Texas soccer stared on the finish zone with beneath two minutes left contained in the 10-yard line. The Longhorns had Ohio State on the ropes with yet one more probability to tie the sport. However Quinn Ewers took a large hit and fumbled, turning into seven factors and sealing the Cotton Bowl loss.
As Ohio State celebrated the 28-14 victory Friday, Texas did not simply stroll towards its locker room tasting defeat. The ‘Horns are actually strolling into an offseason crammed with wanted adjustments. All within the identify of ending the job as nationwide champion in 2026.
The Longhorns should change these three issues heading into subsequent season to have a shot at ending their now two-decade nationwide title dry spell. What are these adjustments that should be made? All three reside on the offensive facet of the soccer.
Time for Arch Manning, submit Quinn Ewers
Ewers delivered his future plans to ESPN faculty soccer insider Pete Thamel earlier than the sport: He would not see himself taking part in in one other Faculty Soccer Playoff sport.
Time now for the Arch Manning period in Austin. Texas followers earned an early glimpse of the potential on Oct. 19. Manning changed a benched Ewers that evening at Darnell Ok. Royal Stadium within the 30-15 Georgia win.
Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian nonetheless wants so as to add depth within the QB room. However that solely means discovering a top quality backup for Manning within the portal. And even settling for a walk-on QB to make sure Manning has a non-threat for his pending QB1 standing.
The checklist of portal choice to backup Manning, although, are dwindling. Texas 247Sports insider Hank South as soon as advised the college ought to throw an NIL deal for Cameron Rising, who left Utah. Rising sarcastically dedicated to Texas and roamed the campus from 2018 to 2019. Nonetheless, he is endured an oft-injured profession with the Utes.
“Sark” has the choice to journey with the opposite QBs anticipated to throw throughout spring follow. He has 2024 highschool All-American Trey Owens and incoming four-star freshman Ok.J. Lacey coming. Regardless, that is formally Manning’s crew shifting ahead. And he’ll want main assist involving this subsequent space we’re mentioning.
Texas should tweak offensive line
That Ewers fumble goes to get replayed for all of the fallacious causes. And the sack fires off the sign that it is time to tweak the offensive trenches shifting ahead.
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The ‘Horns are already anticipated to lose Kelvin Banks, Hayden Conner and Jake Majors. Proper sort out Cam Williams, although, faces a important offseason. He endured a brutal evening in Arlington and was sadly the OL who surrendered that last sack and fumble. Williams appears certain to be examined this spring.
Texas’ offensive line crew for ’25 appears younger and promising. Trevor Goosby crammed in properly when accidents hit the sort out room late within the season. The ‘Horns even signed 4 OLs for the 2025 class. Sarkisian and OL coach Kyle Flood, nonetheless, seemingly would not wish to throw the incoming freshmen in immediately with Manning projected behind heart.
The ‘Horns look higher off including a portal addition or two within the trenches. Former USC inside offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon is one identify nonetheless out there. Sarkisian, Flood and your complete Longhorns workers should guarantee Manning will get constant safety shifting ahead. Ewers took 15 whole sacks within the last 4 video games — together with six through the Southeastern Convention title sport and the 4 the Buckeyes handed him.
Texas wants new WR1 to step up
Austin is a hotbed for future NFL vast receiver expertise. Simply have a look at Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, and Adonai Mitchell — all of whom entered the 2024 draft collectively.
Matthew Golden seems to be subsequent to the league. Though he can return for his senior season. However Texas can moreover lose Isaiah Bond to the league.
Ryan Wingo fuels intrigue for the long run after averaging 16.3 yards per catch as a freshman. De’Andre Moore is one other to get energized about for those who’re a Longhorns fan — after scoring seven touchdowns as a sophomore.
Texas handed on pursuing some high-profile portal names out there on the WR spot. Names like Micah Hudson and Kevin “Ok.C.” Concepcion pivoted to rival Texas A&M. However Sarkisian is welcoming a high-powered ’25 class of perimeter playmakers. Kaliq Lockett and Jaime Ffrench are incoming five-stars. 4-star Daylan McCutcheon offers further future weaponry.
However Texas should begin desirous about its subsequent WR1 with Golden seemingly becoming a member of Ewers within the league. Maybe Bond as properly.