CJ Vogel

Two straight weeks where Michael Taaffe is probably the next guy up. Taaffe has led Texas in tackles each week of the season so far, yet still waiting for that splashy big time play that creates a turnover or negative play.

Regardless, a strong start to the season for the veteran safety.

Please feel free to add your picks for players with big performances.

***

3 Stars of the Game vs. San Jose State

Star #1: WR Parker Livingstone

Four receptions, 128 yards, two touchdowns. Statistically, the box score looks great for Parker Livingstone, and what is funny is his most impressive reception of the day was called back due to penalty. What was most encouraging was the trust in the red zone to go directly to Livingstone on the slant. Really impressive day for Livingstone.

Star #2: LB Anthony Hill Jr. 

Creating two turnovers in a single game is definitely worth a spot on the three stars of the game list. But even beyond that, I thought Hill was disruptive up front – three pressures accredited and a couple of run stops to his name. This is the Hill Texas fans expect to see from sideline to sideline on the field. 

Star #3: TE Jack Endries

Only two receptions for Endries, but both go for touchdowns and a combined 52 yards. It was great to see the designed plays for Endries, in fact I want to see more and more and more as the season continues, but right now, there are positives in regards to his growing rapport with Arch Manning. On top of the pass game, Endries was a plus in the run game as well.

HM1: Maraad Watson – Unbelievable pass rush up the middle from Maraad Watson on Saturday. Was credited with 1.5 sacks on Saturday.

HM2: TyAnthony Smith – A forced fumble and an additional tackle for loss with six tackles added to the tally. Strong showing for the young LB.

I tip my cap,  @Dread-headed Texan

Jordan Whittington has had two plays go for about 75 yards combined and they've both been called back for holding.

https://youtu.be/yrQbTkqi1u4?si=dreLOZEowp7qcTsX

20 PTS, 20 REB game for Croatia in the U17 World Cup.

Vic Schaefer and the WBB program hosted a major 2026 target on Saturday for the San Jose State game.

2026 Christ The King C (N.Y.) Olivia Vukosa was in Austin to check in with the Longhorns. The 6-foot-4-inch center is ranked as the No. 4 overall player in the class of 2026 and the No. 1 center in the country.

Vukosa was joined by her mother and three sisters on the 40 Acres.

The five-star dropped a final five on Friday, ahead of her trip to Austin. Those five included UConn, South Carolina, Texas, LSU and Ohio State.

15 hours ago, Paul L said:

Is there anything about this game that concerns you?

Nope.

That will do for today! Hopefully we can make this a mainstay on Fridays during home games. 

Looking forward to a bounce back from the Horns and Arch tomorrow. Yall enjoy your Friday nights!

1 minute ago, Alex Butler said:

Where are Wilson and JJR in the secondary rotation the next few weeks? Are there any receivers that aren’t the freshman class or the usual suspects that we might be on the lookout for too?

I hope to see some Santana Wilson. He had a nice spring, but with Kade Phillips lurking, it is imperative he makes the most of his snaps.

For JJR, it was telling in the fall when Sarkisian mentioned Filsaime significantly more often. Like Phillips, Jonah Williams is also lurking and should he see the field, I have a hard time believing he won't be a mainstay in the rotation.

1 minute ago, Deej said:

Have you heard anything about James Johnson getting back on campus this weekend?

For this weekend, no, but Texas is planning to host a majority of the 26 class on Sept. 20

Just now, Bunk Moreland said:

Daddy Bobby doesn’t give CJ the keys to the lambo

I stay in my room with my Link N Logs

Just now, Hashtag said:

I don’t think Stroh was as good as he is being made out to be. 

Hard to be in his first ever start against that front seven. Yet, there is a reason he was on the field for the majority and Neto was not.

1 minute ago, Hashtag said:

CJ are you the main one who runs the OTF Twitter account? Through viewing the account I noticed that CJ Vogel gets reposted significantly more than all the other contributors combined. 

I do not have a login to the twitter account

1 minute ago, Rivalrygameblock said:

What’s the best job that opens up in the offseason?

It won't be LSU anymore. And I don't yet believe Alabama will be open this quickly.

Auburn maybe.

53 minutes ago, Bunk Moreland said:

Based on what we saw against OSU, rank your top 8 interior DL off the combined 24/25 teams.

1. Collins
2. Broughton
3. Brevard
4. January
5. Kanu
6. Watson
7. Norton
8. Shaw

12 minutes ago, 82horn said:

What do you think the timetable is for the Stanford transfer WR to get healthy and into games 

Hopefully by Florida he is back on the field.

21 minutes ago, Dread-headed Texan said:

You're right none are competitive, but for my money UTEP has the most talent. For the level they play at they have a really nice defense. I like Baldwin a 6'7" edge who racked up 1.5. Not bad for the freshman from San Antonio. 

FWIW, UTEP ranks 129 out of 136 in ESPN FPI metric.

16 minutes ago, ajay panda said:

Who makes the biggest jump in game 1 -> game 2 performance, besides arch lol

Ryan Wingo and his connection with Arch.

Brandon Baker is definitely a candidate here.

6 minutes ago, Bunk Moreland said:

Does Jonah Williams return punts/kicks in any of the next three games? Is there anything he can do to win that starting role by the UF game?

I lean no, because I want to see him on the field in any capacity before I call him the team’s starting return man. But he definitely has the capability. 

Again, just get on the field. In anyway. Prove that he can be trusted and he will be rewarded 

Just now, Hornmatic said:

Did Littleton get the most snaps at nickel last week and who do you project to get the most over the next few games? 

Yes he did, led the team with 19 nickel snaps. Littleton is my guess. 

7 minutes ago, awashbump said:

Do you have all 22 access? if so how much film do you watch throughout the week

Rewatch the game 4-5 times. Once Saturday, twice Sunday and one more time early Monday AM. 

No all 22 however. 

2 minutes ago, Joe Zura said:

My question for you CJ is how do you stay so positive only being 5”2 🤣 kidding kidding my real question is who is more excited to see the future Thorpe winner Kade Phillips Me or you?

I would be surprised if there is anyone more excited for Kade's debut than you!

1 minute ago, Chinadoll10 said:

Tyler Atkinson going to visit Auburn? Any real concern with a 5 star on their campus?

Well, he will be at Texas this weekend. My concern for Atkinson and auburn is very thin. Texas knows they are going to have a fight for just about every single commit on their hands until it all comes to the finish line. But Auburn is not someone I am losing sleep over at the moment given the importance of Atkinson to the Texas class.