Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have a series of recruiting victories, putting Texas in position for its first-ever College Football Playoff berth on New Year’s Day.
However, whether through the transfer portal, graduation, or progression to the NFL, Texas will undoubtedly lose numerous key players coming into next season.
Here’s what you should know about Texas’ recruiting efforts as it looks to replace its 2023-24 playoff roster.
Best current commitment: WR. Ryan Wingo
At the high school level, Wingo shown Xavier Worthy-like ability to make opponents miss after the catch. He also has the pure speed to pull away at the second level, indicating that he could one day be a punt returner.
The 6-foot-two Wingo possesses the size to compete for balls in the air and the quick hands to make challenged plays in traffic in the middle of the pitch. The main concern remains: how will his game compare to the size and speed of SEC defenders.
Edge is the best under-the-radar commit. Zinia Umeozulu
Umeozulu may be able to watch and study for a while, since edge defenders Ethan Burke, Justice Finkley, Anthony Hill Jr., and J’Mond Tapp all have at least two years of eligibility remaining.
At 6-foot-4, the Allen High School standout is the tallest defensive commit in the Longhorns’ 2024 class, sharing the honour with D’antre Robinson and Alex January.
Umeozulu is a ruthless finisher against the run and pass. One clear takeaway from the four-star prospect’s tape is that he frequently makes tackles long downfield or chases down the quarterback for a sack five to six seconds after the snap.
He has incredible speed off the line of scrimmage and a towering wingspan, allowing him to whack balls down.
Umeozulu may want to gain weight if he ends up playing as the Longhorns’ primary hand-down defensive lineman. Umeozulu would have weighed 40 pounds less than Texas’ first and second-string defensive ends in Week 1.
However, his ability to remain with the play is a hopeful sign as he prepares to join his brother and redshirt freshman offensive lineman, Neto, in Austin.
The Longhorns have top-tier quarterback talent, particularly if Quinn Ewers decides to return in 2024. If not, Arch Manning is lying in wait. The offensive line has a chance to keep four of its five starters. There’s plenty of underclassmen potential in the skill positions on campus, like CJ Baxter, Johntay Cook II, and others, and the defence has its own duo of rising stars in Burke and Hill.
Tight end may be one area to focus on this winter. According to Pro Football Focus, Ja’Tavion Sanders appears to be a potential second-round NFL draft pick. Should the two-time All-Big 12 tight end forego his senior season, Gunnar Helm has breakout potential in 2024. The Longhorns may be seeking additional depth at the position.
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