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The first steps are being taken for the Longhorns’ need indoor multi-purpose facility on campus, just south of Moncrief and DKR. Construction and demolition works have begun cutting trees and marking the building of the School of Social Work for demolition set to begin in November. Of course the Texas indoor facility is at the Frank Denius Fields and is severely outdated. Here is a look at the rendering for the new indoor facility. I drove by campus this morning for a Quick Look.

Chace Sims, DL, Richmond (Texas) Randle - Texas A&M commit This weekends scheduled official visit by OnTexasFootball 4-star DL Chace Sims (Richmond, Texas/Randle) is likely to be pushed back. When that visit could happen, we do not know. Sims' good friend and long time teammate is having surgery Friday from injury sustained recently this season, and the Randle team is going to have an event for him Saturday. With that said, Texas A&M has been working diligently this week as well to slow down the Texas momentum. We shall see where it goes. Javion Hilson, EDGE, Cocoa (Fla.) High Hilson will not visit Texas this weekend due to Hurricane Helena and travel issues. Hilson, 6-4 and 225, will bump back to the Georgia game. That is when Texas defensive line commits Myron Charles (Port Charlotte, Fla./High) and Josiah Sharma (Folsom, Calif./High) are also expected to be in Austin. Hilson and Charles have become friends throughout the recruiting process.

I went down a mini rabbit hole early Sunday morning after what appeared to be Steve Sarkisian's version of a long-drive competition with Arch Manning on Saturday. The Longhorns were bombing passes down the field. It was early, it was often, it was exciting, it was inconsistent. However, it got me thinking – is this the most vertical passing offense we have seen from a Sarkisian offense? What's the reasoning for this sudden boom or bust approach from the offense? Does it fit Arch Manning's skillset more than it does Quinn Ewers? Perhaps. Is it Arch Manning wanting to carry over the highlight reel performance from UTSA? Also maybe. But more than that, is it an inexperienced quarterback forcing deep and not finding underneath options? That's perhaps where I lean the most at the moment. It was also a bit telling in Steve Sarkisian's post-game press conference that he was perhaps a bit regretful in not finding shorter, easier throws for Manning when the offense got a bit stagnant in the third quarter. The word "greed" was mentioned at some point when describing the offensive approach. But anyways, to the point of the article – Arch Manning's first career start was the most vertical offensive passing attack a Texas quarterback has seen under Steve Sarkisian. *** A few quick stats with help from Pro Football Focus: 1. Arch Manning attempted more passes 20+ yards down field in his first start than Quinn Ewers has in any of his 25 career games as Longhorn. 2. Arch Manning's average distance of target (14.8) vs. UTSA was the longest average target distance since Hudson Card at Arkansas in 2021. It is also the longest average of any Texas quarterback with more than 15 pass attempts in a single game. 3. Quinn Ewers has played 25 games at Texas. He has an ADOT >10.0 yards downfield in 10 of his games. So far two extended appearances in 2024, Arch Manning has been north of that mark in both games. *** As a result, I started to dig a bit more into the average distance of target for Quinn Ewers, there were some notable takeaways worth sharing as well. Ewers in those 10 games with an ADOT >10 yards downfield is 6–4, with those three losses coming in the Playoff Game against Washington and 2022 against Alabama and TCU at home and Oklahoma State on the road. Those wins include ULM, Alabama and TCU in 2023, and ULM, Iowa State and Kansas State in 2022. Over the three years with Ewers at quarterback for Texas, the average distance of target has decreased significantly in each season: 2022: 10.5 yards 2023: 8.4 yards 2024: 6.2 yards We have seen Quinn become more and more accurate in each season as well. His completion percentage was 58.4% in 2022, then made a jump to 69.0% in 2023 and was hovering north of 73.4% in the two and a half games Ewers appeared in to begin this current season. For the most part, it was due to the underneath, quick throws that allowed his playmakers to create after the catch. Now, the point of this article isn't to push the narrative that the vertical passing offense is an issue for Arch Manning. It's not. But it is worth noting the risks that come when the vertical shots are not falling. Essentially, living and dying with the three ball in basketball. Texas in the third quarter saw what happened when the well went dry with two consecutive three & outs when the offense failed to connect on anything. Against SEC opponents, that will not fly. Arch was 3/10 on passes beyond 20+ yards against ULM with both an interception and a touchdown in the process. *** So back to Saturday night for Manning. It was a solid night. We covered earlier it wasn't a terrific night by any means. Manning found a rhythm after the first interception then lost it near halftime and around the third quarter. On the season so far for Arch, he has a mark of 25% of his pass attempts beyond 20 yards downfield. A smallish sample size, but it certainly does not feel like the Texas offense we have seen with Quinn Ewers behind center. 2019: Tua Tagovailoa (15.5%) on 252 attempts 2020: Mac Jones (13.8%) on 385 attempts 2021: Hudson Card (15.5%) on 76 attempts 2021: Casey Thompson (16.3%) on 247 attempts 2022: Quinn Ewers (17.6%) on 277 attempts 2023: Quinn Ewers (11.9%) on 367 attempts 2024: Quinn Ewers (8.9%) on 75 attempts 2024: Arch Manning (25.5%) on 44 attempts Again, a smaller sample size, but the volume of deep passes with Manning at quarterback is quite an outlier when comparing previous Sarkisian quarterbacks. As Manning gets more and more familiar with real game experience, the more I expect him to find the check down or opt for easier throws. It just makes sense with the Texas offense and the way these playmakers are able to create after the catch.

Brent Venables and the OU offense have made a change at quarterback. Freshman Michael Hawkins has been named the starting quarterback for the Sooners. Oklahoma goes on the road this weekend to Auburn where they are currently 2.5-point favorites.

A quick snapshot of who was able to see the field for the Longhorns in the 51–3 victory over ULM from Saturday night. *** Offensive Snap Count 65 – Arch Manning, Kelvin Banks, Gunnar Helm, Hayden Conner, Jake Majors 64 – Cam Williams 53 – Jaydon Blue 46 – Isaiah Bond 45 – DJ Campbell 43 – Matthew Golden 39 – Johntay Cook II 32 – Ryan Wingo, Juan Davis 30 – Cole Hutson 24 – Silas Bolden 21 – Spencer Shannon, Neto Umeozulu, Connor Robertson 17 – Trevor Goosby 15 – Brandon Baker 14 – Jerrick Gibson 13 – Jordan Washington, Trey Owens 11 – Andre Cojoe 10 – Colin Page 8 – Parker Livingstone 7 – Malik Agbo 6 – Thatcher Milton 5 – Ryan Niblett, Rhett Andersen 4 – Reid Watkins, Jaydon Chatman, Joe Tatum, Cole Lourd 3 – DeAndre Moore* Defensive Snap Count 42 – Jahdae Barron 36 – Andrew Mukuba, Michael Taaffe 32 – Jaylon Guilbeau 30 – Malik Muhammad 29 – Vernon Broughton 28 – Alfred Collins 26 – Anthony Hill Jr. 24 – Trey Moore, Liona Lefau, Barryn Sorrell 23 – David Gbenda 22 – Jordon Johnson-Rubell 21 – Gavin Holmes 20 – Colin Simmons, Ethan Burke 19 – Jermayne Lole 13 – Mo Blackwell 11 – Ty'Anthony Smith, Kobe Black 9 – Alex January, Justice Finkley, Tia Savea 8 – Bill Norton 7 – Xavier Filsaime, Jay'Vion Cole 6 – Colton Vasek 5 – Wardell Mack 4 – Jaray Bledsoe 1 – Zina Umeozulu, Warren Roberson, Tausili Akana, Derion Gullette,

Update: Walter Mathis Jr. and Javion Hilson There could be some travel issues due to a Cat 2 or 3 hurricane hitting around the Big Bend are of the Sunshine State Friday. So getting to Austin this weekend for two prospects scheduled to be at the Mississippi State game is looking like an issue. As of this evening, it's likely Walter Mathis Jr. and family will reschedule and attend the Georgia game - per a source in Savannah. Javion Hilson (Cocoa, Fla.) remains scheduled to visit this weekend - as of Monday evening. Being on the Space Coast and flying out of Orlando, his odds are better.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is on the podium this morning discussing the Longhorns' 4–0 start to the season. Looking for updates on Quinn Ewers and the health of DeAndre Moore as SEC play kicks off this weekend against Mississippi State. Texas remains the No. 1 team in the country entering the beginning of conference play. Notes and quotes in the comments.

A quick look at the true freshmen on roster and what the redshirt eligibility looks like four games in. Of course, the NCAA has allowed it for freshmen to appear in up to four games while retaining their redshirt status. Texas is in a position now due to their depth to make long term decisions with freshmen and whether or not the appeal to a redshirt fits what they want to do with each player long term. At the moment, the players at the four game threshold are: EDGE Colin Simmons WR Ryan Wingo CB Kobe Black RB Jerrick Gibson LB TyAnthony Smith DL Alex January P Michael Kern

Florida State WR commit Daylan McCutcheon has confirmed to OnTexasFootball he will visit the Longhorns for the Miss State game next week. McCutcheon took an OV to Texas in June and Chris Jackson has remained in contact briefly since his commitment to FSU in mid-July.

LSU DL commit Walter Mathis Jr. visit update OnTexasFootball spoke with a person close to the Walter Mathis Jr. (Savannah, Ga./Calvary Day). Mathis, 6-1.5 and 288 pounds, and family remain scheduled to make an unofficial visit this weekend for the Mississippi State game. This will be the first visit to Texas for the Peach State prospect. Mathis committed to LSU September 6, 2024. OnTexasFootball rates Mathis as a 4-star++ prospect.

The Longhorns are continuing to big game hunt and their efforts to flip targets committed elsewhere is still ongoing. I chatted briefly with five-star Mission Viejo CB Dijon Lee tells me a visit to Austin for a Texas game remains possible this season. Nothing is set in stone at the moment, but there have been conversations with the staff to get back for a game at some point this fall. Lee committed to Alabama since the end of June after what appeared to be a sneaky push by the Longhorns in this recruitment.

Other college games thread: Week 4 May as well get this going with Major Applewhite taking his South Alabama team to Appalachian State tonight on ESPN. SEC truly gets going this weekend: Florida @ Mississippi State Arkansas @ Auburn Vanderbilt @ Missouri Tennessee @ Oklahoma

Let’s go!

Texas vs. ULM Visitor List (List will expand) Jonah Williams, S, Galveston (Texas) Ball #AllGasNoBrakes Chris Stewart, WR, Pearland (Texas) Shadow Creek -2026 #AllGasNoBrakes Jalen Lott, WR/CB, Frisco (Texas) Panther Creek... 2026 4-star son of James Lott. Jamarion Carlton, EDGE, Temple (Texas) High - 2026 4-star Jamarion Vincent, DB, Waco (Texas) Connally - 2026 4-star Landen Williams-Callis, RB, Richmond (Texas) Randle - 2027 Note: Running backs coach Tashard Choice is recruiting the sophomore as heavily as possible right now.

I was on the road checking out a pair of central Texas programs with some talent last night – San Marcos and Lake Travis – for a little Thursday night action. It was not a close game and it looks like the drought may be over for Lake Travis in terms of developing some high-level D1 talent. While San Marcos will have to wait a year to get their best talent eligible for varsity play following the UIL's decision to suspend ten students for move-in violations. *** 2026 EDGE Buck Carter – Austin (TX) Lake Travis Carter was out this week with an ankle sprain, but he will visit Texas this weekend for their game against ULM. The 6-foot-6 edge rusher is off to a scorching start this season for Lake Travis and he was rewarded with an offer from TCU last week. Carter is very well put together and his tape showcases his ability to bend around the corner and get after the quarterback. Other trips this season might include TCU, Baylor and Kansas for games during the fall. I am not necessarily expecting an offer to come this week, but I do believe Carter is a candidate to receive an offer down the road. Carter holds offers from Tulsa, UNLV, TCU and North Texas early on. 2026 DL Ben Duncum – Austin (TX) Lake Travis The son of former Longhorn Duane Duncum, the Lake Travis junior has been able to string together a fine start to the season as well. Duncum holds a Tulsa offer at the moment, though Texas brought him onto campus last week for the UTSA game. Lake Travis played Duncum more over the center on Thursday night, to my surprise a bit. He currently stands 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds at the moment. 2026 LB Izayah Young – San Marcos (TX) High I was able to catch up with the San Marcos defensive star during the game last night. Young is on the JV this season after the UIL ruled he be ineligible after moving-in. Young holds eight offers right now – Tennessee, Baylor, North Texas, Texas State and UTSA among the notable. Young says he has been in contact with Texas recently and is a maybe to visit for the game this weekend. Young has also attended the Elite Camp at Texas the past two summers and is hoping his senior season will showcase the film necessary to earn an offer from other SEC programs. 2026 WR Henry Harris – San Marcos (TX) High Harris is out for the season after tearing his ACL in the spring game, however, he is one of the top area wide receivers in the 2026 class. Harris has visited Austin in the past and was a top WR in attendance for the Elite 11 when it toured in Austin. The 6–3 wide receiver holds offers from Texas Tech, Baylor, Cal and several others.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian meets with the media one final time before the ULM game this weekend. The No. 1 team in the country is back under the lights at DKR where another spectacle of an evening is expected. Notes and quotes in the comments below, plus an update on the QB situation.

Steve Sarkisian on his weekly call for the SEC Coaches Teleconference, said there has not been a starting quarterback named for the ULM game this Saturday evening. Sarkisian did mention Arch is doing very well with his first team reps and that the team today probably had its best practice of the week so far. No update on Ewers' health, or the health of Jaydon Blue, Tre Wisner or Jelani McDonald was provided during the time with media this morning. Sarkisian, of course, will speak with the local media one last time Thursday morning. But for now, no public announcement on the QB decision as of now.

Texas extended an offer to 2026 St. Augustine Prep (NJ) defensive lineman Damari Simeon Wednesday afternoon. The Longhorns continue to work in the northeast in the 2026 class as we have seen the Horns host OLB Luke Wafle and EDGE Jermaine Kinsler visit over the summer. Texas becomes the 19th offer for Simeon.

Injury note on Texas WR commitment OnTexasFootball spoke briefly with Texas 4-star++ wide receiver commitment Jaime Ffrench (Jacksonville, Fla./Mandarin) last night. Ffrench sustained a a finger injury in last Friday's win on a tremendous catch and run. Without going into too many details, the news OTF wants to relay to the fans is that Ffrench is only expected to miss 2-3 games. He is expected to play again this season for Mandarin High. Ffrench also told OTF that he will be in Austin for the Texas vs Georgia game, along with family members.

One of my favorite metrics for determining whether or not a defense or offense is efficient or living up to its ranking is points per drive. Of course drives can vary with short fields or needing to go 90+ yards. But for the most part, this statistic evens out over the course of a season. Three games into the season, there is finally enough data here to get an idea of good offenses and defenses in the SEC. For those wanting to see more of the Points Per Drive data, I suggest you visit https://www.bcftoys.com/2024-ppd/, it is one of my favorite sites for all CFB statistics. But here is a visual of the SEC teams through three weeks in 2024. A few takeaways: It truly is so bad in Gainesville right now. That Florida defense is abysmal. Also, Texas will be able to score and score plenty on Mississippi State even without Quinn Ewers at quarterback for that game to begin SEC play. Interestingly, Oklahoma and Georgia are showing similar statistics, great defense, mediocre offense. The difference is Georgia has played a road SEC game while Oklahoma has not left home and has played teams with a combined 2–7 record. Tennessee, Ole Miss and Texas are in a league of their own with both the defense and offense sitting inside the top ten nationally of points per drive so far this season. Alabama remains very good as well.

Texas HC Steve Sarkisian speaking with the media Monday after the win over UTSA. Texas will host ULM on Saturday night.

College football season begins to get real this week The 2024 college football season begins to get real this week. This is the weekend that college football fans will begin to see some separation among teams, and some on the Texas scheduled past and present. No. 6 Tennessee at No. 15 Oklahoma If the Vols go into Norman and handle the Sooners, as many expect, Tennessee becomes a legit contender for the CFP. An Oklahoma loss would set up a 7-5/8-4 type season for the Sooners in year three under Brent Venables. Tennessee remaining schedule: @ Arkansas Florida Alabama Kentucky Mississippi State @ Georgia UTEP @ Vanderbilt No. 11 USC at No. 18 Michigan A USC win and they become a legit CFP contender. A loss, and Michigan inches along and the Texas win looks even better. USC remaining schedule: Wisconsin @ Minnesota Penn State @ Maryland Rutgers @ Washington Nebraska @ UCLA Notre Dame No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State The Cowboys survived against Arkansas at home. The winner here has a leg up in the Big 12 race, and will be mentioned as a legit CFP contender. No. 24 Illinois at No. 22 Nebraska - Friday The Cornhuskers suddenly have a pretty good look at a 9-3/10-2 regular season with a win in Lincoln Friday night. Remaining scheduled for Nebraska: @ Purdue Rutgers @ Indiana @ Ohio State UCLA @ USC Wisconsin Iowa

Sunday morning Joseph Mbatchou update The Grayson High (Ga.) defensive lineman and OnTexasFootball 4-star+ prospect is back in Atlanta after making a 24 hour unofficial visit to Texas for the UTSA game. According to a locked in source, the visit went “great” with the 6-4, 280 pounder and his father. The Peach State budding star is very likely to be back in Austin October 19-20 for an official visit when the Horns host Georgia.

I chatted a bit with Michael Terry III after the big win over UTSA. His immediate reaction to the game: “It was definitely like no other (game), the atmosphere was crazy and everyone was hyped.” Terry is headed to a buddy’s lake house to enjoy the rest of the weekend. One Texas source indicated a lot of confidence after tonight in the hunt for the five star athlete.