The Texas Longhorns are one of the most prestigious programs of all time. Unfortunately, they seem to have fallen off the wagon as of late. With perennial expectations of Texas being “back” and never succeeding, they have become the butt of jokes throughout the country. Is this finally the year Texas breaks through?
Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 19 existed): 5*… As I said, they are one of the most well-known brands of all time, but prestige is also dependent on recent success, which Texas has none of, this is why they drop to a 5.
Last Year’s Record: 7-6 (5-4 Big 12)
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: 5
QB Sam Ehlinger, WR Collin Johnson, WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey, OL Patrick Vahe, OL Zach Shackelford
Texas doesn’t bring back a whole lot on offense, personnel wise, but numbers wise, they do pretty well. They bring back both QBs that played significant time last year… Ehlinger (who was their leading passer and rusher) and Shane Buechele. The QBs also bring back elite receiving threat Collin Johnson, as well as 2nd leading receiver from last year, Lil’Jordan Humphrey. They also bring back a solid running back in Daniel Young, who led team RBs in yards last year, despite not leading the RBs in carries.
Defense: 6
DL Chris Nelson, LB Malcolm Roach, LB Anthony Wheeler, DB Kris Boyd, DB PJ Locke, DB Brandon Jones
The Longhorns have a decent bit to replace on defense, including their two stars, who we will get to later. They only bring back two of their top five tacklers from last year, Jones and Boyd. Boyd was also one of the players with interceptions last year for the Horns. They need to replace a lot of tackles/sacks in the front seven, but they get some boosts from others, such as Breckyn Hager, who didn’t start last year, but played meaningful time and put up good stats on last year’s defense. Expect a drop off for the defense this year.
Special Teams: 0.5
KR Kris Boyd
Boyd was their leader for kick returns last year, but he only counts for a half as he was not the teams punt returner. In addition to replacing a punt returner, they also need to replace two kickers, who, while they struggled from FG range, never missed an XP all year. Lastly, they will need to replace All-American punter Michael Dickson, who averaged 47.4 yards per punt.
Key Losses:
RB Kyle Porter, OL Connor Williams, WR Reggie Hemphill-Mapps, LB Malik Jefferson, DB DeShon Elliott, P Michael Dickson
Porter led all RBs in carries for the team last year, in addition, the unmentioned Chris Warren also had significant carries for the Horns last year. Williams was an absolute stud on the OL, and they will miss his leadership on the OL, as well as his ability to perform. While they bring back their top receiver, they will need to replace their 2nd best receiver, Hemphill-Mapps, who was also the team’s punt returner. Malik Jefferson was by far the team leader in tackles last season, and his experience and skill will not be able to be replaced. They also need to replace Elliott who was their 2nd leader in tackles, as well as the leader for interceptions. Lastly, as special teams are an integral part of success, the Longhorns will miss the contributions of star punter Michael Dickson.
Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 14
With Texas being the perennial hotbed of the best HS talent the country has to offer, this number needs to improve from Texas. Due to them being in a down-trend recently, recruiting has dropped. The arrival of Tom Herman last year, should he choose to stay for a while, will assuredly boost recruiting, as will success, should Texas also get that. Their main goal should be keeping kids home, rather than going out of the state to bring in others.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans By Seasons End:
Heineken. They’re a very well known brand, so many people assume it will be good, but it certainly doesn’t live up to expectations and continually lets people down.
The Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team:
Lil’Jordan Humphrey. I couldn’t pass up this name because it sounds like a rappers name. His parents actually decided to put “Lil” on the front of their son’s name, absolute insanity.
Outlook: Texas’ schedule has me conflicted. Their non-con isn’t terribly difficult, but it also isn’t easy, with a matchup with USC in week 3. Their conference schedule is well split into home and away games vs tough teams. They go on the road to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, but get to host TCU and WVU. Texas will almost assuredly make a bowl game this year, but they will be looking to make the next jump… into conference championship contention. I still believe they are at least another year out until they can threaten the Sooners.