texas?  Just one 5* (even though he has played a lot more snaps than the other returning guys and has a higher PFF rating) and two 4's. So I'm interpreting it like PFF puts emphasis on depth (even if unproven), and perhaps too much emphasis on recruiting ranks.  For sure I'd rather have Arch over Sayin and Simpson.

At RB what PFF sees is a returning thousand yard rusher, a former 5* # 1 RB, two top 10 four stars (Simon and Gibson) and another 4*.  Pretty impressive group on paper.

What you (and most Texas fans probably) see is Wisner, then a former 5* with a serious injury who may not contribute for months, a 4* (Clark) who is also coming off a serious injury, Gibson who had fumbling issues last year plus two freshmen.   You see it as the worst unit on the team; PFF sees it as the third best on the team and the nation ... we'll see.

Personally I think our OL has the most unknowns, and I understand why it's PFF's lowest rated unit, after losing four starters. 

I think the OL is what is going to make or break us on offense. If Arch has no time to get to the deep ball because of protection means we will likely have to run more 12 personnel which would likely keep both TE's in for blocking. If they OL can help the run game then we are putting a lot on Arch's shoulder and some less experienced WR's to carry the load. We go as the OL goes.