Tag: texas football news

Fox Big Noon Kickoff will welcome a special Longhorns guest in Ann Arbor

Michigan will have Derek Jeter, Texas will have Matthew McConaughey. The noted Longhorns fan will join the Fox Sports crew in Ann Arbor.

When the Texas Longhorns travel to the Big House to face the Michigan Wolverines, Fox Big Noon Kickoff will be on hand. Now we know that, in addition to Michigan fan Derek Jeter, noted Texas fan and “Minister of Culture” Matthew McConaughey join the crew. 

https://twitter.com/BNKonFOX/status/1831419441902764087

Of course McConaughey is a regular fixture on the sideline at Longhorns games dating back to the Vince Young era. The film star graduated from Texas 1993.

In 2019 McConaughey officially became a professor of practice for the Radio-Television-Film Department in the Moody College of Communication at UT. He had served as a visiting instructor since 2015.

Texas Longhorns land Jonah Williams, 1st 5-star of 2025 recruiting class

Safety/linebacker Jonah Williams announced his commitment to the Longhorns, choosing Texas over Texas A&M, LSU, Oregon and USC.

Fans have been waiting for a true 5-star recruit to join the Texas Longhorns 2025 recruiting class. The wait is over.

Safety/linebacker Jonah Williams announced his commitment to Texas Saturday evening. Rivals.com ranks Williams as the No. 20 prospect in the nation. The 6-3, 200-pound Williams chose Texas over Texas A&M, LSU, Oregon and USC.

Jason Suchomel of OrangeBloods says it was a hotly-contested recruitment until the very end. A standout in both football and baseball, the Galveston Ball standout plans to play both sports in college. Suchomel reports new Texas baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle’s staff was heavily involved in the recruitment process.

Williams told OrangeBloods it took a while for him to warm up to the Longhorns, “At first they were trying to move me to linebacker, but when coach Choate left (Blake Gideon) was like ‘I’m going to try to keep you in my room as long as possible. Coach Gideon is a great coach. I feel like he can build me up to go to the next level.”

Williams becomes the Longhorns’ 18th commitment in the 2025 recruiting class.

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Texas at Michigan named biggest non-conference game of 2024 by USA TODAY Sports

USA Today declares Texas Longhorns at Michigan Wolverines ‘the biggest non-conference game’ of 2024 in new Top 10 list.

As a new member of the SEC, the Texas Longhorns will have a lot of big conference games this year. The Horns will take on old rival No. 16 Oklahoma and host No. 1 Georgia in October. Texas will host Florida and renew rivalries with Arkansas and Texas A&M in November. 

But before the Longhorns even start their SEC schedule, they must first travel to Ann Arbor for a huge matchup vs. Michigan. Texas fans have had the game circled on the calendar for years. The anticipation has only increased with the Wolverines as defending national champion and the game coinciding with the year Texas joins the SEC. 

Now, in a new list of the Top 10 best non-conference games of the year, USA TODAY Sports, has declared Texas at Michigan the biggest of the year. The two programs last met in the 2005 Rose Bowl. 

Texas played in arguably the biggest non-conference game last year, when the Longhorns beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Texas carried that momentum all the way to the college football playoff. 

Non-conference games might lose a little impact with the playoff expanding to 12 teams. There will definitely be more wiggle room. But that also should make big, early season non-conference games more prevalent. 

USA Today says the impact of the Texas-Michigan game could be far reaching. 

September 7: Texas Longhorns at Michigan Wolverines

This is the biggest non-conference game of the year. Even if Michigan takes a step back as expected, the defending national champions could upend the early playoff chase by handing Texas a road loss. The fallout from a Michigan win would impact the perception of the SEC and Big Ten, a big deal given that both leagues will have multiple teams in the mix for at-large playoff bids. While the loser wouldn’t be eliminated from the mix by any means, the winner will have a huge tiebreaker to show the selection committee in early December.

Six of the Top 10 non-conference games involve SEC teams:

August 31: Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs (in Atlanta)

August 31: Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Texas A&M Aggies

September 1: USC Trojans vs. LSU Tigers (in Las Vegas)

September 7: Texas Longhorns at Michigan Wolverines

September 7: Tennessee Volunteers at NC State Wolfpack

September 14: Alabama Crimson Tide at Wisconsin Badgers

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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers through the years

Take a look back at Junior Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers college career.

Quinn Ewers enters the 2024 season as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy and is expected to lead the Texas Longhorns back to the College Football Playoffs.

As a junior at Southlake Carroll, Ewers was the top-ranked player in the country for the 2022 recruiting class. That summer, Ewers committed to the University of Texas.

But the Texas native made the unusual choice to skip his senior season in high school. Instead, he decommitted from Texas and enrolled at Ohio State to profit off his Name, Image and Likeness. Texas law prevented high schoolers in the state from making money in endorsements.

Ewers enrolled at Ohio State in August 2021 and joined the team for fall camp. Ewers made his debut for the Buckeyes on November 20, 2021 against the Michigan State, taking two snaps at the end of the game in the Buckeyes’ win. He played in only one game.

After the season was over, Ewers decided to transfer to his original school of choice, Texas, and was named the Longhorns starter going into the 2022 season.

Ewers played 10 games in an up and down 2022 season. Texas finished 6-4, with the QB throwing for 2,177 yards and 15 TDs.

2023 would be a watershed year for the sophomore. Ewers played in 12 games, amassing 3,479 yards and 22 TDs. Texas won the Big 12 Championship game in its final year in the conference. Ewers set the record for most passing yards in a Big 12 Championship game and was named MVP. The Longhorns went to the College Football Playoff semi-final, ultimately losing to Washington 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl. 

Ewers will once again lead the Horns as a junior in what is expected to be his final year on the 40 Acres.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers new ‘face’ of premium apparel company Rhoback

Rhoback has announced Texas QB Quinn Ewers will be the ‘face’ of its new ‘Rhoback U’ line of apparel.

In the new NIL era of college football, student athletes are getting more and more opportunities to join with sponsors and companies for marketing and advertising. 

Being the starting QB at the University of Texas affords some pretty hefty earning power for any player in that position. Throw in Heisman candidate/playoff favorite, and Quinn Ewers is one of the hottest names in the NIL realm. Rhoback has announced Ewers will be the ‘face’ of its new ‘Rhoback U’ line of apparel. The company says, “We can’t wait to showcase Quinn’s talent and personality through our “EARN IT.” campaign this fall.” 

Rhoback is a premium apparel line founded in 2016. The Charlottesville, Virginia-based brand sells activewear “designed to transition from one activity to another.” 

The brand’s name comes from the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed. Rhodeisn Ridgebacks are known for being active and typically have a ridge down the middle of its back. Rhoback says they wanted to “create a high-end, fun, and stylish activewear line that was sweat-wicking.” Affluent males are the company’s target consumer. 

Rhoback U is a line of Rhoback clothing designed to highlight college athletics. The company has signed Ewers to an exclusive apparel deal that includes a base fee plus revenue share. On3 reports Ewers’ deal is worth between $100,000 to $150,000 dollars.

“I am incredibly excited to be working with Rhoback as my official apparel sponsor and to become a leading face of their Rhoback U program. It’s exciting to see their presence really take off within the college athletics community. Their products are the most comfortable I have worn, and it’s been such a fun experience being able to create some awesome content with their team. I’m a big fan of their involvement in the Texas community and I’m pumped to be a part of Team Rhoback and Rhoback U this season.” – Quinn Ewers statement

The deal also involves the release of an officially licensed Texas Longhorns collection from Rhoback. Ewers will earn a portion of net sales from new customers who use Ewers specific discount link – HERE!

“We are excited to join Quinn Ewers team as his official apparel sponsor. The Heisman candidate and new face of Rhoback U will lead the program this Fall and help set a new standard for what it means to be a premier collegiate athlete. Quinn’s leadership, demeanor, and love for the game immediately stood out to us. Quinn’s qualities will make a big appearance within our Earn It campaign this Fall and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce them to the Rhoback community. Quinn’s talent and personality will help us showcase new trendsetting content, and we can’t wait to share. Quinn will also help unveil our licensed Texas collection. We are proud to be a part of Quinn’s team as he guides the Rhoback U program to the next level.” – Rhoback statement 

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UPDATE: Another Longhorns RB injures leg, thought to be serious

Last week, the Longhorns lost starting RB CJ Baxter for the season with a knee injury. Now, it looks like another running back is hurt.

Last week, the Longhorns lost starting running back CJ Baxter for the season with a knee injury. This week isn’t starting out any better at Texas practice.

RB Christian Clark was injured at practice on Monday. The severity is unknown, although Anwar Richardson of OrangeBloods reports it is believed to be serious.

 

Though the nature of the injury is a mystery, Bobby Burton of OnTexasFootball says, “It does not sound good on its face.”

Clark is a freshman running back out of Arizona. He was slated to be a backup in 2024, but with the injury to Baxter last week, every RB had moved up the depth chart a slot.

https://twitter.com/ontexasfootball/status/1823144013278679125https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkLr41VnTL4

OnTexasFootball’s CJ Vogel wrote, “He came down awkward after leaping for a pass. He needed assistance to get off the field. Again it sounds like a lower body injury. It doesn’t sound great. We don’t know the severity. We do know however Christian Clark was unable to finish practice.”

Burton adds: “I feel like they’re a little bit snake bit at the position. The Longhorns have four scholarship running backs available, including Clark. If Clark were to be out, that would be three. We will see what that means.”

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Texas Longhorns begin season ranked No. 4 in initial AP Poll

The first AP Poll of the season is out and Texas is ranked No. 4 to begin the highly-anticipated 2024 campaign. 

The first AP Poll of the season is out and the Longhorns are ranked No. 4 to begin the highly-anticipated 2024 campaign. This is the first time Texas has debuted in the AP preseason Top 5 since 2009, when the Horns lost in the BCS Championship game against Alabama at the Rose Bowl.  

The top seven teams in the AP Poll mirrors the top seven in the US LBM Coaches Poll released last week.

Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon rank ahead of Texas in the initial poll. The Bulldogs received 46 first place votes, the Buckeyes got 15 first place votes and the Ducks received 1 first place votes. Texas landed zero first place votes.

As the “super conference” era begins, the expanded SEC and Big Ten dominate the rankings with four teams apiece in the Top 10. Only four conferences are represented in the preseason rankings overall. The SEC leads the conference race with nine teams in the Top 25. The Big Ten has six representatives. The Big 12 lands five in the poll, while the ACC has four.

Texas rivals Oklahoma and Texas A&M also made the list at No. 16 and No. 20 respectively.

Five teams from the preseason AP Top 25 are on the Longhorns’ schedule:

9/7 at No. 9 Michigan

10/12 vs. No. 16 Oklahoma (in Dallas)

10/19 vs. No. 1 Georgia

11/20 at No. 20 Texas A&M

Texas finished the 2023 season ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll after losing the College Football Playoff Semifinal vs. Washington. The Longhorns 2024 season begins on 8/31 vs. Colorado State.

A look at the full preseason AP Poll:

Ranking Team Points
1 Georgia Bulldogs 1,532 (46)
2 Ohio State Buckeyes 1,490 (15)
3 Oregon Ducks 1,403 (1)
4 Texas Longhorns 1,386
5 Alabama Crimson Tide 1,260
6 Ole Miss Rebels 1,189
7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 1,122
8 Penn State Nittany Lions 1,060
9 Michigan Wolverines 995
10 Florida State Seminoles 971
11 Missouri Tigers 927
12 Utah Utes 887
13 LSU Tigers 804
14 Clemson Tigers 689
15 Tennessee Volunteers 629
16 Oklahoma Sooners 566
17 Oklahoma State Cowboys 538
18 Kansas State Wildcats 526
19 Miami Hurricanes 492
20 Texas A&M Aggies 292
21 Arizona Wildcats 237
22 Kansas Jayhawks 231
23 USC Trojans 172
24 North Carolina State Wolfpack 171
25 Iowa Hawkeyes 140

Others Receiving Votes

Louisville 111, Virginia Tech 77, Boise St. 47, SMU 33, Iowa St. 33, Liberty 32, Washington 23, West Virginia 17, Memphis 16, Nebraska 16, Wisconsin 15, UTSA 6, Tulane 5, Appalachian St. 4, Kentucky 3, Auburn 2, Colorado 1.

 

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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.

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Trey Luerssen on X @TreyLuerssen.

Texas will debut new LED lights on Saturday at DKR

Texas’ game against Wyoming will have a special touch to it.

The Texas Longhorns will be showing off their state of the art LED Lights on Saturday against the Wyoming Cowboys.

Chris Del Conte, the Athletic Director for the Horns, first shared a video via Twitter on August 10th of what the new lights will look like.

The Longhorns also gave fans a glimpse of what Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium will look like with the new touch. It appears Texas can now turn the entire stadium burnt orange, creating a fun environment for fans in attendance.

On Thursday, third-year head coach Steve Sarkisian commented on the new lights and how it could improve Texas’ home-field advantage.

“Yeah, I am excited about it. I am a fan of college football and I think the better environment that we can create, the better atmosphere we can create for our fans, for our players, the better it is for everybody. I think it provides energy to the stadium, I think our play provides energy to the fans, and the fans provide energy to our team, so creating that home field advantage, creating that experience, here at DKR, I think is something I appreciate. You know CDC and Drew Martin, their work that they put together to continue to create the environment that this place can have, and I’ve seen it grow from year one to year two, and now we are into year three and we’ve got some things going so I am looking forward to that.”

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Saturday on Longhorn Network.

Texas’ Kyle Flood believes he has eight OL with which he can win games

Don’t tell us about your starting five linemen. Tell us about your best eight. Texas has eight good ones.

Conference championship contenders need eight offensive linemen to realistically compete. Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood believes he has his eight. It’s part of what makes this roster more fortified against a late-season falloff than past Longhorns teams.

You need eight quality offensive linemen to safeguard against injury. Having a strong top five doesn’t matter all that much if one or two get injured. Due to the physical nature of the position and the inherent lack of balance in pass protection, it’s difficult to go a full season with five healthy linemen. Texas might not have to worry about that.

We feel strongly about the starting five and its ability after last season. The line is perhaps the best pass blocking unit in the conference. The backups are ready to make impact as well led by DJ Campbell, Cam Williams and Neto Umeozulu.

The 2022 offensive line class illustrates that one good offensive line class can transform the entire unit. Texas will look to maximize its collection of four- and five-star linemen to a 10-win season in 2023.