Tag: longhorns recruiting

Longhorns recruiting gains key commitment from 4-star DB Graceson Littleton

Texas Longhorns needed at least one more CB in the 2025 and got one in the commitment of 4-star Graceson Littleton.

The Texas Longhorns acted quickly to gain the commitment of 4-star Graceson Littleton after the cornerback de-committed from Clemson on Nov. 1. Littleton took an official visit to Austin Saturday to watch Texas dismantle the Gators.

UT has been looking to add a quality defensive back to the 2025 recruiting class for a while. According to Jason Suchomel of Orangebloods.com, the Longhorns beat out Michigan for Littleton’s commitment.

The Wesley Chapel, FL product took a visit to Ann Arbor two weekends ago and many thought the Wolverines were in the lead. But momentum for the Horns really ramped up after Littleton’s visit to Austin. Four days following his visit, he made it official with a Texas commitment.

“It was good, definitely, being around the players, getting their perspective on the program, learning the culture and seeing it. Like my mom says, you can’t fake culture. So just getting up here and seeing that was good. They had a great win, obviously. Hearing things they talked about in team meetings transfer over to the game, that was nice as well.” — Graceson Littleton to Orangebloods.com

The DB becomes Texas’ 23rd commitment in the 2025 recruiting class and fills a big need for UT. Texas only had one cornerback commitment so far, that of 3-star Caleb Chester out of Missouri City, TX.

Longhorns Freshman Report: Two emerge in fall camp

Two freshman have stood out so far in Longhorns fall camp – WR Ryan Wingo and Edge Colin Simmons. Both should get significant playing time.

Texas Longhorns fall camp has been in full swing for a little over a week in Austin, capped by a closed scrimmage on Saturday. Longhorns fans know all about the returning stars on the team, such as Quinn Ewers and Anthony Hill. But how are the freshmen doing? Have any emerged as true impact players in 2024?

OnTexasFootball’s Bobby Burton and Gerry Hamilton report that two freshman are standing out so far in camp: wide receiver Ryan Wingo and edge Colin Simmons.

“They are guys right now that will be in the rotation we believe when Texas plays Colorado State,” Burton said. “They may not play 50 snaps, but I think they’re going to play 15-25. They’ve booth stood out. I think they both get an A or A-plus as a grade right now.”

Wingo caught four passes for 81 yards and 2 TDs in the Texas spring game. An All-American Bowl participant, the St. Louis native was ranked fifth overall and second among wide receivers in the recruiting class by 247Sports. 

The true freshman from St. Louis has been everything and then some that Steve Sarkisian could want. He made more than one play in Saturday’s scrimmage, including a couple tantalizing catches, as well as the every down catch. He’s just got to learn more than one position. Right now Sark said he’s kinda pigeon-holed as that outside receiver because he’s so young. He’s trying to get everything down in the game. This is as good a receiver prospect, full prospect, as we’ve seen at Texas since Roy Williams out of Odessa Permian now more than 25 years ago. — Bobby Burton of OnTexasFootball

Simmons is a two-time state champion out of Duncanville who was 22nd overall by 247Sports and played in both the 2024 Under Armour All-American Game and 2024 Polynesian Bowl. 

We knew he’d have a role as an edge rusher. We didn’t know if it’d be third downs early in the season. The interesting thing to me is he’s showing versatility. In the NASCAR package they broke out in the scrimmage, he was playing Sam Linebacker. He’s showing beyond his gifts athletically and how he’s built up his frame. He’s showing football intelligence. They feel like they can work him in multiple spots before he’s ever played a game as a freshman in college. — Gerry Hamilton of OnTexasFootball

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Is Arch Manning leaving Texas? Paul Finebaum weighs in

There has been speculation on Arch Manning’s future at Texas since before he even got on campus. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum gives his take.

There has been speculation on Arch Manning’s future at Texas since before he arrived on campus. Manning’s commitment to Texas caught many SEC fans off guard. The expectation was he would go to LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia or Ole Miss. 

PHOTOS: Texas’ Arch Manning in Fall Practice

Media speculation ramped up when Quinn Ewers beat out Manning in last season’s QB competition. Indeed, Manning was third string for much of the season. There was an expectation Ewers might go pro before this season, opening the door for Manning to start. 

When Ewers announced he was coming back to the 40 Acres, the speculation of Manning’s departure hit an all-time high. Especially from the national media that doesn’t cover the Longhorns day-to-day. 

But one national voice believes Texas fans have nothing to worry about. ESPN SEC guru Paul Finebaum said on his show, “Manning had every opportunity to leave, but he chose to stay. I’ve been down to Austin twice recently, and the consensus is that Arch Manning is fully committed to the Longhorns’ program.”

It will be interesting to see how much playing time Manning gets this season as Ewers primary backup QB. Either way, Arch should be ready to take over in 2025.

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2025 recruiting and why Texas moved up in the rankings

A big commitment this week has moved the Longhorns up four sports in ESPN’s rankings, from 18 to 14 overall. Texas landed one of 2025’s top wide receivers in Kaliq Locket. 

Texas has been lagging behind its rivals in the 2025 team recruiting rankings for months. Boasting an already deep roster, the Longhorns worked the transfer portal hard this year to replenish its skill positions. 

But a big commitment this week has moved the Horns up four sports in ESPN’s rankings, from 18 to 14 overall. Texas landed one of 2025’s top wide receivers in Kaliq Locket. 

Locket ranks 23rd overall in the class and fourth among receivers in ESPN’s rankings. 247 ranks the Sachse High School star as the No. 2 WR in the country and No. 12 overall player. 

As a junior, the 6’2, 180 pound wide out had 59 receptions for 1,299 yards and 13 touchdowns. ESPN says, “Locket gives the Longhorns a target with nice length and good speed with the leaping ability to go up and attack the football and win battles for contested balls.” 

“Lockett was a big in-state win as one of top offensive players in the Lone Star state; he is a rangy receiver with good speed that also attacks the ball and can high point and win contested matchups.” 

Texas now has commitments from 17 players in the 2025 class, including nine from the ESPN Top 300. Locket is the highest ranked of the group, that includes QB K.J. Lacey. Haubert says, “The Longhorns didn’t sign an ESPN 300 quarterback in 2024, but K.J. Lacey is one of the more promising signal-callers in the 2025 class. He lacks ideal size at 5-11 and 180 pounds, but he throws a good deep ball, can create and also change arm angles. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior.”

Defensive lineman Lance Jackson is Texas’ top defensive commit. Haubert says, “Jackson has coveted size and frame for the position. He could be a disruptive player in the trenches with good initial quickness and agility. Smith Orogbo is an edge defender with an explosive first step, active hands and very good range.”

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PHOTOS: Texas backup QB Arch Manning in fall practice

Check out the latest photos of Texas backup QB Arch Manning during fall practice.

Arch Manning might be the most famous backup in college football. The newest Manning family quarterback, Manning starts his second year in the Texas program. 

Nephew to Peyton and Eli, grandson to Archie and son of Cooper, Arch represents the third generation of Manning QBs. He played high school football at Isidore Newman in New Orleans, where he was the first freshman starting QB at the school in 40 years. He went on to start all four seasons at Isidore Newman. 

Manning’s family tried to limit the media frenzy that accompanied Arch’s recruiting process. Arch didn’t do media interviews and ran a private Instagram account for just coaches and close friends.

He took visits to Texas, SMU, Clemson, LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and Ole Miss. The 6-foot-4 quarterback committed to the Longhorns on June 23, 2022, and signed his letter of intent on Dec. 21, 2022.

An early enrollee, Manning played in the 2023 spring game. He entered the season third on the depth chart, behind returning starter Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy. He made his college debut on Nov. 24, 2023 during the third quarter of a blowout win against Texas Tech, completing 2-of-5 passing attempts for 30 yards.

Manning enters his second year on campus as the second string backup to Ewers. Murphy transferred to Duke.

 

 

 

2024 Four-star DB Corian Gipson speaks on summer visits

Four-star defensive back Corian Gipson is gearing up for a busy summer of official visits.

Four-star defensive back Corian Gipson is gearing up for a busy summer of official visits. The highly sought-after Lancaster Product is set to take trips to Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Texas.

The 247Sports’ composite rankings list Gipson is listed as the No. 8 overall cornerback and the No. 13 player in the state of Texas for the 2024 cycle.

One would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile prospect than Gipson. He can lineup and excel in any spot in the secondary. Gipson is also a star sprinter on the track, competing well at the Texas 5A State Championships.

Gipson is nearing a final commitment date. He would like to decide on his future school of choice before the start of his senior season. The summer visits will be each program’s last chance to make their recruiting pitch to the elite defensive back.

Gipson sat down with On3 Sports to discuss his upcoming visits.

2024 four-star DB Eli Bowen sets official visit to Texas

Texas continues to set up crucial summer recruiting visits.

Four-star cornerback Eli Bowen is set to officially visit Texas on June 16, according to a report from Inside Texas. Continue reading “2024 four-star DB Eli Bowen sets official visit to Texas”

2024 five-star WR Ryan Wingo sets summer official visit dates

Five-star wide receiver Ryan Wingo is setting up a busy summer of official visits. 

2024 five-star wide receiver Ryan Wingo is setting up a busy summer of official visits. The Saint Louis native plans to go to Georgia, Michigan, Texas and Missouri.

The 247Sports’ composite lists Wingo as the No. 22 overall player in the nation and the No. 5 wide receiver in the class. He has more than 40 offers from programs all over the country.

Wingo is a two-sport star who excels on both the football field and the track. He possesses the elite top-end speed to stretch the field as a downfield threat and strong hands as a pass catcher. Wingo has the skills to be an immediate contributor at the college level.

The recruiting battle for Wingo is set to be a tight one. Georgia is the current favorite to land the elite pass catcher, but the competition can gain ground with the upcoming visits. He has no timetable for a commitment.

Report: Four-star RB Christian Clark sets official visit to Texas

One of the top rated running backs in the 2024 recruiting cycle is set to make an official visit to Texas.

One of the top rated running backs in the 2024 recruiting cycle is set to make an official visit to Texas. Inside Texas reports Christian Clark is expected to make the trip to Austin in June.

247Sports’ composite lists Clark as the No. 3 player in the state of Arizona and a top-300 prospect nationally. He holds close to 30 offers, including Alabama, Georgia, USC and Florida State.

Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice sees Clark as a potential star.

“He said that when he watched my film. He was like, ‘this is literally a mini Bijan, another one.’ That means a lot, that he recognizes my talent for Bijan’s because I think he should be a top-five pick this year.”

Clark rushed for 737 yards and 11 touchdowns on seven yards per carry, also showing versatility by snagging 37 passes for 368 yards and five scores in his junior season. He is a hard-nosed runner with excellent breakaway speed and physicality.

Texas sits in good shape with the talented ball carrier. The Longhorns received a recent recruiting prediction for Clark in their favor.

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Two-team recruiting battle shaping up for five-star WR Micah Hudson

Texas and Texas Tech are early frontrunners for the state’s top wide receiver.

Five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson is one of the top players in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Continue reading “Two-team recruiting battle shaping up for five-star WR Micah Hudson”