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Seems like we have good reason to have a thread to chat on all summer and through the season. Team workouts begin June 1, I believe

AUSTIN, Texas — Steve Sarkisian won’t know much about his team until No. 5 Texas gets on the field and squares off with Texas State at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday (2:30 p.m., ESPN). One thing Sarkisian can take to the bank heading into the opening game of his sixth season on the Forty Acres, however, is that he and Arch Manning are in a much different place than they were at this time last year. And by different, Manning and the Longhorn offense are better positioned for success. “I think last year, offensively, was a little bit of a work in progress,” Sarkisian said on Monday. “We were probably a little too young around Arch as much as it was Arch's first year starting. Trying to figure out what he felt very good with, but also what the other guys could do well.” The first half of Manning’s 13-game starting campaign was largely forgettable. When Texas traveled to Florida for last season’s SEC opener in early October, Manning averaged 222 passing yards per game, ranking ninth out of 16 qualifying quarterbacks in the conference. Manning also ranked ninth in the league in pass efficiency rating (154.0) and yards per pass attempt (8.4) and 15th out of 16 SEC quarterbacks in completion percentage (61.3). Fortunately, Manning wrapped up his third year in the program playing as well as any quarterback in the country. In November, a month in which the Longhorns won three of their four games, including victories over No. 9 Vanderbilt and No. 3 Texas A&M, Manning ranked third in the SEC in passing yards per game (286.6) and passing touchdowns (nine) while completing 62.2 percent of his passes and committing just one turnover. The hard lessons throughout the first half of 2025 will, hopefully, lead to Manning and the offense enjoying a faster, more prosperous start to 2026. An older, more seasoned Manning should also benefit from the talent Sarkisian’s organization acquired in the offseason to bolster Manning’s supporting cast. The transfer portal additions should make the conditions ripe for Manning to do his job without feeling undue pressure to carry the offense on his shoulders. At the same time, the Bobcats will face a more experienced Longhorn offense than the one Sarkisian fielded in last season’s 14-7 loss to Ohio State. Manning led an offense into the much-ballyhooed battle with the Buckeyes for his third career start with four of the 10 starters around him making their collegiate starting debuts (Brandon Baker, Parker Livingstone, Connor Stroh and Ryan Wingo). Even with DJ Campbell (30 starts entering his senior season), Jack Endries (26 starts at Cal) and Tre Wisner (12 starts) boasting significant starting experience, the 10 starters who took the field with Manning for the first snap inside the Horseshoe combined for 93 career starts. Even if Trevor Goosby’s injured left knee forces him to miss Saturday’s game (Andre Cojoe is in line to make his starting debut if Goosby can’t go), Baker, Wingo, Raleek Brown, Cam Coleman, Connor Robertson, Laurence Seymore, Melvin Siani, Hollywood Smothers and Michael Masunas enter Saturday’s game with 139 career starts between them. The defense got the better of the offense in the team’s two camp scrimmages, with Sarkisian acknowledging Monday that Will Muschamp’s unit ended camp ahead of the offense. Nevertheless, Sarkisian came out of camp encouraged by the new-look offense, specifically with the group’s ability to create explosive plays. “The explosive play component to our offense is really important, that we can generate those,” said Sarkisian, whose offense tallied 59 20-plus-yard plays from scrimmage last season, which tied for eighth in the SEC and 51st in FBS. “Now, the level of efficiency — my goal is that it continues to improve when the defense isn't going against the same plays over and over and over, and the windows maybe aren't quite as tight and the run holes aren't quite as tight.” It will take time for Sarkisian’s offense to build the chemistry and consistency it needs to operate at a championship-caliber level. What must show signs of improvement right out of the gate, however, is a running game that fell well below the program’s standard in 2025. Texas averaged a lowly 3.27 yards per attempt against SEC defenses last season and wrapped up conference play with the league’s second-worst rushing offense (93.1 yards per game), with Manning becoming a much bigger part of the rushing attack than Sarkisian anticipated. “It wasn't great that we didn't really have a run game around him to where he became the run game, but that was what we needed to do to try to be successful,” Sarkisian said of Manning, who led the Longhorns with 21 rushing attempts of 10 or more yards, according to Pro Football Focus. Manning also finished second on the team with 15 missed tackles forced and recorded 358 yards on scrambles, according to PFF, ranking fourth in the SEC and No. 14 nationally. Sarkisian’s goal is for the 2026 offense to operate with more balance. That can only happen if Texas plays cleaner football. Last season, the Longhorns ranked 134th nationally in penalties per game (8.3). They finished the season ranked 132nd in the country in penalty yards per game (69.7), which contributed to the offense getting behind the chains and recording a Sarkisian-era low 39.2 percent conversion rate on third down (No. 73 in FBS). “The goal is that we can put ourselves in more manageable situations, most notably third down,” Sarkisian said. “Staying out of third-and-seven-plus, third-and-10-plus situations — that's not fun for any quarterback and that's not fun for an offensive line.” Everything around Manning improving should raise the offense’s floor. To what extent Manning and Sarkisian are on the same page could significantly raise the ceiling on that side of the ball. Although Sarkisian is giving Manning more freedom at the line of scrimmage, the quarterback can begin to put his spin on the play-caller’s offense and put himself in the best position to succeed on Saturday based on what happens Friday. That’s when the tone of the conversations between Sarkisian and the Longhorn quarterbacks shifts. That’s also when Sarkisian might get his best feeling for how far Manning has grown since making his road starting debut in Columbus more than a year ago. “On Friday, I sit with them (the quarterbacks) and we talk game plan, we talk play calls, we talk situational football; 'here's what I'm thinking, do you like it? Do you not like it?' I don't want to call anything that he doesn't feel great about and I try not to do that to him,” Sarkisian said. “The key to me in, now, Year 2 as a starter with Arch, is him having the ability to tell me he doesn't like one of the plays. You're not offending me, but I think, sometimes, a younger quarterback can be like, 'I don't want to tell him I don't like that play because he likes it.' I don't have to execute the play; I just call it. I want to make sure we're calling the plays for him that he believes in, that he has great faith in. That's what Friday's meeting is really for, that just because it's on the call sheet doesn't mean I have to call it. I want to call the things that he really likes and the things that he feels comfortable with.” View full news story

Michigan and Eastern Michigan have changed their previously scheduled 2027 meeting to Sept. 11, leaving the Wolverines' trip to Austin, which had been scheduled for the same date, in flux. Steve Sarkisian cleared things up on the SEC teleconference on Wednesday. "I know we're playing Michigan," Sark said. "I just don't know exactly when." The new college football schedule, starting in 2027, will be moved up by a week, so what we know as Week 0 this year, will be Week 1 next season. This will allow flexibility for date changes. So far there's no word on when Michigan's visit to Texas, Part II of the home-and-home that started with the Longhorns visiting Ann Arbor in 2024, will take place.

More additions to the Texas vs. Ohio State visitor list OnTexasFootball will continue to update the visitor list for the September 12 showdown between Texas and Ohio State. Our latest update is three more members of the 2028 class in the Lone Star State. Keller Central CB Jeremiah Taylor Keller Central CB Isaiah Taylor Ridge Point LB Khalen Taylor Another look at the full list: Commits Smithson Valley QB Ty Knutson Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage 2028 QB Neimann Lawrence NOLA Brother Martin WR Easton Royal North Forney WR Briceson Thrower| Gilmer OT Ismael Camara — OFFICIAL VISIT Columbus IOL Keyon Hemphill-Woods Westlake IOL Jackson Cook Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon DL Kasi Currie Wellington (Fla.) Palm Beach Central DL Tyler Alexander Humble Atascocita DL Jason Johnson Mansfield Summit EDGE/DL Cam Hall Vigor (Ala.) EDGE Jabarrius Garror Pearland Shadow Creek CB Brandon Sherrard Garland Lakeview Centennial CB Montre Jackson Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson S Junior Tu’upo 2027 Picayune (Miss.) Memorial DL Jeremiah Mark Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon DL Marcus Fakatou – Ohio State commit 2028 In-state: Klein Oak RB Micah Rhodes Pearland Shadow Creek WR Jaylen Addai North Crowley WR Damarion “Champ” Mays Longview WR Jaden Hurndon Houston CE King WR Dillon Mitchell — MAYBE Cy Ranch OT R’Monie Edwards San Augustine OT Jamarios Canton San Antonio Cornerstone Christian OT Jai’Storm Knight Lovejoy IOL Jayden Thompson Humble Atascocita EDGE David Dotson San Antonio Harlan LB Deshawn Simmons Allen CB Dominic Butler Aledo CB Jordan Hall Lancaster S James Foster III Atlanta ATH CJ Whaley Keller Central CB Jeremiah Taylor Keller Central CB Isaiah Taylor Ridge Point LB Khalen Taylor Dickinson CB Royce Bimage Killeen Shoemaker ATH Tyler Armstrong Richardson Lake Highlands LB Israel Samuel Louisiana: Alexandria (La.) RB Noble Williams Ruston (La.) LB Shamar Evans Mississippi: Lanier (Miss.) DL Geraci Carson Alabama: Birmingham (Ala.) Parker S CJ Craig-James Georgia: Fort Valley (Ga.) Peach County IOL Hunter Hill Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central DL Prince Che Lyons (Ga.) Toombs County DL Jamarcus Johnson Sylvester (Ga.) Worth County EDGE Malik Muhammad Buford (Ga.) EDGE Luke Nabors Florida: Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin WR Brysen Wright Jacksonville (Fla.) The Bolles School EDGE Asher Ghioto Jacksonville (Fla.) Raines ATH Zion Green New Jersey: Glassboro (NJ) WR Mekhi Parker Missouri: St. Louis (Mo.) De Smet Jesuit TE Ridge James Illinois: Chicago (ill.) Brother Rice EDGE Kameron McGee California: Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon IOL Lance Ciechanowski Anaheim (Calif.) Servite LB Allen Kennett Palos Verdes (Calif.) S Jalen Flowers 2029 Fort Worth All Saints TE Noah Tarrant Iowa Colony S Dylan Thomas Klein High LB C’lvion Hines Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon DL Stephan Harrison

In recent years, Steve Sarkisian hasn’t released the first depth chart of the season until Texas’ opening game. Assuming that’s the case again in 2026, and the first depth chart isn’t made public until Saturday, when the Longhorns kick off Sarkisian’s sixth season against Texas State (2:30 p.m., ESPN), On Texas Football has you covered. We’re making a final depth chart projection before the season starts, which comes with a few key things to know: — Texas reportedly utilized two-back personnel in both camp scrimmages. That’s why we’re keeping Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown as co-starters at running back, although Smothers (based on what sources have told OTF throughout camp) is the current favorite to be the first back on the field. — After the top three wideouts on the roster (Cam Coleman, Emmett Mosley V and Ryan Wingo), Sterling Berkhalter, Jermaine Bishop Jr. and Daylan McCutcheon appear to be locked in as the top three backups. — Andre Cojoe, who’s in line to start against Texas State at left tackle if Trevor Goosby (knee) can’t go, is the team’s No. 3 tackle. Jaydon Chatman has worked at multiple positions in camp (and throughout his career). Along with Chatman, Jackson Christian, Cole Hutson and Dylan Sikorski are the top reserves on the interior. — The Longhorns have listed three interior defensive line positions on the depth chart under Sarkisian. Expect to see the top two at each position featured in the rotation, with Myron Charles making a push throughout camp to earn snaps. — We’ve got Colton Vasek on the depth chart at EDGE and SAM linebacker, where he’ll play situationally. We’re also putting Jordon Johnson-Rubell with the WLB group and the safeties. — After the top-four safeties, Toray Davis is currently projected to be the fifth safety in line for snaps. OFFENSE QUARTERBACK 1. (16) Arch Manning (6-4, 222, Sr.-2L) 2. (9) Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr. (6-0, 188, Soph.-SQ) 3. (6) Dia Bell (6-3, 206, Fr.-HS) 4. (19) MJ Morris (6-1, 201, 5YSr.-TR) RUNNING BACK 1. (2) Hollywood Smothers (5-11, 196, Sr.-TR) — OR — (0) Raleek Brown (5-9, 193, 5YSr.-TR) 2. (5) Derrek Cooper (6-1, 212, Fr.-HS) 3. (21) Ryan Niblett (5-10, 189, Sr.-1L) 4. (11) Michael Terry III (6-3, 229, Soph.-SQ) 5. (31) James Simon (5-11, 208, Soph.-SQ) 6. (28) Jett Walker (6-1, 224, Fr.-HS) WIDE RECEIVER (X) 1. (8) Cam Coleman (6-3, 204, Jr.-TR) 2. (7) Kaliq Lockett (6-2, 181, Soph.-SQ) WIDE RECEIVER (Z) 1. (1) Ryan Wingo (6-2, 214, Jr.-2L) 2. (18) Sterling Berkhalter (6-3, 196, 5YSr.-TR) 3. (13) Kohen Brown (6-0, 202, Fr.-HS) 4. (14) Chris Stewart (6-0, 184, Fr.-HS) WIDE RECEIVER (H) 1. (3) Emmett Mosley V (6-2, 199, Jr.-1L) 2. (4) Jermaine Bishop Jr. (6-0, 166, Fr.-HS) — OR — (17) Daylan McCutcheon (5-11, 183, Soph.-1L) TIGHT END (Y) 1. (15) Michael Masunas (6-5, 259, 5YSr.-TR) 2. (83) Spencer Shannon (6-7, 260, Sr.-2L) 3. (88) Charlie Jilek (6-5, 238, Fr.-HS) TIGHT END (H) 1. (81) Nick Townsend (6-3, 250, Soph.-1L) 2. (85) Emaree Winston (6-1, 245, Soph.-1L) 3. (87) Will Randle (6-4, 249, Sr.-SQ) LEFT TACKLE 1. (74) Trevor Goosby (6-7, 325, Sr.-2L) 2. (77) Andre Cojoe (6-6, 339, Sr.-1L) 3. (78) Jordan Coleman (6-5, 356, Soph.-SQ) 4. (51) John Turntine III (6-4, 295, Fr.-HS) LEFT GUARD 1. (50) Laurence Seymore III (6-2, 316, 5YSr.-TR) 2. (56) Dylan Sikorski (6-4, 335, Jr.-TR) 3. (54) Cole Hutson (6-5, 308, 5YSr.-4L) — OR — (76) Jackson Christian (6-5, 308, Soph.-SQ.) CENTER 1. (62) Connor Robertson (6-4, 316, 5YSr.-3L) 2. (76) Jackson Christian (6-5, 308, Soph.-SQ) 3. (54) Cole Hutson (6-5, 308, 5YSr.-4L) — OR — (58) Devin Coleman (6-5, 340, Soph.-SQ) RIGHT GUARD 1. (73) Brandon Baker (6-4, 315, Jr.-2L) 2. (75) Jaydon Chatman (6-4, 330, Sr.-2L) 3. (58) Devin Coleman (6-5, 340, Soph.-SQ) 4. (68) Paris Patterson (6-5, 354, Sr.-TR) 5. (72) Nicolas Robertson (6-3, 349, Fr.-HS) RIGHT TACKLE 1. (71) Melvin Siani (6-6, 317, Sr.-TR) 2. (79) Jonte Newman (6-4, 310, Soph.-TR) 3. (70) Kaden Scherer (6-6, 291, Fr.-HS) DEFENSE NOSE TACKLE 1. (95) Ian Geffrard (6-5, 375, Sr.-TR) 2. (88) Maraad Watson (6-3, 333, Jr.-1L) 3. (90) Josiah Sharma (6-4, 341, Soph.-SQ) 4. (96) Zion Williams (6-4, 370, Soph.-TR) DEFENSIVE TACKLE 1. (93) Hero Kanu (6-5, 309, Sr.-1L) 2. (15) Justus Terry (6-5, 289, Soph.-1L) 3. (52) James Johnson (6-3, 279, Fr.-HS) 4. (55) Elijah Ali (6-4, 306, Fr.-HS) DEFENSIVE TACKLE 1. (97) Alex January (6-5, 308, Jr.-2L) 2. (33) Myron Charles (6-4, 312, Soph.-SQ) JACK 1. (1) Colin Simmons (6-3, 246, Jr.-2L) 2. (99) Richard Wesley (6-4, 258, Fr.-HS) 3. (92) Colton Vasek (6-5, 252, Sr.-2L) 4. (46) Smith Orogbo (6-4, 238, Soph.-SQ) 5. (80) Brinley Tita (6-2, 252, Fr.-HS) END 1. (40) Lance Jackson (6-5, 274, Soph.-1L) 2. (19) Zina Umeozulu (6-5, 272, Jr.-1L) 3. (94) Jamarion Carlton (6-5, 280, Fr.-HS) WLB 1. (3) Rasheem Biles (6-1, 222, Sr.-TR) 2. (45) Darius Snow (6-1, 219, 5YSr.-TR) 3. (30) Rocky Cummings (6-4, 227, Fr.-HS) 4. (23) Jordon Johnson-Rubell (5-10, 212, Jr.-2L) SLB 1. (14) Brad Spence (6-2, 249, Sr.-1L) 2. (18) Kosi Okpala (6-3, 235, Fr.-HS) 3. (92) Colton Vasek (6-5, 252, Sr.-2L) MLB 1. (28) Justin Cryer (6-1, 241, Sr.-TR) 2. (14) Brad Spence (6-2, 249, Sr.-1L) 3. (16) Tyler Atkinson (6-1, 219, Fr.-HS) 4. (44) Markus Boswell (6-1, 228, Soph.-TR) NICKEL 1. (29) Graceson Littleton (6-0, 182, Soph.-1L) 2. (17) Xavier Filsaime (6-1, 193, Jr.-2L) 3. (27) Wardell Mack (6-0, 183, Jr..-1L) CORNERBACK 1. (8) Kade Phillips (6-0, 191, Soph.-1L) 2. (11) Samari Matthews (6-1, 197, Fr.-HS) 3. (0) John Meredith III (6-2, 185, Fr.-HS) 4. (21) Hayward Howard Jr. (6-2, 182, Fr.-HS) CORNERBACK 1. (5) Bo Mascoe (5-11, 199, Sr.-TR) 2. (24) Warren Roberson (6-0, 189, Sr.-2L) 3. (36) Nick Hudson (5-10, 179, 5YSr.-TR) FREE SAFETY 1. (4) Jelani McDonald (6-2, 201, Sr.-3L) 2. (9) Jonah Williams (6-3, 210, Soph.-1L) 3. (25) Toray Davis (6-1, 197, Fr.-HS) 4. (13) Zelus Hicks (6-2, 183, Soph.-SQ) STRONG SAFETY 1. (2) Derek Williams Jr. (6-2, 199, Sr.-2L) 2. (6) Kobe Black (6-2, 202, Jr.-2L) 3. (23) Jordon Johnson-Rubell (5-10, 212, Jr.-2L) 4. (37) Jonathan Cunningham (6-2, 198, Soph.-SQ) 5. (31) Yaheim Riley (5-11, 187, Fr.-HS) SPECIAL TEAMS PUNTER 1. (43) Mac Chiumento (6-4, 228, 5YSr.-TR) 2. (45) Mikey Bukauskas (6-2, 210, Fr.-HS) KICKER 1. (44) Gianni Spetic (6-3, 221, Sr.-TR) 2. (46) Spencer Barnett (6-0, 215, Jr.-1L) 3. (49) Jake Collett (6-0, 182, Fr.-HS) PUNT RETURN 1. (21) Ryan Niblett (5-10, 189, Sr.-1L) 2. (0) Raleek Brown (5-9, 193, 5YSr.-TR) 3. (17) Daylan McCutcheon (5-11, 183, Soph.-1L) KICKOFF RETURN 1. (0) Raleek Brown (5-9, 193, 5YSr.-TR) — AND — (4) Jermaine Bishop Jr. (6-0, 166, Fr.-HS) 2. (5) Derrek Cooper (6-1, 212, Fr.-HS) — AND — (21) Ryan Niblett (5-10, 189, Sr.-1L) View full news story

4-star out of state safety scheduled to attend Texas vs. Ohio State game September 12 4-star 2028 safety CJ Craig-James (Birmingham, Ala./Parker) tells OnTexasFootball he is scheduled to be in Austin for the Texas vs. Ohio State showdown. The 6-3, 185-pounder is scheduled to make the trip with his father and little brothers. Texas offered Craig-James April 23, 2026. He reports 45 offers, including all 16 SEC programs. Another look at the full list: Commits Smithson Valley QB Ty Knutson Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage 2028 QB Neimann Lawrence NOLA Brother Martin WR Easton Royal North Forney WR Briceson Thrower| Gilmer OT Ismael Camara — OFFICIAL VISIT Columbus IOL Keyon Hemphill-Woods Westlake IOL Jackson Cook Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon DL Kasi Currie Wellington (Fla.) Palm Beach Central DL Tyler Alexander Humble Atascocita DL Jason Johnson Mansfield Summit EDGE/DL Cam Hall Vigor (Ala.) EDGE Jabarrius Garror Pearland Shadow Creek CB Brandon Sherrard Garland Lakeview Centennial CB Montre Jackson Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson S Junior Tu’upo 2027 Picayune (Miss.) Memorial DL Jeremiah Mark Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon DL Marcus Fakatou – Ohio State commit 2028 Klein Oak RB Micah Rhodes Alexandria (La.) RB Noble Williams Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin WR Brysen Wright Pearland Shadow Creek WR Jaylen Addai Glassboro (NJ) WR Mekhi Parker North Crowley WR Damarion “Champ” Mays Longview WR Jaden Hurndon Houston CE King WR Dillon Mitchell — MAYBE St. Louis (Mo.) De Smet Jesuit TE Ridge Janes Cy Ranch OT R’Monie Edwards San Augustine OT Jamarios Canton San Antonio Cornerstone Christian OT Jai’Storm Knight Fort Valley (Ga.) Peach County IOL Hunter Hill Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon IOL Lance Ciechanowski Lovejoy IOL Jayden Thompson Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central DL Prince Che Lanier (Miss.) DL Geraci Carson Lyons (Ga.) Toombs County DL Jamarcus Johnson Chicago (ill.) Brother Rice EDGE Kameron McGee Jacksonville (Fla.) The Bolles School EDGE Asher Ghioto **Sylvester (Ga.) Worth County EDGE Malik Muhammad** Buford (Ga.) EDGE Luke Nabors Humble Atascocita EDGE David Dotson San Antonio Harlan LB Deshawn Simmons Ruston LB Shamar Evans **Anaheim (Calif.) Servite LB Allen Kennett** Allen CB Dominic Butler Aledo CB Jordan Hall Lancaster S James Foster III Palos Verdes (Calif.) S Jalen Flowers Atlanta (Texas) ATH CJ Whaley Jacksonville (Fla.) Raines ATH Zion Green 2029 Fort Worth All Saints TE Noah Tarrant Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon DL Stephan Harrison

Updates on a Pair of 2028 Lovejoy (TX) Offensive Tackles *** Made the trip to Lucas, Texas to check out a pair of 2028 offensive tackles who each hold Texas offers on Friday to catch them in action for the first game of their junior seasons. A couple of updates. *** 2028 OL Mac Horton The 6-foot-6-inch, 290-pound prospect spent the entire evening at right tackle, and entered a clean sheet in pass protection during the opener. Horton, a former lacrosse player, hung up his stick and mask after his freshman season to focus on football after seeing college interest come flooding in. Currently, Horton holds 13 offers, including one from the Longhorns which was extended on April 28th. "Definitely just earning that starting spot," Horton said in regard to what was top of mind for him entering 2026. "The seniors graduated last year were really good and I was injured freshman year. So it was a big setback, but I worked my butt off the last three years to get to this and I really tried to work on pad level and striking." Horton added he focused on leadership in the offseason as well, something that definitely showed up in the 56–17 victory over Frisco Reedy. Horton's dad played football at Presbyterian College in South Carolina, his mother was a volleyball star and his grandfather played at Georgia. So athleticism runs in the family. With the connection to Georgia, Horton said he grew up watching the Bulldogs, but ever since recruiting heated up, every school is viewed on an equal playing surface. Ole Miss, SMU, Georgia, Texas, Arizona State, and LSU have all been schools hitting the telephone hard after Horton. Fall Game Schedule: Sept. 5: Texas A&M Sept. 19: Ole Miss (vs. LSU) Nov. 14: Georgia (vs. Missouri) TBD: SMU TBD: Texas Horton said he heard from Kyle Flood and Steve Sarkisian each a couple of weeks ago, adding that they have been in touch since receiving his offer in the spring. "I went there for spring ball, and then Coach Flood came and he gave me the offer (at Lovejoy) real quick. It was one of the coolest experiences ever." Horton said he didn't know the offer was coming, but he was completely shocked when Flood extended the offer to him. "Great school, great coaching and produce some of the best players in the country. They seem to truly care to play for their players and they just have an amazing program." Texas will host Horton at some point this season. *** 2028 OL Jayden Thompson The left tackle at Lovejoy High has been a hot commodity on the recruiting trail as well. Going into his junior season, 6-foot-5-inch, 300-pound left tackle Jayden Thompson sits with 18 offers in his back pocket and plenty more to come after firmly being on college radars for about a year now. Thompson received his Texas offer back in March after visiting Austin for a spring practice and now has his sights set on putting together a monster junior season. "I really want to show that I can exceed to where I was my sophomore year, and that I am a better player than what they have seen last year," Thompson said. "I want to show that I have improved physically and that my knowledge of assignments, and the little things of the game ensure that I am taking the right steps." Thompson did not allow a pressure in the win over Reedy which saw the Leopards rack up over 600 yards of total offense in the process. He added that no sacks or missed assignments is the goal on a week to week basis for him. "One thing for me was pad level and footwork with pad level," Thompson said. "Making sure that I am lower and not giving up my chest to anyone. So when I am low, I am engaging properly and driving off the ball." I mentioned it above, but Thompson has already drawn interest from plenty of schools around the state and beyond. SMU, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, and a few others are set to host Thompson for games this season. The Texas trip will come September 12th against Ohio State, a game Thompson said he is pumped to catch in person. In regard to his relationship with Kyle Flood and the Longhorn staff, Thompson said he feels like a genuine connection is brewing. "He seems really interested in me, and seems like a really good coach who cares for you more as a person than a football player which is something that I look for in coaches," Thompson said. "The attitude (at Texas), and the demeanor they keep there has helped them build up their program to what it is today." Things are very early for Thompson, as you would expect for most 2028's. But he said development is key for him. Leaving as a better football player and person in general than what you arrived as is key for him. Other offers so far for Thompson include Arizona, Houston, Missouri, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, TCU, Wisconsin and plenty of others. *** Will have updates on both players following their trips to Austin this fall. Texas has both firmly on their radars.

Trevor Goosby Update (took part in practice) A source told OTF late last night that All-SEC left tackle Trevor Goosby has begun light jogging/running in his rehab process to get back on the field. He's progressing as expected. The source still doesn't expect him to play vs. Texas State, as of now. It's a very minor update I know, but just wanted to update you guys on the latest I heard. I'm quite sure Steve Sarkisian will have more on Goosby at the 11:30am game week press conference. Steve Sarkisian just said Trevor Goosby took part in practice today. To what extent, he didn’t go into.

Tell us where you're checking in from tonight! I'm at Westlake-Inglewood (CA) to see Jackson Cook and the sky looks super ominous.

Hi Longhorn nation! Drop your Longhorn memorabilia in the thread here. I'm 27 so just getting started, but I'll start. Acquired some new ones between the two images but, A Ricky signed jersey with "HT 98" and a VY signed jersey. I've got the Colt Mccoy signed picture as well. The 3 frames on the wall were sent by the University after I wrote them a letter in grade school for a school project! 2 of them are trading cards maybe? that I just kept together and framed and the other is a picture with the entire 2009 team, signed by all the players. Feel grateful and lucky to acquire these, thank you for sharing below!

A source close to the Ohio State commit Marcus Fakatou tells OTF that the five-star defensive lineman intends on visiting Texas for the Ohio State game on Sept. 12. This will mark Fakatou's second game visit at DKR after taking in Texas-Texas A&M last November. He returned in April and then again for an official visit in June. Recruit through the whistle...

We'll hear from some Texas players here shortly. Stay tuned for updates.

“This is exactly what Texas needed.” The retired long time DC in the SEC loves the hire of Muschamp. “Texas needed to be more physical. He’s a perfect fit for that.”

Following the dismissal of Ty'Anthony Smith, the question about Texas being in the market for one of these new portal linebackers has popped up. Immediately, the one that comes to mind is reigning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, LB Trent Hendrick, who was one of the players recently granted a TRO to return to college football. A decision is set to come this afternoon for Hendrick, and OTF has learned the Longhorns are not expected to be the pick. There was brief communication per a source, but nothing beyond that. Look for UCLA to bring in a new linebacker when the decision comes.

TyAnthony Smith’s departure from the Texas football program didn’t catch Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns by surprise. Nevertheless, there’s never a good time for a starting-caliber player and a college football program to part ways, especially two weeks before the season starts. With Smith out of the picture, there are a few things to consider about where Texas goes from here. — Rasheem Biles was already one of the most indispensable Longhorns on the 2026 squad. While his status doesn’t change in the wake of Smith’s departure, Justin Cryer is suddenly significantly higher on the list of players Texas can least afford to lose. Behind Biles and Cryer, Darius Snow (232 snaps played last season at Michigan State, according to Pro Football Focus) and Markus Boswell (199 snaps at Akron in 2025) are the only experienced scholarship linebackers in Johnny Nansen’s room (Brady Sarkisian has 20 career snaps, according to PFF). Brad Spence has a specific role as the overhang linebacker in Will Muschamp’s defense, but he’s limited as an off-the-ball defender playing in space. Smith’s departure means there’s no margin for error. The Longhorns are one stroke of bad luck away from being in a world of hurt at the second level. — Could Texas go into the transfer portal for help? “Never say never,” is what a source told On Texas Football earlier in the week (the comment was regarding the roster in general, not linebacker specifically). It’s not as simple as targeting an experienced player with the most skins on the wall and putting forth a competitive NIL package to add another body to the room. Even before scouting comes into play, the Longhorns would have to target players who have rock-solid cases for remaining eligible in 2026. The focus would then shift to acclimation on the field (two practices in helmets only, two in shells and then full-pads practices would be green-lit under NCAA rules) and how quickly Muschamp and Nansen could get the new acquisition up to speed. It’s a nuanced process and would be something the staff would have to vet quickly, but searching the portal for linebacker help is a road Texas might travel. — What about converting a player from another position to add depth? Jonathan Cunningham, who has worked with the secondary throughout camp, has spent time at linebacker since getting to campus. Jordon Johnson-Rubell has also been in the linebacker room, giving the coaches two immediate options if adding numbers at the position is a priority. Other than the two defensive backs, there aren’t any slam-dunk options for position conversions. Similar to the portal, an unexpected position conversion would likely focus developing a player who can provide depth late in the season, potentially when it's all hands on deck for a deep run in the College Football Playoff. — The most realistic option Muschamp and Nansen have is to get the three true freshmen (Tyler Atkinson, Rocky Cummings and Kosi Okpala) up to speed and ready for action in a hurry. The Longhorns’ ability to control the two non-Power Four non-conference games against Texas State and UTSA is now paramount for the expedited development of the young linebackers. Those are the only two games on the schedule where the coaches can plan for the three freshmen to play consequential snaps. That will likely only happen if the outcome isn’t in doubt in the second half against the Bobcats and Roadrunners, respectively. Nothing about what the Longhorns are facing is ideal. Although Texas having better front-line players at linebacker or safety is debatable, it's also fair to say the Smith news allowed the former to overtake the latter as the biggest positional question mark on defense in 2026. View full news story

AUSTIN, Texas — Steve Sarkisian’s prayers — along with those of Trevor Goosby, his family and Longhorn fans who waited with bated breath for the official word on the severity of the left knee injury Goosby sustained in practice on Monday — were answered when Texas’ franchise left tackle was diagnosed with a bone bruise. “I was glad I went to church,” Sarkisian said after Saturday’s scrimmage. Sarkisian, who met with the media on Zoom after wrapping up the scrimmage, which came with two weeks to go until the Sept. 5 season opener against Texas State, said Goosby “is making really good progress.” While the Longhorns took the field for their second camp scrimmage without the 6-foot-7-inch, 325-pound Goosby available, he’s expected back sooner rather than later. That’s a much better outcome than the initial concern that Texas might’ve lost its 2025 All-SEC bookend for an extended period of time to a non-contact injury. “Those are probably more scary than contact injuries," Sarkisian said. "Why did that occur non-contact? Why did he kind of buckle the way that he did? We were on grass. It wasn't during the day; it wasn't too hot to where he didn't have his balance. “That was as good of news as we could've received,” he added. “For that to be the result back, it was definitely a sigh of relief.” With Goosby on the mend, Andre Cojoe has made the most of his opportunity. The 6-foot-6-inch, 339-pound Cojoe, who took all of the first-team snaps at left tackle on Saturday, On Texas Football has learned, has come on strong enough that Sarkisian publicly gave him the nod as the team’s No. 3 tackle behind Goosby and Melvin Siani heading into the season. “The fact that he's getting these quality reps right now with the ones and having to block Colin (Simmons) and Lance (Jackson) and Zina (Umeozulu) and those guys, and Rasheem Biles coming off the edge, I think those are great opportunities for him,” Sarkisian said of Cojoe, who was competing with Brandon Baker for the starting right tackle job last preseason before he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Sarkisian acknowledged that the road to recovery for an offensive lineman attempting to return from a knee injury can be arduous. Nevertheless, Cojoe’s work has positioned him to be the first offensive tackle off the bench for what has the potential to be one of the most explosive and productive offenses in the country in 2026, a little more than a year after his injury. “He's got his weight to where, you know, he's a big man, but he's light on his feet,” Sarkisian said. “He can move. He's explosive.” Sarkisian said Cojoe will come out of the scrimmage having learned more about the physical and mental conditioning required to play consistently well for upwards of 70 snaps against top-notch competition. Still, Saturday capped off a week in which the fourth-year lineman’s stock is on the rise. “I would argue there were two or three days this week you didn't notice that it was him at left tackle,” Sarkisian said. “That's a great thing as an offensive lineman. When you're not noticing who it is, that just means the guy is doing his job really well.” The strides made by Cojoe and Dylan Sikorski, who took the bulk of the first-team left guard snaps throughout the week and in Saturday’s scrimmage as Laurence Seymore works through what Sarkisian said was an “injury hiccup” coming out of the first camp scrimmage, have gone a long way toward Sarkisian and Kyle Flood fielding the kind of depth the Longhorns lacked last season. Sarkisian expects Seymore to be back on the practice field on Monday, but the progress of Cojoe and Sikorski has Sarkisian feeling good about how things are unfolding on the left side of the offensive line. “I do think we're going to get the left side back, but on the same token, I do think these reps are good for these guys because, knock on wood, I don't know if, when, what, how injuries might occur in season,” Sarkisian said. “The fact that these guys are getting some reps with our ones against high-level defenders, I think is good for them, preparing them for the season.” Even though Sarkisian admitted that Cojoe isn’t a finished product, he’s liked what he’s seen from the Mansfield Timberview product throughout camp enough to believe Texas is better equipped now than it was in 2025 to handle sudden lineup changes in the trenches. “He's still got room to grow and still can continue to improve, but I have been pleased with his ability to step in at that position,” Sarkisian said of Cojoe. “I think it gives us confidence for the future if something were to occur that he could step in and play well for us.” View full news story

Defining players for the 2026 team A question for the OnTexasFootball community. What provides the opportunity for a team to accomplish special things in a season isn't just about the known stars have strong seasons, but the players that go to another level or go beyond the expectations of the coaching staff. Texas needs at least five or six players to make that leap or just go beyond what Steve Sarkisian and staff thought when recruited from the portal or high school. For me, there are a number of candidates and players that are needed to be those players in 2026. Who are your defining players? These are mine. 1. Jonah Williams - The second year safety is one of the most gifted player in the program, period. Whether it's athletically or as a playmaker, he's an elite talent even in a very talented program. If Williams stays healthy and becomes a player at the safety opposite Jelani McDonald, the ceiling of the secondary and defense goes to another level. 2. Melvin Siani - Sark already told the fan base Siani is looking like one of those guys. Texas knew he was a talented pass protector when they recruited him, but he's bringing piss and vinegar as a run blocker. With his frame, if he's equally as talented as a run blocker and pass blocker, he will ascend on NFL draft boards. That would give Texas two OT's that will be top 3 round picks, and change the trajectory of an OL that also has a future top 3 round pick in Brandon Baker. 3. Bo Mascoe - This one is already coming home, and it began in the spring. Texas did go into the spring with multiple questions at corner. Mascoe has taken away one question, and in spades. He's also the No. 2 nickel. 4. Kade Phillips - Phillips has to come through and be a very good player, period. This schedule has too many talented QB's and WR's to have a question at a corner spot. Phillips is how you draw up a corner physically. Texas doesn't have to have him be an All-SEC pick level corner in year two, but they need to have him play like a future top 3 round type pick this season. The margins are very thin with this schedule, and the corner spot opposite Mascoe must come through. 5. Brad Spence - The change at DC will benefit Spence more than any other defender. Now, Texas needs him to be a top 2-3 pass rusher on this team and a physical contact player that impacts the run game too. Spence is an easy pick for me to have a better season than expected coming off of 2025, but also down the list because he's already proven at Arkansas before Texas wasted a year with him in 2025. 6. Justin Cryer - Cryer has to be the 'thumper' at linebacker, point blank. He's the guy. Muschamp's defense has to have that bigger, physical thumper. Stopping the run is No. 1, 2 and 3 for the Texas defense. In order for the Longhorns to maximize in that capacity, Cryer has to be a consistent and productive player vs. the run. He is a proven player in that regard, so he's down the list. He's also already showing the signs that he could go beyond what was initially expected when recruited out of the portal. 7. Lance Jackson - This one is easy. Jackson needs to look like a future top 3 draft pick this season. He has to be more than a run defender, and has the ability to. Even if his best pass rush ability is when he spins inside on 3rd downs, he has to help provide pass rush. This could also be a Jackson-Umeozulu combo, but the spot Colin Simmons needs to be productive to maximize this defense. Jackson is a very good scheme fit for Muschamp, and there are expectations he makes a big jump in year two. 8. Nick Townsend - Michael Masunas is a very solid inline TE. Townsend brings a different dimension. He's pound-for-pound one of the best athletes in the program. He's more than a willing blocker, and Texas should be very solid blocking at the TE position. The staff needs Townsend to be a dependable pass catcher in year two, and sprinkle in some explosive plays at the TE position. He's absolutely the best option at TE in that regard. For the offense to maximize, he needs to become that level player. Every player a opponent has to be weary of, the more consistent the Texas offense will become. 9. Maraad Watson - Watson is down the list because he's already a known talent. The former freshman All-American was not healthy the last half of 2025. I'm of the believe Will Muschamp is going to help take him to another level, and Watson is currently the best chance of an interior defensive line to become a consistent disruptor. Watson is having a very good fall camp, and appears to be heading in that direction. 10. Laurence Seymore III - Already a proven player, Texas needs one thing from Seymore III. A nasty disposition. That's it. Siani and Seymore III both brining pissed off on contact mentality to this line and offense is absolutely needed to maximize the run game. If this happens, the OL will appear totally different on contact in 2026.

I mentioned this on the Recruiting Breakdown this week ... Georgia linebacker commit Joakim Gouda told OTF earlier this week that he continues to hear from Texas despite his commitment to the Bulldogs. He originally had a summer official visit locked in to Austin before committing to UGA and cancelling his other trips. So he has that OV in his back pocket if he decides to take a trip out here. I asked him if he planned to. "Possibly," he replied. Just keep it in your back pocket. There's been no indication that he's wavering on Georgia to this point. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19308460/68d1d6ca8a61b935346c4b91

The simplest explanation as to why Texas’ time at the College World Series ended after three games, two of which were losses to Georgia, including a 2-0 season-ending defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs on Tuesday, is that the offense didn't do enough to back up an overall winning performance by the pitching staff. The Longhorns got the bulk of their production in Omaha from the middle of the order, with Ethan Mendoza, Anthony Pack Jr. and Adrian Rodriguez doing most of the damage Jim Schlossnagle’s bats inflicted. Those three, who could all potentially return to form the nucleus of the 2027 squad, went a combined 17-for-34 at the plate, scored seven of the team’s 15 runs, drove in 14 and recorded six extra-base hits (including home runs by Pack and Rodriguez in Monday’s 14-2 rout of Alabama). The rest of the Longhorn lineup had a woeful 4-for-61 showing in Omaha, recording 26 of the offense’s 33 strikeouts. Blake Peterson’s RBI groundout late in the win over the Crimson Tide was the team’s only RBI in Omaha that didn’t come from Mendoza, Pack or Rodriguez, with Aiden Robbins’ leadoff double against Alabama accounting for the only extra-base hit that didn’t come from the aforementioned trio. Texas wouldn’t have gotten to Omaha if not for the efforts of Robbins and Carson Tinney. Nevertheless, the All-American transfer tandem went 3-for-20 in what’s expected to be their only respective College World Series appearances in burnt orange, accounting for twice as many strikeouts (10) as runs scored (five). In hindsight, unexpectedly losing Jack Moroknek and Kaleb Freeman to the draft and Jonah Williams to an early-season shoulder injury lowered the offense’s ceiling. Robbins and Tinney carried the Longhorns as far as they could. While Mendoza, Pack and Rodriguez did their parts to pick up the slack, Texas didn’t get enough offensively from the bottom of the order, which had to rely on projected reserves Ashton Larson and Dariyan Pendergrass to step into everyday roles, alongside utility man Temo Becerra and veteran corner infielder Casey Borba. Considering what the final product looked like compared to what Schlossnagle and Troy Tulowitzki envisioned it would be last summer, the staff maximized the offense’s potential. There just wasn’t enough juice left to squeeze to get by Georgia and into the national semifinals. *** The draft and the transfer portal will force Schlossnagle’s staff to work feverishly to reload for the 2027 season. Robbins and Tinney will be drafted high enough that the thought of either returning to Texas is, at best, a pipe dream. The premium Schlossnagle puts on his catcher means replacing Tinney (Ian Armstrong of St. Mary’s and Nolan Traeger of TCU, who’s rumored to be headed to Arkansas, are the top portal candidates with Clemson’s Nate Savoie recently committing to Texas A&M) might be the staff’s highest priority in the portal. With Pack returning for his sophomore season and Williams coming off injury, expect the Longhorns to target at least two outfielders to compete for the jobs left open by Robbins and Pendergrass (out of eligibility). Texas has already added Texas Tech's Linkin Garcia to the infield mix for next season, specifically with the idea that he’ll play third base. Rodriguez will be back for his junior season, but what happens beyond those two spots is up in the air, especially with the impending decisions facing Mendoza and Borba. Specifically, it’s where in the draft either gets selected (if they’re taken) and what a potential signing bonus would look like compared to the financial package Texas could offer for either to return. If Borba returns, sources have told On Texas Football that it would be to play first base. He and Mendoza can also offer the Longhorns flexibility with the designated hitter role (especially with Mendoza’s shoulder preventing him from playing second base for the last month of the season). Maddox Monsour can provide depth in the outfield or as a middle infielder. Monsour, Larson and Presley Courville are among the projected returnees who can create competition for spots in the fall and winter. *** Schlossnagle has already expressed his excitement regarding Sam Cozart joining the starting rotation as a sophomore. Cozart and Dylan Volantis will form arguably the best 1-2 punch in the country, which on its own makes Texas a contender to win the SEC and get back to Omaha in 2027. Luke Harrison and Ruger Riojas are gone, along with Max Grubbs (who underwent season-ending elbow surgery in May). Schlossnagle has indicated that Thomas Burns is likely to leave school via the draft and Haiden Leffew is draft-eligible. While the Longhorns will look for at least two pitchers in the portal, whether they target starters or relievers depends on how Schlossnagle and Max Weiner view the roles of the freshmen who will be back as sophomores. Brett Crossland was one of the team’s most reliable bullpen hands, Brody Walls seemed to gain confidence with each outing and Michael Winter bounced back from a midseason absence, putting up 2.2 scoreless innings in the NCAA Tournament. View full news story