After the Longhorns’ impressive season this year, I believe it’s safe to say that the Texas football team has returned after a protracted absence. But the real question is whether Texas is here to stay, or if after joining the SEC this season, they’ll sink back into the depths.
This past season, the Longhorns finished 11-1 in the regular season, earning a trip to the Big 12 Championship game versus Oklahoma State. In addition to winning the Big 12 title and improving to 12-1, Texas easily defeated the Cowboys in that game to secure a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Texas supporters had been waiting a long time for this season, and at last it arrived. They now need to keep building on that momentum.
Obviously, Texas football’s College Football Playoff experience didn’t go as expected. In the Sugar Bowl, the Longhorns faced off against Washington; although it was an exciting game, the Huskies prevailed. Although the score was level at the half, the Huskies really began to exert pressure in the second half. Texas looked hopeless in the closing minutes of the game, and it was evident the entire time, especially in the second half, that Washington was the superior team.
But when a few clutch plays drastically altered the tide, the Longhorns had a chance to overcome a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter. They had a chance to win it with a score when they went into the red zone, but the Washington defence came through with the stop to secure the victory. Despite being outplayed in that game, Texas was still in the running for a national championship after just one play. This team performed incredibly well this season.
Texas has returned, and they must remain there. There are a few positive things going their way in that aspect, but their conference schedule will also make things harder. The addition of 12 teams to the College Football Playoff is one development that will benefit Texas. In college football, every team wants to go to the College Football Playoffs. The 12 team system will make it much easier to accomplish that goal. A team’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs are enhanced for regular season losses of two or even three games. With conference realignment as well, it will be important for clubs in the Big Ten and SEC.
But the most significant development for Texas football this offseason is the return of quarterback Quinn Ewers, who will start the next season. This is really significant for the Longhorns. Football’s most important position is quarterback, thus it will be a luxury that they won’t have to break in a new QB due to their demanding schedule the next season. Quinn Ewers is not only going to be among the finest quarterbacks in college football next season, but they also won’t have to worry about breaking in a new quarterback. Though it raises questions about what Arch Manning should do, that is important for Texas.
This is where the Texas football team’s transfer site is useful. It appears like Manning will not be entering the gateway at this time, which is very important for the Longhorns. At quarterback, he is this team’s quarterback of the future. Texas is turning to the transfer portal to bring in additional talent for what will be a pivotal season in 2024, rather than losing a major player like him to the gateway. Although Texas will have a wealth of quality returning on both sides of the ball next season, there are still a few guys they should be checking out via the transfer portal.
CB Jabbar Muhammad, Washington
One of the more interesting players available on the transfer site right now is Jabbar Muhammad. He can come in and make an instant impact in the secondary for almost any school, so any team that struggled with pass defence should give him a look. Washington defeated Texas in the Sugar Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoffs, and he went on to participate in the national championship game with them. Muhammad might be a nice fit for the Longhorns since he will want to play for a team that makes a run for the College Football Playoffs.
Perhaps the most underappreciated player in this year’s transfer portal class is Ben Yurosek. Although he started the class ranked #107th, he is currently among the best players available. Texas is already stacked and doesn’t really need more offensive talent, but Yurosek is so good that any team should give him a look. Despite playing for a losing Stanford football team without a successful offence, he has managed to have a significant impact and is one of the most dependable tight ends in the game. You shouldn’t be shocked if Yurosek becomes a household name in college football the following season.
CB Denver Harris, LSU
Texas football was an excellent team overall in 2023, but their pass defence was a major issue. It was a problem for them when they faced a strong passing offence like Washington, even though it wasn’t bad. It could have been much better. It makes the most sense for them to target players who will strengthen their secondary if they are going to target players through the transfer portal. Denver Harris, who is leaving LSU, is a guy who has the potential to establish himself as the defense’s starting lineup member. Harris is the kind of guy the Longhorns need right now, so it wouldn’t hurt to give him a look.
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