Over the last few years, Gunnar Helm has been a steady presence in the Longhorns’ offense. In his senior year, the Colorado native has taken his game to a new level and has been a bright spot every week. While the 2024 campaign is far from over, Helm is putting together the best season of his college career.
Through four games, the Longhorns tight end has recorded 11 receptions for a career-high 197 yards. He has also added one touchdown catch to his resume, leaving him one short of matching his total from the 2023 campaign. In an offense full of explosive pieces, Helm has seen his targets increase and taken advantage of his opportunities.
While catching passes from Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, Helm is averaging a career-high 17.9 yards a catch. That is a decent bump from last year, as he averaged 13.7 yards. The increase has partly been due to speedsters such as Ryan Wingo and Isaiah Bond, who have drawn the focus of defensive coordinators.
Texas's Gunnar Helm is the only P4 TE this season with double-digit receptions, over 150 receiving yards, and at least 1 TD while not allowing a single QB pressure in pass pro.
-11 catches, 197 receiving yards (3rd in SEC)
-1 TD
-76.8 pass blocking grade (leads P4 TEs) pic.twitter.com/OncRNGPVjZ— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) September 25, 2024
With the first month of the season in the books, Helm ranks third on the team in catches and receiving yards. He is one of only three Longhorns players with more than ten receptions. His rise in production has been a welcome sign.
If Helm can keep up his current play, the Longhorns should be able to hold their own in the SEC. They have already shown they can put points on the board quickly while being backed by a very good defense. That combination could lead to a national championship.
Regardless of what this team accomplished, Helm is putting together a season he will never forget.