If … hiring Mike Yurcich means verticality.
Texas improved from 27th to 10th in offensive SP+ last season, but coach Tom Herman still attempted a coordinator upgrade by bringing in Ohio State’s Mike Yurcich. The biggest potential improvement Yurcich can bring to the table is better vertical passing. Ohio State averaged 10.7 air yards per pass attempt last season, 18th in the country. (The Buckeyes were also 13th in completion rate.) Texas: 46th at 9.5. The Longhorns weren’t great at completing these passes, either. If Sam Ehlinger and deep threat Brennan Eagles form a more consistent partnership this season, this offense has what it needs.
The Longhorns could be without Eagles so it will be up to Yurcich to find a way to get more players involved. Jordan Whittington and Jake Smith are two names to consider. The slot role has been a key one for the offense in recent years. Especially in 2019 with Devin Duvernay. Outside you can factor in graduate transfer Tarik Black.
If the Longhorns want to get a true deep threat on the field, it might come by way of incoming freshman speedster Kelvontay Dixon. The brother of Keaontay Ingram is definitely a dark horse to watch. In his final season at Carthage, Dixon hauled in 73 passes for 1,223 yards and 20 touchdowns. Not to mention he was a track star. His 10.71 second 100 meter dash is proof he can get deep in a hurry.