After months of anticipation, Tre Johnson made his Longhorns debut on Monday against the Ohio State Buckeyes. While Texas began the 2024-2025 campaign with a loss, Johnson showed why excitement has been building for his college career to start.
In 39 minutes, the Texas native made 10 of his 20 shots for 29 points while dishing out four assists. He also finished tied for second on the team in rebounds with five and saw the most floor-time of any Longhorns starter. As the game went down to the wire, Texas was not afraid to lean on its talented freshman.
While Johnson was a human highlight reel, he etched himself into the history books. The Lake Highlands product broke Kevin Durant’s school record for most points in a debut for a Texas freshman. He was ranked the sixth-best player in his recruiting class, and the increased pressure did not phase him.
6’6 Texas Freshman Tre Johnson went off in his Debut vs Ohio State..
29 PTS (10-20 FG, 5-10 3PT)
5 REBS
4 AST
2 STLS
1 BLKHe has to be projected top 5, this my first time seeing bro… pic.twitter.com/x11jXCs4JB
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) November 5, 2024
“I feel like it most definitely has, because even before I went to Link (Academy), I played in a lot of big, packed-out gyms and packed-out environments,” Johnson told the media.” So just to being here, with there being a lot of fans really didn’t bother me or faze me. I didn’t even notice it. So I feel like those environments, growing up in high school, did help out a lot.”
When the Longhorns are back in action on Friday, Johnson will get a chance to build on his success. On Monday, Johnson showed he is ready to lead this team and be a vital part of the offense.