[jwplayer VLDsqrHu-er0jUifI]
Spring football usually gives teams a better understanding of where they stand before the fall. Position battles can sort themselves out, freshman have the opportunity to make an impact, and if you have new coaches on your staff, their systems can be implemented.
Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich and defensive coordinator Chris Ash were hoping to get some time with their new team throughout March, but have been shut down thanks to the coronavirus. There will be no spring practice for any team across the country.
Despite no football, Stewart Mandel of The Athletic has put together his post-spring top 25 going into next season. He has ranked Texas at No. 14, just ahead of former arch-rival Texas A&M.
(The story requires a paid subscription)
Here is what Mandel had to say about the Longhorns:
Tom Herman made solid hires with new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich and defensive coordinator Chris Ash. QB Sam Ehlinger quietly finished No. 4 nationally in total offense last season but threw too many INTs. RB Keontay Ingram averaged 7.0 yards per carry over his last seven games. Redshirt freshman WR Jordan Whittington could become a weapon at receiver. OLB Joseph Ossai and S Caden Sterns lead a defense that needs to get stronger up front.
Mandel’s ranking and judgment of the Longhorns seem to be fair. Not receiving top 10 hype as they have in the past, he points out Texas still has some questions to answer both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Joseph Ossai is expected to be an instrumental part of the defense “that needs to get stronger up front.” When he moved to a designated pass-rushing role in the Alamo Bowl against Utah, Ossai recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss. He will be the biggest factor for the Longhorns going into the season.
Two other Big 12 teams make the cut, with Oklahoma coming in at No. 6 and Oklahoma State at No. 18. It is expected to be a three-team race for the two spots in the Big 12 championship game.
Texas will face Oklahoma October 10th in Dallas, while their regular-season finale will be on the road to Oklahoma State on November 27th.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]