Steve Sarkisian provides player availability update for Week 1 vs. Colorado State

The 2024 college football season officially kicks off for Texas on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m. CT against Colorado State.

The Longhorns have high expectations for the upcoming season after reaching the programs first-ever College Football Playoff berth in 2023. In the preseason AP Top 25 Poll , Texas lands at No. 4 behind Georgia (No. 1), Ohio State (No. 2), and Oregon (No. 3).

Although head coach Steve Sarkisian's squad is entering its first year of SEC play, Texas has a favorable schedule and talented roster full of depth at key positions that should see the Longhorns at least compete for a conference championship.

Unfortunately, Texas took a couple blows during fall camp that could impact its success this year. Starting running back CJ Baxter suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for the entire 2024 season. Less than a week later, freshman running back Christian Clark tore his Achilles. The Longhorns do have depth at the position, including Jaydon Blue, Tre Wisner, and Jerrick Gibson, but suffering another injury to the room could be troublesome.

Fortunately for Texas, Sarkisian noted to the media this week that there are no new injuries to report and everyone will be available to play against Colorado State in the season opener.

If Texas holds a comfortable lead over Colorado State, expect many newcomers and young players to receive significant playing time.

Related: Jaydon Blue is ready for the spotlight after CJ Baxter's injury