Tag: Texas Longhorns

Texas Longhorns land Utah punter in the Transfer Portal

Texas Longhorns land commitment from Utah punter Jack Bouwmeester in the Transfer Portal. Punting was a UT weakness this season.

The Texas Longhorns have massively upgraded a position with the commitment of Utah Utes punter Jack Bouwmeester from the Transfer Portal. Bouwmeester has also already signed his paperwork with the Longhorns, according to 247Sports.

The Australian native entered the NCAA Transfer Portal as a grad transfer on Dec. 6, three days before non grad transfers could enter. Bouwmeester has one year of eligibility left. He started his career at Michigan State, but after a coaching change, Bouwmeester went back to Australia for a couple of years. He returned in 2022 and signed with Utah.

The 6-foot-3, 197 pound kicker has 60 punts in 2024 for 2,682 yards on an average of 44.7 yards per punt. 13 of the 60 punts went for 50+ yards and 9 landed inside the 20-yard line.

The Aussie, who punted well all three years at Utah, arrived in Austin Thursday and visited the Forty Acres for a couple of days before choosing Texas as his third and final stop of his collegiate career.

Texas’ longest punt this season was 52 yards. Bouwmeester had 3 games this year where he had a 60+ yard punt.

Report: Quinn Ewers plans to enter NFL Draft, Arch Manning to start in 2025

A new report says Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers plans to declare for NFL Draft after 2024 season is over, Arch Manning to start for Texas in 2025.

Over the past few weeks we’ve heard rumors about Quinn Ewers declaring for the NFL Draft. There have also been rumors that Ewers would transfer at the end of this season.

With both reports out there for a couple weeks, there seems to be confusion in Ewers camp about what to do after the season is over. The junior QB’s up and down play this season could be the major culprit.

Ewers looked outstanding through the first two and a half games of the season. Especially in the Michigan game, where he shredded the vaunted Wolverines defense in Ann Arbor.

But the Southlake product hasn’t looked the same since his oblique injury against UTSA in Week 3. Ewers was out two games and then possibly rushed back for the Oklahoma game. Quinn didn’t look great against Oklahoma, but did enough in the second half to secure the win over the hapless Sooners.

The next game against Georgia was Ewers worst game of the year. It was followed by a two interception performance against Vanderbilt that Texas barely won. Ewers started playing better, but then got a high-ankle sprain against Kentucky and has struggled at times since.

It’s all led to the uncertainty about Ewers future.

A new report from Anwar Richardson of OrangeBloods.com suggests Ewers still has plans to try for the NFL. On Twitter, Richardson says, “Sources say Quinn Ewers still plans to declare for the NFL Draft after this season, paving the way for Arch Manning to take over in 2025. Manning is locked in with Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian, with no plans to transfer. Right now, both are dialed in on Clemson.”

In fact, NFL agent Luke McMurtrey refutes the transfer rumors on Twitter calling them “Fake News.” McMurtrey is with Sportstars Inc. and part of Ewers’ team.

McMurtrey was responding to a Tweet by NFL Rookie Watch, who said in another Tweet, “Quinn Ewers reportedly ‘has a deal on the table’ from a team in the Big 10 for $4 million to transfer next season and forgo the NFL Draft. Ewers is reportedly debating on transferring and staying in college for another season or entering the draft. Several NFL scouts reportedly have Ewers ranked “outside” of their Top-4 QB’s in this year’s draft.”

If you try to boil it all down, it sounds like this is what’s actually going on. Ewers’ camp isn’t sure where he’ll be drafted. They probably have a target in mind, similar to that report about wanting to be in the top four quarterbacks in the draft.

If Ewers NFL Draft feedback isn’t what they want, they will explore transferring and make a few million of NIL money next season before trying for the NFL after 2025.

The problem with that plan is how it impacts Texas. It seems, behind the scenes, the Texas staff are going to go with Arch Manning in 2025 regardless. I’m sure Ewers knows this and probably had an indication from the staff before the year even started that they it was Ewers team in 2024 and then move on to Arch. It’s logical that promises have been made to the Manning camp, which has been a big reason Arch has not considered transferring.

So what will happen is Ewers and Texas will play out the season. If Texas makes a deep run in the college football playoffs and Quinn plays well, the NFL Draft will probably await him. If he plays poorly and Texas is bounced early against either Clemson or Arizona State, Ewers will consider transferring to play another year of college football.

Either way, it seems the Longhorns are set to name Manning the starter in 2025.

Top ranked tight end in transfer portal from Purdue visits Texas Longhorns

The Boilermakers star is one of the top offensive weapons in the transfer portal

As the Texas Longhorns were busy preparing for the playoffs this week, they welcomed Purdue tight end Max Klare to campus for a visit. The Boilermakers star is one of the top offensive weapons in the transfer portal. Klare announced he was entering the portal last week and would help improve an already impressive Longhorns offense.

During his time with Purdue, Klare has been a reliable weapon in the passing game. However, during the 2024 campaign, he took his game to another level. The Guilford native has set career highs in receptions with 51 and receiving yards with 685. Due to his play, Klare is ranked as the 19th-best player in the transfer portal by 247Sports.

Coming out of high school, Klare had 14 offers. His only offers from Power Four schools came from Cincinnati, Duke, Georgia Tech, and Purdue. That should change over the next couple of weeks as programs nationwide look for ways to improve their offense for the 2025 season.

If the Longhorns are able to land Klare, their tight end room would get a massive boost. Over the last few months, Gunnar Helm has been stellar, but he is a senior and could be an NFL draft pick. Adding Klare to the mix would give the Longhorns a player who could match Helms’ production.

Although there is no timeline for Klare’s final decision, the Longhorns got to show Klare on Thursday why his next stop should be Austin.

Texas AD Chris Del Conte sets expectations for the upcoming Clemson game

What will the first-round playoff game look like the DKR? Chris Del Conte weighs in.

With just one week away from the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff first-round of games set to kickoff, fans are flocking to social media, curious to know if the atmosphere will be like regular-season games. Will it feel like a traditional college football Saturday, or will playoff theatrics dominate?

In an interview on Thursday, Ohio State Athletics Director Ross Bjork shared some insights into the setup of first-round games; comparing the setup to a college baseball regional. “The CFP will control much of the in-game production, including music and intro videos for both teams,” Bjork stated that games would blend familiar territory of home-game energy with some neutral-site elements.

Texas AD Chris Del Conte addressed similar questions on social media earlier this week. Initially stating it would feel like a normal Texas game, Del Conte later clarified on X (formerly Twitter): “Combination of both… will be our normal home theatrics with some bowl game elements to boot 🤘🏽.”

This will be the first time the playoffs will broadcast games on TNT Sports, as part of a sub-licensing agreement with ESPN. The familiar face of the playoff games, ESPN, will still serve as the primary producer of all the games. The sub-licensing deal announced over the summer will allow TNT to air two of the first-round matchups.

The No. 5 Texas Longhorns take on the No. 12 Clemson Tigers from DKR on Saturday, December 21st at 3:00 p.m.

Longhorns DL reverses transfer portal decision, will stay at Texas

While Mitchell saw limited snaps this season, his decision to stay is welcome news. 

On Thursday night, Longhorns fans breathed a sigh of relief. After announcing his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Wednesday, Sydir Mitchell is expected to stay in Texas, according to Horbns247. While Mitchell saw limited snaps this season, his decision to stay is welcome news.

During the 2024 campaign, Mitchell appeared in five games. He saw playing time against Colorado State, UTSA, Florida, Kentucky, and Georgia in the SEC Championship. In his limited action, the New Jersey tackle recorded three solo tackles after only recording one last season.

While Mitchell’s production has been limited so far, he gives Texas needed veteran experience. Without Mitchell, the only Longhorns scholarship defensive linemen set to return next season were Alex January and Melvin Hills. There should also be more additions via the transfer portal.

Before joining the Longhorns, Mitchell drew the interest of some of the top programs in the country. During his recruitment, he received offers from 16 schools, including Georgia, Miami, and Texas A&M. Coming out of high school, 247Sports ranked him the No.51 defensive lineman in the country.

Following the 2024 campaign, Mitchell will still have three seasons left of eligibility. His goal for next season we will be to maximize his value and show why he should get more playing time as the Longhorns chase a national championship.

Jahdae Barron wins Thorpe Award, third Texas Longhorn to be named top DB

Texas DB Jahdae Barron becomes third Longhorn to win Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s best defensive back.

Jahdae Barron’s name is now etched in Longhorns history. On Thursday evening, Barron was named the 2024 Thorpe Award winner as the best defensive back in the country.

The announcement was made during ESPN’s College Football Awards show. Barron beat out Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs and Georgia Bulldogs safety Malaki Starks.

Barron becomes the third Texas Longhorn to win the annual prize. UT’s Michael Huff and Aaron Ross won it in back-to-back years in 2005 and 2006. Texas is tied for the most Thorpe Award recipients in the country with Oklahoma and LSU.

It was the first Texas Thorpe Award winner Michael Huff who informed Barron that the trophy was his. Huff currently serves as the Longhorns Assistant Director of Player Development.

The senior led the SEC with five interceptions, had 47 tackles, nine pass breakups and a forced fumble so far this season. He starred in a Texas secondary that was one of the best in the nation.

The Longhorns lead the country in fewest passing yards allowed at 143.1 per game and turnovers gained with 28. Texas is No. 2 in scoring defense, allowing 12.5 points per game.

Kelvin Banks Jr. makes history with latest award

On Wednesday, Banks continued receiving national attention when he won the SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy

During the 2024 season, Kelvin Banks Jr. has seen his stock rise as the Longhorns’ offense has thrived. Due to his play, the Humble, Texas native has become a popular name in mock NFL drafts. On Wednesday, Banks continued receiving national attention when he won the SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, annually awarded to the league’s most outstanding blocker.

Over the last three years, Banks has started 39 games. He was a key member of the Texas offensive line that was recently tabbed a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. During the 2024 campaign, he has added to his trophy case with various weekly honors. Those awards include Outland Trophy’s National Player of the Week on Oct. 15, and SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice.

With Banks leading the way, the Longhorns rank 13th in passing offense, 15th in team passing efficiency, and 16th in completion percentage. They have also rushed for over 100 yards in 10 of 12 games, averaging 33.6 points per game.

While Banks’ latest recognition comes as no surprise, he has etched himself into the history books. He is the first Longhorns player to win the SEC blocking award. As the Longhorns look to make a deep playoff run, they will need Banks to build on his recent play.

Regardless of how the season plays out, Banks is making his last few weeks of the 2024 campaign a time he will never forget.

Texas Longhorns trio lands on USA TODAY Sports All-America Teams

Kelvin Banks, Jahdae Barron, and Alfred Collins recognized for standout performances in 2024 season.

Three Texas Longhorns players have earned spots on the USA TODAY Sports All-America teams. The selections were made by a panel of voters covering college football for USA TODAY Sports and the USA TODAY Network.

Kelvin Banks OT – First Team

Junior offensive tackle Kelvin Banks is one of college football’s premier linemen. A starter in 37 consecutive games, Banks was named a 2024 Lombardi Award winner and SEC  Jacob Blocking Trophy award winner. His standout performances earned him SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors twice this season and recognition as the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week on Oct. 15.

https://twitter.com/TexasFootball/status/1867045711725855043

Banks entered the 2024 campaign as a preseason First-Team All-American, receiving nods from the Associated Press, CBS Sports, ESPN, Sporting News, and The Athletic. He also made the preseason First-Team All-SEC and was featured on watch lists for the Outland Trophy.

Jahdae Barron DB – First Team

Senior cornerback Jahdae Barron has been a cornerstone of the Texas Longhorns’ defense, appearing in 51 games with 33 starts over his collegiate career. In 2024, Barron was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and Bednarik Award, while also earning recognition as a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. His stellar play was highlighted by being named Jim Thorpe Award National Player of the Week on Nov. 19 and Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 18. Later this evening he will find out if he will be named the Jim Thorpe award winner.

https://twitter.com/Jordan_Reid/status/1864003497944854567

A preseason second-team All-SEC selection, Barron entered the year on watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award. He ranks tied for sixth in program history with three non-offensive touchdowns.

Alfred Collins DL – Second Team

Senior defensive tackle Alfred Collins has been a consistent presence for the Longhorns, appearing in 53 games with 17 starts over his career. In 2023, Collins earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. Off the field, Collins has excelled academically, being named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team in 2021 and the 2020-21 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team. He has also been recognized as a three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

https://twitter.com/CFCBears/status/1853999400823210483

Collins debuted in the 2020 season opener against UTEP and has since developed into a key contributor on the defensive line. His high school career was equally impressive, earning All-American and all-state honors, as well as being a three-time all-district selection and a two-time District Defensive Lineman of the Year. Collins also participated in the 2020 All-American Bowl.

Clemson QB is Austin native, but spurned his hometime Longhorns in 2021

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik is a former 5-star from Austin Westlake. Why didn’t he stay home to play for the Texas Longhorns?

Cade Klubnik has been the Clemson Starting QB for two full years. He’s passed for almost 7,000 yards with the Tigers. But why did the 5-star Westlake graduate head east to South Carolina and not stay home to play for Texas?

Back when Klubnik was going through his recruiting cycle, the UT staff was recruiting him hard. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian was surprised when the Texas State Champion picked Clemson.

“Big fan of Cade,” Sarkisian said. “We recruited him hard. Obviously, local kid. Really possesses a great deal of competitive spirit, and you could see that when he was in high school at Westlake.”

But the son of two former Aggies had his eyes on Dabo Swinney. Klubnik’s family says he wanted to play for Dabo since his sophomore year in High School. Sark adds, “Thought we were the hometown team, and he had always had a dream of going to Clemson.”
But while Klubnik wanted Clemson, Clemson didn’t necessarily want him. Dabo Swinney had his eyes on another 5-star QB, Ty Simpson out of Tennessee. Dabo made it clear to Klubnik there would only be a scholarship for him if Simpson chose to go elsewhere. 
In the meantime, Texas A&M and Texas were trying to land Klubnik themselves, both Klubnik described as “dream schools.” The Aggies decided to move on and signed Conner Weigman (who just announced he’s transferring to Houston).
In early February, Texas tried to ramp up the pressure. According to ESPN, Klubnik got an anonymous text from someone at Texas letting him know that Maalik Murphy was scheduled to visit campus and likely to commit. If he wanted to go to Texas, now was the time to commit.
Klubnik waited and the Longhorns did get that commitment from Murphy on Feb. 13 as Sark wasn’t taking any chances in 2021 as he tried to put together his first UT recruiting class. “He let that window close on both (schools) because he wanted to play at Clemson,” his father, Tod Klubnik, told ESPN.
Klubnik decided to wait on Clemson, but he didn’t have to wait long. On Feb. 26, 2021, Simpson picked Alabama. Clemson offered Klubnik a scholarship that same day. Less than a week later, Klubnik committed to the Tigers.
Sark is happy it all worked out for the junior QB and thinks its cool he’s coming home to Austin for the playoff game. “For him, I think, what a cool story of getting into the College Football Playoff and the first-round game is right here back in Austin, back home for him. A lot of really cool storylines of this ballgame, and that’s definitely one of them.”

How to watch Texas Longhorns vs. NM State today: Time, TV channel, streaming

It’s Texas vs NM State on Thursday. Here’s how to watch, with info on time, channel, TV Schedule and streaming info.

Texas basketball (7-2) fell short in its toughest challenge of the season, losing to No. 20 Connecticut on Sunday. Head coach Rodney Terry is eager to see how the Longhorns respond. They’ll have little time to regroup with New Mexico State (4-5) set to visit Austin on Thursday.

Texas will be home for the Holidays as they’ll play the next four games in the Moody Center, the Longhorns host an all time record of 34-6 inside Moody (4-1 this season). Texas does not play on the road until Jan. 4 at Texas A&M to start SEC play.

Here’s how to watch the Texas vs. NM State game Thursday night, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Texas Longhorns vs. NC State game on today? Time, TV schedule

TV Channel: SEC Network

Start time: 7:00pm C.T

David Saltzman (PXP) and Justin Mason (analyst) will call the action.

Where to watch Texas vs. New Mexico State on livestream

Streaming options for the game between Texas and NC State include both FUBO, ESPN+ and SEC+

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Texas vs. NM State live on ESPN+” link=”https://go.web.plus.espn.com/Vmrv2O”]

Texas vs. NC State game odds:

All College Football Odds via BetMGM:

  • Texas is a -19.5 point favorite vs New Mexico State
  • Total (Over/Under): 138.5 points
  • Point spread: Texas -19.5 -105 New Mexico State +19.5 -115

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]