In The Pipeline | WR & TE

Today in part two of the In The Pipeline series, we will cover the pass catchers on the Texas roster in 2024 and beyond. Of course, a lot has happened in these two position rooms since the end of the season and by all means, I am expecting the wide receivers to remain a strength of the Texas program.

A quick look at the current state of each room for 2024 and beyond:

Wide Receiver

On Roster: Silas Bond, Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, Johntay Cook, DeAndre Moore, Ryan Niblett, Freddie Dubose, Ryan Wingo, Parker Livingstone, Aaron Butler

Coming Soon: We will see.

For 2024: In a room that was expected to be a huge question mark just over 45 days ago, the work done by the Texas staff has completely revamped the group of weapons for Quinn Ewers. Through the portal, Texas added Alabama's leading wide receiver, Oregon State's leading receiver and a 1,000 yard career receiver with 13 touchdowns. It is very likely this unit is a strength of the Texas roster in 2024 when you combine sophomore Johntay Cook and DeAndre Moore, as well as former five-star freshman WR Ryan Wingo. The options are bountiful right now in this room. No need to dive back into the idea of a positionless offense, but the speed in this room is going to be at a level Texas hasn't seen in years, maybe even a decade-plus. Really exciting for Texas in year one of the SEC.

Beyond: You can chalk up Silas Bolden (grad transfer) and Isaiah Bond to being one-year rentals for the Longhorns this season. Yet, the 2025 outlook remains incredibly encouraging. Johntay Cook will be entering year three and Matthew Golden will most likely be back to bring you a very solid 1–2 look on the outside. Of course, Ryan Wingo will have at least two more years after the 2024 season before being eligible for the NFL Draft. How can Parker Livingstone and Freddie Dubose crack the lineup? Aaron Butler is a popular choice for most underrated prospect from the last class as well. Oh, and I have yet to even talk about the potential of a third year DeAndre Moore and Ryan Niblett. Plenty of options here, and it will be up to Chris Jackson to get those guys ready behind the scenes to catch passes from Arch Manning.

Tight End:

On Roster: Gunnar Helm, Armari Niblack, Juan Davis, Malik Agbo, Spencer Shannon, Will Randle, Jordan Washington

Coming Soon: 2025 Emaree Winston

For 2024: Texas fans were given very little time to weep following the departure of Ja'Tavion Sanders to the NFL. Sarkisian and Jeff Banks took a turn towards the portal almost immediately and jumped right on in for Amari Niblack following the retirement of Mr. Nick Saban. As a result, Texas will continue to be able to deploy a two tight end set with strengths both in the trenches and down the field vertically. We have mentioned Malik Agbo's use as a hybrid tight end and offensive lineman. Plus Juan Davis has game experience, albeit limited, but regardless an option that has been around a good bit.

Beyond: A bit of a question mark for 2025 and beyond. Who takes that next leap? Will Texas have the luxury of one of Helm or Niblack returning? Perhaps, but no guarantee. Big question remains in regards to Spencer Shannon and his development. He could be an immediate replacement for Helm as the in-line tight end in the Sarkisian offense as Texas continues to develop Jordan Washington behind the scenes. What kind of contribution from Will Randle will be seen. I am a big fan of Washington's, though a two tight end class is very likely for the 2025 class.