As the first week of spring practice wraps up for the Texas Longhorns, a group of second-year players is making waves, showcasing their growth and potential.
With Arch Manning easing into the year, redshirt freshman quarterback K.J. Lacey has seized the opportunity to take most of the first-team reps.
Lacey's performance has been nothing short of impressive, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy and the ability to navigate the pocket under pressure. His arm strength, particularly the zip on his throws, has turned heads, a notable improvement from his freshman year in 2025.
Lacey's tight spirals and well-layered throws have been a highlight, even if much of the work has been against air. His deep connections with receivers like Cam Coleman, Kaliq Lockett, and Daylan McCutcheon have been a testament to his burgeoning talent. With Manning on the mend, Lacey is giving the coaching staff confidence in their quarterback depth.
Among the other standout sophomores and redshirt freshmen are DE Lance Jackson, OT Jordan Coleman, DT Josiah Sharma, and S Ziky Umeozulu.
Lance Jackson has bulked up by 15 pounds since last year, a change that promises to enhance his performance against the run. Coach Will Muschamp appears to have big plans for Jackson, utilizing him in multiple roles both on the interior and edge.
On the offensive side, Jordan Coleman has emerged as a key player. Originally recruited as an interior lineman like his brother Devin, Jordan has transitioned to left tackle, stepping up with the first team while Trevor Goosby is sidelined. His improved physique and versatility have been crucial.
Defensive tackle Josiah Sharma is another player who has caught the coaches' attention. He's in better shape this year, and the coaching staff is optimistic about his potential impact at nose tackle in his sophomore season.
Perhaps the most surprising development has been Ziky Umeozulu's rise at safety. Transitioning from a special teams role to taking second-team reps at strong safety, Umeozulu's progress underscores his hard work and potential to contribute significantly this season.
As the Longhorns continue their spring preparations, these young players are proving that the future is bright in Texas. Their development is a promising sign for the team's depth and versatility heading into the new season.