Thursday Big 12 morning rush: Headlines from around the conference

Each morning, we take a dive into the Big 12 headlines happening around the conference.

Each morning, Longhorns Wire scours the web for the top Big 12 headlines happening around the conference. Today’s stories are courtesy of 247Sports, The Texas Tribune, and ESPN.

Texas preparing for full 12-game schedule, 50% capacity

Although the NCAA and Big 12 Conference have yet to announce a firm decision on how college football will proceed, Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte emailed season ticket holders to let them know that they are working hard at salvaging the full schedule.

Seating at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium will be reduced to 50% capacity to abide by social distancing measures, but that still allows roughly 50,000 fans to be in attendance. At this time, they’re fully preparing for the season to kick off on Sept. 5.

If this were not to come to fruition, a nine-game season with one nonconference game is on the table for review. This would force Texas and Oklahoma to play a home and home series over the next two years.

Texas and Oklahoma battling for five-star running back

Five-star running back Raleek Brown announced via Instagram on Wednesday that he’s received an offer from the University of Texas. However, 247Sports’ Crystal Ball Predictions currently expect Brown to commit to the Oklahoma Sooners at a 100% confidence level.

Brown is the No. 3 overall player in the state of California out of the 2022 recruiting class. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedster has a recorded 40-yard dash time of 4.47.

He’s received numerous Power Five offers, but his talent alone is worth targeting heavily throughout the remainder of this recruiting cycle.

Problems in West Virginia

The Mountaineers have decided to mutually part ways with defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. He had two seasons remaining on his contract at a value of $1,074,059.

The separation agreement from West Virginia states that Koenning is to be paid $591,451 over the next 19 months. The decision comes shortly after an investigation into allegations of Koenning’s mistreatment of players.

Texas offers five-star running back out of California

Texas is now in the running for five-star running back Raleek Brown out of the 2022 recruiting class.

Head coach Tom Herman and Co. are one of the latest to extend an offer to five-star running back Raleek Brown. Continue reading “Texas offers five-star running back out of California”

Four-star cornerback out of Missouri lists top schools, Texas included

The top cornerback prospect out of Missouri has listed Texas among his top 10 schools.

Texas is still in the running for one of the top cornerbacks out of the 2022 recruiting class. Continue reading “Four-star cornerback out of Missouri lists top schools, Texas included”

Three-star center Michael Myslinski narrowed down list of top schools

The No. 12 overall center in the 2021 recruiting class has Texas listed within his top schools.

Michael Myslinski is one of the top center prospects out of the 2021 recruiting class. Continue reading “Three-star center Michael Myslinski narrowed down list of top schools”

Texas Longhorns planning for 50% capacity at football games

Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte is planning for the season to begin as scheduled with a 50% attendance rate at home games.

The Big 12 conference has been quite vocal in terms of wanting to continue the upcoming college football season as scheduled.

There’s been buzz about a season potentially being moved to the spring, but the timelines for athletes and schedule conflicts elsewhere make that nearly impossible to do. The most realistic idea is to remove the nonconference opponents from the schedule entirely, which would shorten the season and limit travel.

However, Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte and the Big 12 are working together to salvage those nonconference games if they’re still able to compete under the necessary health and safety measures.

The Associated Press recently announced that the Longhorns are currently preparing for 50% capacity at home football games this fall. At times during the COVID-19 outbreak, it appeared a very real possibility that fans would not be allowed to attend any games this season.

Del Conte emailed season-ticket holders on Monday to let them know that the university is following state guidelines on social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. At the moment, Texas is still preparing to play a full season that is scheduled to begin on Sept. 5.

The Big 12 has not yet conformed to the decisions by the Big Ten and Pac-12 to play only conference games. In terms of high school football in the state of Texas, the UIL reported on Tuesday that conferences 5A-6A are not able to begin the games until Sept. 24.

Texas DB named to Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list

Texas safety Caden Sterns is expected to be one of the top defensive backs in the nation this season.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the top defensive back in college football. Continue reading “Texas DB named to Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list”

Monday Big 12 morning rush: Headlines from around the conference

Monday’s headlines from around the Big 12 conference include head coach rankings, preseason polls, and the offensive player to watch.

Each morning, Longhorns Wire scours the web for the top Big 12 headlines that are happening around the conference. Today’s stories are courtesy of 247Sports and College Football News. Continue reading “Monday Big 12 morning rush: Headlines from around the conference”

Preseason magazine lists Sam Ehlinger at seventh-best for Heisman odds

Lindy’s Sports Magazine ranked the top 10 players who have the best chance at winning the Heisman trophy this season.

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger is widely projected to become a Heisman contender this season. Continue reading “Preseason magazine lists Sam Ehlinger at seventh-best for Heisman odds”

Texas DB announces departure from football program

Texas cornerback Kobe Boyce will no longer participate in football.

Mental health is extremely important at every stage of life. Continue reading “Texas DB announces departure from football program”

Texas is now targeting a four-star offensive tackle out of Dickinson

Texas offered a four-star offensive tackle out of Dickinson High School on Friday.

On the same day that the Brockermeyer twins announced their commitment to Alabama over Texas, the Longhorns sent an offer to a four-star offensive tackle out of Dickinson. Continue reading “Texas is now targeting a four-star offensive tackle out of Dickinson”