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Off-season narratives are starting to creep into the conversation. Yesterday alone, two different national reporters/analysts - Andy Staples and David Pollack - chose Texas to win the 2025 national championship. And Arch Manning was projected to be a second-team All-American. While Texas is immensely talented, I find it hard to believe that the Horns are the likely favorite for a national championship in 2025. IMO, Penn State is the clear front-runner for the title, returning the lion's share of a team that also made it to the semifinals. Their quarterback and two best offensive weapons, both All-American picks by the way, have decided to return. Meanw…

Stanford defensive end David Bailey chose Texas Tech over Texas and others yesterday evening. We got a feel it might be headed in that direction earlier in the day. Tech allegedly made a significantly higher NIL offer. That’s unsurprising. Orchestrated largely by mega-booster Cody Campbell, Tech has been extraordinarily aggressive in the transfer portal. Campbell appears to be trying to leave no stone unturned prior to the House Settlement announcement next week. They will clearly have the most talented overall roster in the Big 12 next season. At the end of the day, we’ll see how it turns out for Bailey and Tech. The Red Raiders still have an unp…

That didn't take long! The Texas Longhorns have their new kicker with the commitment of former Texas State K Mason Shipley. Texas hosted Shipley on campus this afternoon and quickly get the deal done. Shipley had previously been at Oklahoma and had been courted by a number of other programs. In the last two years in San Marcos, Shipley went 30–34 on FG attempts. View full news story

As CJ reported on Tuesday, Michael Taaffe sported a green non-contact jersey in practice. Of note, Taaffe is seeing more and more action at nickel in an effort to get the best five DBs on the field simultaneously. This is at least partially influenced by the fact that Derrick Williams has looked really good in his return from injury. Remember, Williams was the starter last season ahead of both Jelani McDonald and Andrew Mukuba prior to injury. ** The fight for the back-up quarterback spot is really heating up. Matthew Caldwell has brought a level of stability and professionalism to the back-up role that Trey Owens must match. Owens, as a thro…

Friday Recruiting Nuggets *** A decision is heading is coming August 12 for 2026 IMG Academy EDGE Jake Kreul with Texas, Ole Miss and Oklahoma being the final contenders. Based off of conversations this week, Oklahoma has all but conceded this race for the 6-foot-3-inch edge rusher. This was a recruitment earlier in the cycle that was headlined by the efforts of Oklahoma and Florida, though it has since shifted over the last month to the Longhorns becoming a significant player. As things sit today, I am leaning towards more good news for the Longhorns in their 2026 class. *** Some game visit news! Only six true home games on the slate fo…

We’ve spent a lot of time the last week discussing the Ohio State offense and Ryan Day’s decision to go with Julian Sayin at quarterback. So I think it’s time we explore the other side of the ball a little more - the Buckeye defense. In 2024, Texas was pretty darn salty on defense. Ohio State was even better. The Buckeyes finished the season ranked no. 1 in the country in yards allowed per game (254ypg), points allowed per game (12.9ppg), red zone scoring (60pct) and yards allowed per play (4ypp). Everyone feared the vaunted Ohio State offense. But just as was the case with Texas a year ago, it was actually their defense that led the way. Th…

We’re less than 24 hours from National Signing Day. Texas currently sits at 24 commitments. Defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland is the only pledge who appears poised to choose elsewhere (North Carolina). Meanwhile, Texas is looking to add an elite player or two. The three who appear remaining on the board are OL Brysten Martinez of Honzales, La., OL Malakai Lee of Honolulu, Haw., and DB Toray Davis of Boulder, Colo. Martinez and Lee are currently committed elsewhere, LSU and Michigan, respectively. Davis is expected to come down to Texas and Washington. ** Offensive linemen don’t have many stats, so I’ll give you those of Davis. His produ…

Hopefully Notre Dame getting left out of the playoffs forces changes to the college football playoff. But given Notre Dame’s apparent automatic-in if they’re in the top 12 next year, the impetus won’t come from the Irish. Instead, it’s going to have to emanate from the commissioners of the SEC and Big 10. They hold the keys. The commissioners have at least an extra month to re-work the CFP for next year. I hope they get it to at least 16 teams, if not 24. ** The value placed on bowls is obviously diminishing. Sure, it’s a good opportunity for teams and players to further hone their craft through 15 practices and a game. But some programs…

After taking a short break for Christmas, most Texas players returned to campus late yesterday afternoon. The team is leaving for Orlando later today on a chartered plane. They’ll have a round of practices over the next four days followed by the game on Wednesday. ** According to ESPN, Michigan is focusing its efforts on Kyle Whittingham, the former Utah coach, to serve as its next head coach. The move wouldn’t affect next week’s Citrus Bowl - unless some players decide to opt out - but it would certainly impact the Longhorns’ game with the Wolverines in Austin in 2027. Whittingham is known as a defense-first head coach. ** Gerry reporte…

Texas Longhorns resume and more: Everything on the line the next 7 SEC games The Texas Longhorns handled the last two weeks exactly like what was required. Winning three of four, including three in a row, has positioned the Horns to earn a NCAA Tournament berth with seven games to go. The road to 9-9 to be a lock will not be easy, however. Texas is going to be favored in two of the seven remaining games - vs. LSU and vs. Oklahoma. The other five, Texas will not be the favorite in Las Vegas. Texas currently sits at 6-5. There is one loss 90% guaranteed - Florida. Texas does not match up well with Florida, and the Gators are a much better team. It's college basket…

Texas basketball roster in 2026-27 checks every box The Texas Longhorns are going to be a better team in every way in year two under Sean Miller. Whether it's the eye test, if you look at analytics or simply trust the roster built plus player development - the answer is clear. Texas has given it's self a chance to be a competitor with the highest ranked teams in country, and the Longhorns will be one of those ranked in the top 8-12 nationally. OTF takes a look at the boxes that I wanted to have checked going into the 2026-27 season to ensure the Longhorns are in position to goes head-to-head with any opponent, and in style of fight. NBA and pro tale…

The Longhorns are fresh off their national championship, but that isn’t stopping head coach Mike White from getting busy in the portal. I’m told that the Longhorns will play host to Arizona State catcher Samantha Swan today. A Georgetown native, Swan would immediately fill the role that belonged to Reese Atwood. View full news story

Texas 2025 class: Build your class June is almost here. That means Texas is two months away from having more than 20 commitments in the 2025 class. OnTexasFootball is providing the June official visitors by position, and all of you guys build your own class. That also means looking numbers in the class, overall and by position. Quarterback K.J. Lacey, QB, Saraland (Ala.) High #AllGasNoBrakes OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star Running back James Simon, RB, Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star Rickey Stewart, RB, Tyler (Texas) Chapel Hill #AllGasNoBrakes OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star Wide receiver …

July 3rd evening recruiting nuggets OnTexasFootball provides some nuggets on this July 4th eve... Lamont Rogers, OT, Mesquite (Texas) Horn The 6-7, 290 pound athletic offensive tackle remains scheduled to announce July 6. Rogers had a FaceTime call with members of the Texas staff this afternoon. OTF continues to believe that Missouri and Texas are the most likely destinations, with Oklahoma and Texas A&M swinging. Where FSU is in the race is a bit of a mystery. Staying on the OL OnTexasFootball continues to believe that the Horns remain in a good position for Cedar Rapids (Ia.) John F. Kennedy 4-star OL Nick Brooks. Georgia and USC are the o…

Texas 2025 Recruiting Board: Updated The recruiting board for the Texas Longhorns continues to shuffle with some additions ahead of the 2024 season. Texas currently sits at 15 commitments with a class that could go as high 24 or 25 signees by December 4. Steve Sarkisian and staff are awaiting as many as ten decisions prior to the end of the summer with wide receiver and defensive back most impacted by those announcements. The Longhorns will also continue to evaluate players during their senior season, so this list is expected to have a few additions. A reminder that Xavier Filsaime and Aaron Butler did not have an offer this time a year ago. Quarte…

So what did you think of Arch Manning? In my eyes, he was equal parts terrific yet still very human. He showed glimpses of why he was rated the nation’s No. 1 ranked QB while also being a first-time starter. That deep ball to Isaiah Bond? To Matthew Golden? Things of beauty. Overthrowing Jaydon Blue twice? Repeatedly throwing into coverage? Not so much. It just goes to show that even the ones who have elite talent still need a warming up period; they need experience. It was a solid performance. Not the best debut for a Texas QB ever nor the worst. Arch finished 15-29 for 258 yards with two TDs and two INTs. Once upon a time, another…

Texas QB Quinn Ewers practiced on Monday says Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian added in his Monday press conference that Ewers would be listed as "questionable" for this weekend's game against Mississippi State. "He has to do enough (in practice) to show me he can play," Sarkisian said about Ewers' availability. View full news story

The latest AP Top 25 has released. Texas comes in at No. 2 in the latest poll. Alabama takes the top spot. *** Alabama Texas Ohio State Tennessee Georgia Oregon Penn State Miami Missouri Michigan USC Ole Miss LSU Notre Dame Clemson Iowa State BYU Utah Oklahoma Kansas State Boise State Louisville Indiana Illinois UNLV Arizona, Pittsburgh and Nebraska are the three next up receiving votes. *** Texas A&M did not receive a single vote according to the AP Poll. Has to be an error. View…

In case you missed it, the SEC announced Texas vs Georgia will be next weekend’s prime-time game on ABC. It sets up as the biggest, highest-rated clash in Austin in at least a decade. But… It’ll only be that big if Texas takes care of its business this weekend. The Horns can not afford to look ahead. The Sooners beat Texas a year ago. Texas must force their style of play on the Sooners this weekend and avenge that loss. Once that occurs, there will be plenty of time to talk about the Bulldogs. ** While Tre Wisner is clearly pushing for more playing time, Steve Sarkisian knows what he has in running back Jaydon Blue and knows he needs his…

Texas defensive line board expands by two 5-stars The Texas Longhorns are in deep sea fishing mode with up to seven spots remaining in the 2025 class. The Longhorns currently have a top 5 ranked class for a fourth year in a row, and are setting up to take a swing at the highest ranked class yet under Steve Sarkisian and staff. One position that Texas is setting up for some massive battles in defensive line. Kenny Baker has two commitments from two of the nations best with four or five the goal by December 4. Texas commitments Myron Charles, DL, Port Charlotte (Fla.) High #AllGasNoBrakes OTF ranking: 4-star+ Josiah Sharma, DL, Folsom (Calif.) Hi…

Communication continues. Arrow up. View full news story

The 2024 All-SEC teams have been announced and six Longhorns have received recognition for their efforts in the conference for this season. 1st Team: OT Kelvin Banks DB Jahdae Barron 2nd Team: QB Quinn Ewers TE Gunnar Helm • LB Anthony Hill Jr. 3rd Team: RB Quintrevion Wisner DB Andrew Mukuba View full news story

Texas is back on the board with a portal commitment! Former Arkansas LB Brad Spence has committed to Texas, first reported by Matt Zenitz of 247Sports. Spence was on campus in Austin this weekend and it didn't take long for the job to get done. Spence had 27 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Razorbacks this past season, including seven tackles and a sack against Texas. The Longhorns have a very solid LB corps ready for 2025 and it gets even deeper with the addition of Spence. View full news story

This is the time of the year that Texas fans have been waiting for. The Longhorns have been inside the bubble for the 12-team Playoff the entire season and now comes the time where the games mean more and your season can end after a poor 60-minute performance. For the talk of the schedule, I will say this – Texas has been tested in numerous ways. They have gone on the road to tough environments, played in neutral site games and have been battle tested in the second half of games. Come the playoffs, they will need to rely on each experience and moment from the season to achieve the goal of winning the National Championship. But at the very least, the opportunity …

It’s Christmas-time and Texas is still in the hunt for the national championship. For the second year in a row. I’m more convinced than ever that Steve Sarkisian is building a juggernaut in Austin. Here’s why: Texas dispensed with the ACC champ by two touchdowns on Saturday. The Horns ran the ball with relative ease, the defense stood up when called upon, and physically the team was the clear superior of an opposing program who has won two national championships in the last decade. To me, Texas is not merely “back”. Texas is flourishing, growing and building. This year and into the future. Texas has a chance to be the next great college footb…