As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their first year in the Southeastern Conference, they will have a few key advantages that will make the transition much smoother for them than their bitter rivals the Oklahoma Sooners.
When the two schools announced their decision to leave the Big 12 a few years ago, many thought that Texas would be the school in for a rude awakening, however head coach [autotag]Steve Sarkisian[/autotag] has done a phenomenal job getting the Longhorns back on top of the recruiting trail as well as establishing a culture. After guiding the Longhorns to a Big 12 title and Playoff berth a season ago, the expectations haven’t been this high on the Forty since the days of Mack Brown.
With the playoffs expanding to 12 teams, it is pretty safe to assume that Sark and his Longhorns will be competing for one of those spots come December. Especially considering the fact that QB [autotag]Quinn Ewers[/autotag] will be returning for his third season as a starter.
There will be some growing pains on the offensive side of the ball as WR Xavier Worthy, WR Adonai Mitchell, TE Ja’Tavion Sanders and RB Jonathon Brooks were all selected in the 2024 NFL draft.
Fortunately, the Longhorns were able to add one of the best wide receivers in the country via the transfer portal this season in [autotag]Isaiah Bond[/autotag. As the Alabama Crimson Tide’s No. 1 receiver a year ago, Bond had 48 catches for 668 yards and four touchdowns.
Heading into 2024, JD Pickell of On3 Sports ranks the Top 10 QB-WR duos in the NFL. The Longhorns duo of Ewers and Bond ranks No.1 on the list saying,
“Here’s your top combo going into the 2024 season, featuring a Heisman candidate and an Alabama transfer. Bond is eclectic and he only adds to the Longhorns’ offense. Bond spent two years at Alabama, compiling 65 catches, 888 yards, five touchdowns and 13.7 yards per catch. But he had 48 catches last year, vastly improving. Ewers threw 22 touchdowns and nearly 3,500 yards in 2023.”
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