Texas is bringing in a freshman class that could do more than just learn on the fly. The Longhorns will lean on veteran pieces, rising sophomores, and transfer help this season, but there’s still a path for a few newcomers to crack the rotation early.
That path could open right away in Week 1 against the Texas State Bobcats, when a big early lead might create garbage-time snaps that turn into something more meaningful down the line. And three freshmen stand out as the best bets to make noise.
Jermaine Bishop Jr. looks like the most obvious candidate to become part of the passing game. With Arch Manning expected to run the offense and Trevor Goosby protecting him at left tackle, Texas should have room to work the ball downfield.
Cam Coleman is set to be Manning’s top target, Ryan Wingo is a familiar safety valve, and Bishop could be another name that keeps showing up. At Willis, he was nearly a 2,000-yard receiver as a senior and caught 20 touchdown passes.
He brings the hands and speed to turn catches into extra yardage, and he may be able to win snaps in the slot over Emmett Mosley as a short-area threat on slants and in routes.
Tyler Atkinson is another freshman with a real shot to get on the field. The EDGE defender also has the flexibility to move inside, which gives Texas options when it needs depth or a specific package.
At Grayson, he piled up 553 career tackles and 39.5 career sacks, and that kind of production fits what Will Muschamp likes from his players. The questions are straightforward: can he hold up against athletic SEC tight ends in coverage, and can he work through the A Gap against massive interior offensive lines?
Based on what he has already shown, the answer could be yes, and by November he may be a rotation player.
Samari "Smoke" Matthews rounds out the group, and cornerback is the kind of spot where a freshman can sometimes step in sooner than expected. Matthews comes from William A.
Hough High School, one of North Carolina’s strongest football programs in 7A/8A competition. His senior stat line only included two interceptions, but he still earned North Carolina Mr.
Football honors and became the first defensive player ever to win it. That tells you how highly he was regarded as a corner.
If Rutgers transfer Bo Mascoe has issues in individual coverage early, Matthews could be next in line for snaps.
In Other News...
Texas May Have Found The Answer For Ohio States Biggest Weapon
Jeremiah Smith has already given Texas a couple of chances to test its defensive plan against Ohio States most dangerous weapon, and the Longhorns have come away feeling as if theyve found something workable. In the 2024 Cotton Bowl, Texas leaned on a two-high safety look and bracket coverage to make life difficult for the junior receiver, then followed that up in the next meeting with a more physical approach that cut down on the extra help over the top.
For Texas, the bigger question now is whether that blueprint travels the next time these teams line up. Smith is the kind of receiver who can change a game with a handful of plays, which is why any defense that slows him down without overcommitting has to treat the plan as more than a one-off. If the Longhorns keep mixing leverage, bodies and coverage help the way they have before, they may have found a credible answer to Ohio States biggest threat. [Read more 🡒]
Marcus Spears Jr. Is Giving Texas Fans A Reason To Dream
There is a lot to like around Texas basketball as the Longhorns begin sorting out their pieces for the upcoming season, and true freshman Marcus Spears Jr. has already added to the buzz. The early looks in practice suggest he is settling in with ease, fitting into drills with a comfort level that has stood out on a roster getting a boost from a highly ranked recruiting class and transfer additions.
Sean Miller also has reason to feel encouraged by the way the rest of the group is coming together. Returning center Matas Vokietaitis has been praised for his physical condition, and the backcourt has another welcome development with Isaiah Johnson back on the floor after his thumb injury, giving Texas a fuller picture of what this roster could look like once everything starts to click. [Read more 🡒]