Positions that Texas Longhorn football players will be battling for this fall
The Longhorns are back. After Texas’ first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoffs, the Horns are heading to the SEC and are expected to be one of the top teams in the country.
Steve Sarkisian has rebuilt the Longhorns’ program and roster over the past three years and he has created an incredible squad in Austin.
As the fall season rapidly approaches, many positions are (presumably) solidified, such as Quinn Ewers being the starting quarterback over Arch Manning.
However, a few jobs could be a toss-up until the first snap of the season.
Which positions will be fought over until this fall, and may even be a battle throughout the season?
Wide receiver
Depth: Isaiah Bond, Ryan Wingo, Johntay Cook, Matthew Golden, and DeAndre Moore
While the quarterback debate may be settled, for now, exactly who Ewers wil be throwing to is still up for debate.
There’s no arguing that Isaiah Bond, Johntay Cook, and Ryan Wingo are three of the most talented guys on the roster but who will be the go-to guy on the field?
Bond and Cook have the undeniable skill coupled with experience from previous seasons at the collegiate level. However, freshman Ryan Wingo is one of the most impressive incoming players in the country and should be an elite wideout for Ewers.
Matthew Golden and DeAndre Moore most likely won’t be WR1 in 2024 but they both possess the drive and abilities necessary to find success for Texas.
Safety
Depth: Andrew Mukuba, Derek Williams, Xavier Filsaime, and Michael Taaffe
The safety position has been a focus for Sarkisian’s rebuilding process with the Longhorns.
Heading into the 2024 season, Texas is stacked with talent at the position including Clemson transfer Andrew Mukuba, freshman Xavier Filsaime, and returners Derek Williams and Michael Taafe.
Filsaime showed incredible field and ball awareness during the spring game but lacked the speed to keep up with his teammates. Mukuba had 42 total tackles and 6 pass deflections last season, he has 1 career interception and 1 career sack in college.
Linebacker
Depth: David Gbenda, Kendrick Blackshire, Liona Lefau, and Derion Gullette
David Gbenda is a sixth-year returner for the Horns and he had an incredible 50 total tackles and 1.5 sacks last season.
Kendrick Blackshire is a transfer from the Alabama Crimson Tide who committed to the Longhorns on Jan. 16. Last season, he had 16 tackles and 1 forced fumble.
Liona Lefau played in 14 games for Texas last season but only earned 7 total tackles. As a second-year player, Lefau is expected to see more playing time and a higher production level.
Derion Gullette utilized his redshirt during his freshman season with Texas so he doesn’t have any experience at the collegiate level but his 6-foot-3 and 231-pound frame is perfect for a future starting linebacker.
