CJ Vogel

A couple of tidbits from the early week practice sessions ahead of Texas-Texas A&M this weekend. *** I won't get too much into the health of Quinn Ewers, however, I can pass on that Ewers has been practicing this weekend as expected. Ewers suffered a bit of an ankle sprain on Saturday vs. Kentucky. The expectation is that Ewers is listed as 'Questionable' later Wednesday evening on the first Availability Report of the week. *** Ahead of the Kentucky game, I was told WR Isaiah Bond might be a bit limited coming into the game. Bond saw 42 of the 81 possible snaps from the Texas offense. I was not told, however, if Bond was still dealing with an ankle that hampered him during the OU and Georgia games. Bond is expected to be just fine for the Texas A&M game, but we will see what the snap count looks like for the game. On another hand, DeAndre Moore is on the practice field and doing well this week as well I was told. Moore got dinged against Arkansas but saw 39 snaps against Kentucky. *** Steve Sarkisian was asked Monday about the stories of old Texas-Texas A&M matchups and some "issues" the Longhorns came across when traveling over the College Station. "We'll be ready." To no surprise, no additional details were given in regards to travel details. The return of the rivalry will have extra emotion involved, and Texas would like to ensure no funny business is at stake this weekend before the game. ***

Haha! Two years ago I finished last in my fantasy football league and had to run a $5k after eating three crunchwrap supremes. I haven't been to Taco Bell since.

He sure was! I missed that entirely, (been dealing with a gas issue at the house).

Texas going back to back on the Outland Award would be a great selling point.

Statistical comparison for the Thorpe.

Other finalists for the Thorpe Award include Georgia's Malaki Starks and Ohio State's Caleb Downs.

A pair of Longhorns have been named as Finalists for two college football postseason awards, annually presented to the nation's best at each position. DB Jahdae Barron was named as a Thorpe Award Finalist Tuesday afternoon. Barron has four interceptions and has not allowed a touchdown on the season. And LT Kelvin Banks has been named a finalist for the 2024 Outland Award trophy, presented annually to the nation's top interior lineman. Texas DL T'Vondre Sweat won the award in 2023. The other finalists for the Outland include Michigan DL Mason Graham and Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen.

Scott Starzyk likely to end up at Michigan, he told me a week ago it was unlikely he would end up at Texas this cycle despite some conversations. If Texas adds a kicker, I would be it is out of the portal.

2026 IMG OLB Jake Kreul made a TikTok for his visit. Good stuff. v12044gd0000ct29njvog65t1g9h1p8g.mp4

One of the best weeks of the year!

Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. has been named the Co-Defensive Player of the Week by the SEC for his efforts Saturday vs. Kentucky. Hill recorded 10 tackles with three tackles for loss and two sacks. *** However, Hill was not named a Finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker in the country. It was a straight up snub.

Sarkisian: "I didn't say in my opening press conference we came here to win 10 games." Sarkisian says it is cool to have back to back ten win seasons, but the goal is to win more than just ten games a year.

Sark says it didn't take long to realize the passion for the rivalry between A&M after he took the job. Says there was a funny story he had that he won't share.

Sarkisian says the team plays for one another and is wanting to promote one another. Points to the Barryn Sorrell/Collin Simmons celebration, the Jahdae shirts rocked by Taaffe and Mukuba and more. Says its really cool.

Sark says there won;'t be much change to the schedule this week for the team except for maybe sleeping in a bit more. Sarkisian says he wants to reenergize their batteries a bit. No school and Thanksgiving week of course.

Sarkisian points to the "We not me." mentality of the team which has helped elevate the play of the entire team. Says the end of season awards are a byproduct of the team success.

"We all know Kyle Field is a really loud stadium, they have a good fanbase."

Sarkisian points to the final 8:00 drive vs. Arkansas and the 15-play drive against Kentucky as really impressive moments for the Texas OL. Says it was a big confidence boost.

Sarkisian on QB Quinn Ewers: "I think he is doing okay." Ewers is expected to be on the practice field this afternoon for Texas where the staff will get a better understanding of his health.

Steve Sarkisian says Texas A&M has an "elite, premier" defensive line which is the strength of the Aggie team.