Important notes for Texas Longhorns ahead of Big 12 Media Days

July 11, 2022

The Big 12 Conference's Media Days will take place next week from July 13-14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event will have players and coaches from all programs across the conference before the media to have the answer and question session.

There are so many to unpack for the Texas Longhorns ahead of the regular season, which is set to begin on August 27. The upcoming season will mark head coach Steve Sarkisian’s second year. The program’s recruitment game appears to be in great shape after acquiring the No. 1 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, quarterback Arch Manning.

Aside from recruitment and lineup-related matters, it is also important to discuss the Longhorns’ opinion about the ongoing conference realignment and whether or not it would affect the program’s plan to remain in the Big 12 until 2025.

Longhorns’ lineup

Leading the Longhorns for his second year, Sarkisian will be joined by a number of prospects in the upcoming season, namely running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, linebacker De’Marvion Overshown and defensive lineman Ovie Oghoufu.

Robinson, Overshown, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy were named into the preseason all-first-team honors. In addition, Robinson was included on the preseason pick for the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year after a stellar freshman career. In the previous season, the sophomore recorded 195 rushing attempts, 1,127 yards, and 11 touchdowns.

The program’s luck in the transfer portal and recruitment is also worth praising. Texas surprised college athletics enthusiasts after acquiring the commitment of Manning, a five-star recruit from Isidore Newman. Joining Manning as fellow elite prospects are DeSoto wide receiver Johntay Cook II, who committed on June 29, and safety Derek Williams, who announced his commitment on June 27.

Despite the awards to three of its players and great rosters luck, Texas’ 5-7 campaign finish last year was not impressive. The program was picked to finish in the fourth position behind Baylor, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State in the conference for the next season.

Internal battle

The Longhorns’ luck seemed to have expanded to their lineup as both of the team’s quarterback and offensive line departments are progressing steadily this far.

QBs Quinn Ewers and Hudson Card are reportedly competing for the starting quarterback position. Ewers had a great physical display running QB, while Card brought his experience for Sarkisian to consider. The battle would be very interesting if the two still play in Texas when Manning is considered ready for the role.

Aside from QB, Texas hired seven OL for the 2022 class. This is a giveaway that the program is fixing its offensive posture. Offensive coordinator and OL coach Kyle Flood has been tasked to ensure the team’s new offensive pieces can help the Longhorns in the upcoming season.

College realignment

The Longhorns have not shown any signs of moving to another conference earlier than scheduled. However, it is important to spark such a discussion after the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins confirmed their departure to the Big Ten. Many believe the move could have prompted other schools to do the same.

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Gus Anderson
Gus Anderson is a gambling wizard. As a kid he dreamt about becoming a Tennis, Hockey and Golf professional but ended up as a gambling professional with focus on both sports & casino.