For the past decade, the Texas Longhorns have worked to return to becoming one of the finest programs in the country, and in 2023, they will finally achieve that goal.
They were able to win the Big 12 Championship while also competing in the final four-team College Football Playoff. Now, as they enter the 2024 season, they are determined on maintaining their success while also taking the next step, which is to compete for the national championship.
As expected, Texas lost a plethora of talent to the NFL Draft following the season, particularly on offense. ESPN has questioned how the unit will look next year. ESPN recently published an article discussing the greatest spring questions for each of the top 25 teams. The Longhorns, who are rated fourth behind Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon, have questions about their passing game. Overall, the question is legitimate, given that Texas lost three top receivers and a quality tight end. However, the Longhorns did use the transfer portal to bring in one of the biggest hauls in college football this offseason, led by Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond. ESPN’s Dave Wilson noted that the club, which includes Bond, Oregon State transfer Silas Bolden, Alabama tight end transfer Amari Niblack, and Houston transfer Matthew Golden, has added some much-needed experience, but it still needs to find the ideal combination.
“This time last season, Steve Sarkisian said getting Quinn Ewers comfortable and the deep passing game going was a point of emphasis,” according to Wilson. “Ewers answered with 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns to just six interceptions in Texas’ final Big 12 season, while the arrival of Adonai Mitchell created more opportunities for Xavier Worthy.
“That is not to say that there is no talent available. Sarkisian acquired transfers Isaiah Bond (Alabama), Silas Bolden (Oregon State), Matthew Golden (Houston), and tight end Amari Niblack (Alabama), as well as top receiver Ryan Wingo (No. 27 on this year’s ESPN 300). Now it’s only a matter of finding the proper combinations and perfecting the timing.”
Fortunately for Texas, Ewers made a significant stride forward in his development during his second season as a starter, so it is reasonable to expect him to do so again. He is now the focal center of the attack more than ever, and he must maintain consistency in all parts of his game. Adding three great transfers should make consistency easier, but now it’s time for Ewers to step up as one of the best signal-callers in the country.
