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While the general public thinks the college football season doesn’t come until Labor Day or so, the kickoff for the 2026 football season actually starts this week, at least for those that cover the sport. For years on end, the Texas High School Coaches Association would mark the start of the season for me. Now, it’s the THSCA convention and the SEC Media Days. Both are this week and OTF will be on site. I’ll be in Tampa for the SEC Media, along with Gerry, Hank, Jeff, CJ and Matt. Blake, Jeff and Jordan will be in Houston for THSCA. In the next few days we’ll hear from coaches across the region and state, some of them multiple times, including Steve Sarkisi…

Quick update on Cole Hutson lawsuit against the NCAA. Hutson and his representation are awaiting a conference with the NCAA and a date to be heard in court. Obviously, the hope is for a quick court date given the time sensitive nature of the request. View full news story

My favorite commit and second favorite commit from all 16 SEC programs — ALABAMA Favorite commit — Baton Rouge (La.) Dunham School QB Elijah Haven Huge, prototypical passer with all the tools and traits to be successful. Plays lower level football like Arch Manning did and comes from the same program that produced Derek Stingley, but dominates on Friday night lights like he’s supposed to. Likely the QB of the future for Alabama after Keelon Russell moves on (I very much expect Russell to win the job this fall). Runner up — IMG Academy WR Osani Gayles — Well-rounded receiver with a super high floor. ARKANSAS Favorite commit — Denton Ryan CB Jo…

Rumors began circulating on social media yesterday regarding a potential return to college for former Texas EDGE Ethan Burke following the NCAA's eligibility ruling affecting members of the 2022 recruiting class. On Texas Football has confirmed with a member of Burke's family that there are no plans for him to leave Baltimore Ravens training camp. As reported earlier this week, Burke is believed to be in the best shape of his football career, and his full focus remains on earning a spot on the Ravens' 53-man roster. While multiple schools reached out to Burke's representatives to gauge his interest in a return to college football, those inquiries were not p…

Sarkisian Speaks on Body Changes from the Spring *** First day of camp is a lot like the first day of school for us in the media. Of course, back in school, you were excited to return only to see the friends you did not have a chance to see during the summer months. That hasn't exactly been the case for Steve Sarkisian. Once the helmets go on and practice begins, it's easy to see what has, and hasn't, changed since spring camp wrapped up five months ago in Austin. I asked Sarkisian on Wednesday which physical transformations stood out on Day 1. Rather than pointing to a player who added muscle during the summer strength program, he highlighted someone …

This is a big week for the Longhorns. Texas could see a number of recruitments fall its way (or fall another way). But the most impactful news this week will likely come out of Washington, DC, where lawmakers are expected to produce a mark-up of the Protect College Sports Act. As currently written, the bill gives significant preference to Texas Tech, Sacramento State, and dozens of others, over Texas, Texas A&M, Michigan, Ohio State, etc. How does it give preference? In numerous ways: As currently written, the vote of Sacramento State on pooling of rights has the same value as that of Texas. Yet the value of Texas’ media rights are almost infi…

Where Each Starter Must Improve in 2026 *** Texas a ton of talent heading into the 2026 season on offense. I think that much is undeniable even to the biggest Texas-hater. But talent alone won't win games at a consistent level in the SEC. Add in Ohio State to the schedule and the gap between Texas' offensive talent vs. some of the defenses the Longhorns will face this year will all come down to execution. So, based off of what we saw in the 2025 season, I wanted to focus on one area of the game the Longhorns' offensive starters must improve upon in 2026 to reach their ultimate ceiling. *** QB Arch Manning – Making Layups I think most wou…

Texas Hoops Report: Summer workouts The 2026-27 Texas Longhorns have began on court workouts with the staff on the court. A little more than a week in, OnTexasBasketball brings the latest. Summer workouts permitted by NCAA Rules Skill Instruction: A maximum of 4 hours per week can be used on-court for skill-related instruction and non-contact drills with coaches. Strength & Conditioning: The remaining 4 hours must be allocated to weight training, conditioning, and team-building activities. The players Sophomore lead guard/PG Isaiah Johnson - Has made it look easy at times so far. Timing of passing off reads has impressed early on. Opponent…

— It’s decision day eve for Amarillo Palo Duro WR Kyron Brown and OTF still likes Texas’ chances of landing the 6-foot, 185 pounder with verified 4.43 speed and a great multisport background as an All-District hooper and back-to-back 110M hurdles State Finalist. Kansas State and Northwestern will likely make up the other hats on the table as the only other schools Brown took official visits to. Brown will announce his decision at Palo Duro HS around 1:30 PM CT on Tuesday. — Humble Atascocita DL Jason Johnson is another prospect OTF like the Longhorns for. Texas was the fifth school to offer the 6-foot-4, 285 pounder and extended the scholarship to Johnson at a camp …

2026 Defensive Ceiling Contingent on Interior Pass Rush *** Expectations for this Texas defense are high. That is not exactly groundbreaking news. But the return of Will Muschamp to the sidelines at DKR with the crop of talent consisting of Colin Simmons, Rasheem Biles, Jelani McDonald and plenty of others, is reason alone to believe this unit could be atop of the SEC come the end of the season. After Monday's episode of The Winning Drive, I could not help but think we were missing one key piece of what has made Texas defenses so dangerous in year's past. The Longhorn defense a year ago was solid. It wasn't elite, but it was good. Texas finished …

Monday Recruiting Update OnTexasFootball begins your week with a few recruiting updates. Landen Williams-Callis... The record-setting Houston area running back remains scheduled to announce his commitment the afternoon of August 1. Starting the week, OTF hasn't heard anything to move us off the thought that Texas remains the favorite over SMU, Missouri, Texas A&M, Houston and LSU. Offensive line recruiting ... Texas has a very solid five man offensive line class in 2027, but that doesn't mean the Longhorns are for sure done. If there was an upside tackle that emerged as a possibility, Texas would likely have interest. OTF expects Texas to keep in …

Three Vets in the Texas Two-Deep to Monitor in Fall Camp *** Congratulations to everyone who woke up and checked the board today – we have made it to fall camp week. The Longhorns kickoff fall camp this week and the official beginning of the 2026 season takes place. No more waiting. No more speculation. No more hype. It is here, and tangible updates on one of the most talented teams in the country will be coming soon! Before we get to that point though, there are three names I wanted to highlight for folks to keep an eye on who are not currently projected to be in the starting rotation. *** Senior LB Justin Cryer 381 snaps in 2025 at Flori…

QUARTERBACK The Longhorns hold one pledge from Smithson Valley’s Ty Knutson and have wrapped up recruiting the position for the cycle with the State Champ in the fold. RUNNING BACK Texas has two commitments at the position from Richmond Randle’s Landen Williams-Callis and Chandler (Ariz.) Basha’s Noah Roberts and are done in 2027. While LWC being a top prospect might cause Texas fans to worry about other schools making flip attempts, LWC and his camp have always handled this recruitment in a calculated, mature way and I believe his recruitment is effectively over just like Tyler Atkinson, Colin Simmons, and Jonah Williams’ recruitments were once they commit…

Before we get to football and the first day of fall camp, I want to mention the men’s basketball team. Yesterday, Sean Miller hosted members of the media for a basketball practice. The practice and the notes coming from it were on “background” only, so you won’t see or hear specific notes from it on here or elsewhere. But I want to say one thing: it felt very much like something a big-time basketball program, like Arizona, Kansas or Kentucky, would do. Under Miller, I think there’s little doubt that that is exactly where this program is headed. He’s in Austin to take on the big boys of college basketball, no doubt. ** What do you learn in day one …

Sarkisian Thursday Availability Notes *** Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian will meet with the media one final time before boarding a plane tomorrow afternoon and leading his Longhorns against Georgia in Athens. The Longhorns had a clean bill of health on the Wednesday night injury report and are expected to have that same sheet again this evening. Updates from the coach in the comments down below. View full news story

The latest from Austin, Texas. *** There remains several exit meetings with Steve Sarkisian, Brandon Harris and Texas players on Thursday. I can only imagine the Microsoft Office schedule for the Texas head coach and general manager won't have much time set away for Christmas shopping this week. I would expect news soon on a pair of decisions. OTF is monitoring a decision from TE Jack Endries regarding the NFL and a return to Austin. Additionally, a decision from RB Tre Wisner which includes all three avenues (NFL, Portal and a return). – Additionally, there remains no news until news is made on the portal front of Jadan Baugh. I have n…

Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte announced Wednesday evening at the Texas Town Hall the spring game will be returning in just a few months. I am sure many of you already have, but if you have not, mark you calendars for April 18th. The Longhorns went without a spring game in 2025, opting for a lighter work load in the spring and ultimately saving the idea of displaying young talent out to the world knowing the spring portal was about to open. With no spring portal window in 2026, it makes sense for the game to return. Though still, there is no portal. Injury replacements will not be available after the spring window. Significant injuries during the s…

Today is Sark’s birthday. Tomorrow he gets to open his presents. Sark officially embarks on his sixth spring football with the Longhorns. In those six years, he has taken a program that seemed rudderless for more than a decade and turned it into one of the nation’s elite. The transition from a flailing program to one of preeminence is there for all to see. Three consecutive top 10 finishes. Two college football semifinals. Two regular season conference championships and one post-season one. He’s won three of the last four against OU - they rarely score a touchdown these days - and his first two against the Aggies. But what is really the difference…

Here's everything Texas head coach Sean Miller said after the Longhorns upset Gonzaga, 74-68, to advance to Sweet 16. Opening statement “We’re obviously thrilled to advance, be a part of the Sweet 16. It doesn't matter how many times you have been there or not. It’s just a huge difference between being in that round and just entering the tournament, you know, having the opportunity to play through another week, be a part of a field that only includes 15 other teams, and obviously it's that next four-team tournament you're playing to get to to the Final Four. Just super proud of our group, our team coaches. Like I've mentioned time and time again, our ride has n…

Two Weeks Left in Spring Ball – What's Left to be Learned? *** Happy Easter everyone! Texas has two weeks left of spring football remaining. A few topics I hope to hear more about in the final six practices. *** – It appears that the Longhorns have a solid group of interior options – even before Laurence Seymore arrives in the summer. Competition is running high and as it appears now, the Longhorns are finding success with Jackson Christian and Dylan Sikorski. Both have filtered in on the first team at left guard this spring, and both are really beginning to push Jaydon Chatman. Who enters the summer in pole position at left guard once Laure…

Red Zone Passing Attack – Who Eats? *** @Jeff Howe and I had an interesting conversation Tuesday evening on the Longhorn Livestream. It stemmed from seeing the dunk of Cam Coleman on Arch Manning’s instagram story of Cam Coleman throwing down a ridiculously athletic dunk at the Texas Basketball practice facility. It got me thinking. Which isn't always a good thing. We heard from Jelani McDonald this spring talk about when the offense moved the ball inside the 10-yard line, the ball was headed in the direction of Coleman. But who else might join Coleman in converting this red area throws – something that has been hit or miss over the past cou…

There’s no question Texas football has a gauntlet ahead of it in 2026. Bill Connelly recently rated UT’s 2026 slate the hardest in the country. If you need a reminder of what lies ahead: Sep. 5 Texas State Sep. 12 Ohio State Sep. 19 UTSA Sep. 26 @Tennessee Oct. 3 OFF Oct. 10 Oklahoma Oct. 17 Florida Oct. 24 Ole Miss Oct. 31 Mississippi State Nov. 7 @ Missouri Nov. 14 @LSU Nov. 21 Arkansas Nov. 27 @Texas A&M Today, the OTF staff debates which game on the schedule is a trap game. Bobby Burton Oklahoma It's hard for me to wr…

Note on Easton Royal: Texas fans will like it OnTexasFootball has learned that 5-star Texas wide receiver commitment Easton Royal (New Orleans/Brother Martin) was able to make a throwing workout with Arch Manning, Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo, Hollywood Smothers and Sterling Berkhalter this week in New Orleans. Texas continues to be the heavy favorite to land Royal's signature. The 5-11, 205-pound Pelican State 100-meter record holder (10.17) has Florida as the top threat to the Longhorns in the recruitment, but Texas continues to feel very good. LSU, Ole Miss and Tennessee round out the five finalists. Texas wide receivers coach Chris Jackson, along with Jabba…

Texas June 12-14 OV List This list is fluid, as there could be one or two drop off, and one or two added. Programs are putting out NIL offers with an expiration date much more in the 2027 cycle, which is forcing some prospects to take it or risk leaving it. RB SaRod Baker, RB, DeSoto (Texas) High - *Texas Tech commit Official visits: Texas A&M June 5-7, Texas June 12-14, Texas Tech June 19-21 WR Briceson Thrower, WR, Forney (Texas) North Forney #AllGasNoBrakes Kyron Brown, WR, Amarillo (Texas) Palo Duro Official visits: Northwestern May 8-10, Kansas State May 28-30, Texas June 12-14 Alvin Mosley, WR, Rosharon (Texas) Crawford Offici…

The 2025 class was thought to be concluded and wrapped up for the Texas Longhorns, but a new offer was extended late Tuesday evening to 2025 Washington State LB commit AJ Tuitele. Even after signing the No. 1 class in the country during the first signing period, the Longhorn staff is still looking to add to its historic recruiting class with a potential late flip. Texas has two linebackers in the class with Bo Barnes and Jonathan Cunningham, but the position is still relatively light in terms of on-campus numbers. Tuitele originally signed with Washington State, but re-opened his commitment on December 24 following the departure of the Wazzu HC Jake…