CJ Vogel

That freshman 15 is not the same as it used to be for these guys!

I was able to meet up late Saturday night with a source to pass along some interesting team notes as winter conditioning moves on. *** First off, one of the names I have heard that is making an early impression is freshman cornerback Wardell Mack. The 6-foot corner has been someone that has really adjusted to the world of college football and gotten off to a hot start. Next is DT Alex January, who has slimmed down about 10 pounds since he arrived to campus. Something to watch as Texas monitors its defensive tackle room, right now, it looks like January is taking the necessary steps to get onto the field early. We will see how that develops in the spring. I have heard freshman EDGE Colin Simmons has added about 15-20 pounds of muscle since Christmas. Word is he is right around 240 pounds after being right around 220 when I last saw him in person in Orlando for the Under Armour All American Game. If Simmons is able to carry 240 pounds at the moment, that would be massive for the Longhorns on the EDGE moving into the spring and into the fall from there. Last freshman I have heard positive remarks about is Ty'Anthony Smith. The Jasper prospect has taken an impressive approach to college football as the only linebacker in the class. Smith was a late addition but has quickly adjusted to the world of college football. A bit of a slimmer lower body, but a wide open approach to body development is going to be something that might get Smith on the field earlier than expected. Positives all around. View full news

OU was Fodje’s first offer. Bill Bedenbaugh has a great eye for OL talent and found Fodje very early. Interestingly, Fodje mentioned after the junior day at Texas that OU was a school he could see himself at.

Got a text late Saturday night in regards to a 2025 Bridgeland offensive tackle that recently visited Texas. Ryan Fodje is someone to keep a very close eye on for the time being in regards to a potential OU class addition. Texas hosted Fodje on the Junior Day where they offered for the first time on January 20. OU was Fodje’s first offer and Bedenbaugh has been pushing heavily to get the talented offensive tackle prospect into the class. Right now, I am expecting OU to find success with this recruitment. View full news

Interesting trend from Sarkisian to go more nationally as he gets more comfortable with his staff at Texas. One thing that is interesting is 55 offers extended in the state show me Sarkisian is never going to turn his back on the state and more importantly we talk about the immediate backyard with the CenTex schools around Austin.

Gerry and I dove into the recruiting heat map we have seen from the Texas staff in regards to where they offer and pursue most of their targets since arriving in Austin. Really interesting trends in the state of Texas, plus a look into where the staff can create deeper inroads across the rest of the country. View full news

Really liking the last 9:00 of the first half from Texas. The defensive aggression has increased, and Texas is finding ways to use transition to create open shots offensively. Might have found something here after TCU fell back to earth offensively.

Gerry and I address the state of Texas a bit today on the YouTube channel. The number of prospects to commit from the state has decreased the last three cycles, but I think Texas is as involved as they’ve ever been in terms of evaluations, extending offers and getting prospects to visit campus. Ultimately, they find prospects from elsewhere they end up prioritizing and wanting a bit more for their schemes and fits.

The Longhorns aren't done yet offering scholarships to prospects this week. Texas has extended an offer to 2026 linebacker DaQuives Beck out of Carthage High School in East Texas. This continues the trend of lengthier linebackers being targeted by the Texas staff. Beck stands 6-feet-2 with impressive speed already. No Hudl just yet for Beck, but five offers over the last ten days, all of which coming from in-state schools.

I mentioned it this past week after the Houston game, I liked a lot about what the Horns did to close out that game with their five on floor. If that’s the approach they come back with moving forward, I would expect an improvement on the scoreboard.

I think it’s a bit too far to project for him. He has plus athleticism and a frame that projects to add weight, I honestly wouldn’t be shocked to see a move to WR or even a hybrid TE in the future.

Thomas visited Texas back for the Kansas game on September 30 and was most recently back on campus for the Texas Junior Day. Another lengthy offer at the LB spot.

Dilan Battle told me yesterday he has lost about 15 lbs since the beginning of his junior season. Said he is down to 300 pounds flat now.

Texas offered 2026 Legacy the School of Sports Sciences QB Keisean Henderson yesterday while on the road. I caught up a bit with Henderson following his offer to get the latest on his recruitment. Henderson received the offer from Jeff Banks and Steve Sarkisian on a joint phone call between the three. The 6-foot-4 playmaker added that the offer is in fact as an athlete and added the Texas coaches were impressed with his versatility and overall athleticism. Henderson has also been to campus a few times already, calling it a "great experience" each time. "It's a big stage," Henderson said. "I know how he likes to run his program and I think it is a very big deal and opportunity." Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16476956/63b7c01c2ab127091c72dc9c View full news

I hope they add divisions to those leagues like the Atlantic and Pacific coast plus maybe a region solely for the southeastern teams! Wait a second...

Big win last night for WBB. Anyone checked out that new arena in Waco, looks like a cool spot.

Bengal is the man. Got to meet him in New Orleans as well, really cool dude who is great at what he does for anyone looking to dive deeper into the Madden-verse or other NFL content on YouTube.

Baylor hired SMU’s RB coach Khenon Hall in the middle of December. Combine that with Stewart’s teammate Demetrius Brisbon committing to the Bears yesterday as well, Baylor is a team to me that needs to be watched very closely for Stewart.

I would love to

My man! Lets have a day!

A 2025 offense of Wingo, Johntay and Golden still is a very impressive crop.