It’s game day as the Texas Longhorns kick off the 2024 season against the Colorado State Rams. As the Longhorns approach kickoff, Inside Texas concludes the countdown to kickoff.
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Holmes is set to be a major factor on the defense this year. With Jahdae Barron likely starting at one corner spot and Malik Muhammad starting at the other, Holmes may not start but he’ll be seen at field corner often when the Longhorns are on defense.
Injuries to CJ Baxter and Christian Clark have made Gibson’s 2024 one where he’ll be used more than anticipated ahead of the season. Gibson is behind Tre Wisner and Jaydon Blue but in order to make it through the 2024 season, Gibson is going to get carries in his freshman season.
A transfer from Alabama, Niblack is more of a flex tight end than one who will ground and pound in-line. The Longhorns love to run two tight end sets, so there will be a lot of opportunity for Niblack on the field in 2024. Expect him to be the 1B to Gunnar Helm ‘s 1A.
Moore, who Nick Saban pursued intensely before stepping down, transfers in from UTSA and arrives with lofty expectations. Moore is going to start at Buck and might be the Longhorns’ top pass-rusher. The 2023 American Athletic Conference defensive player of the year has bet on himself at every step of his career and he’ll work to ensure his most recent bet on himself pays off.
Another arrival from Alabama, Bond brings the type of speed that Steve Sarkisian covets and utilizes within his offense. Bond will need to be consistent for Quinn Ewers and company because his ability to get open and take the top off the defense might be the best in the conference. Look for Bond to likely be positioned similarly to Adonai Mitchell but used in different ways.
Barron came back to wear No. 7 and boost his draft stock, and he physically looks more prepared than ever to do that. Thanks to a strong spring and summer from Jaylon Guilbeau, Barron can be deployed at corner and will occupy the boundary position more often than not. His versatility allows for the Longhorns to do a lot of different things in the secondary, and while nickel and safety are on the table, most of his work will be at corner.
Clark is out for the season after suffering an Achilles injury during preseason camp.
Black should see a good amount of snaps this season as a freshman cornerback, and he’ll also likely be a big part of the special teams operations.
Wingo took the spring by storm during his first semester in Austin and made a significant amount of plays, including during the spring game. Wingo may not be a starter this year but he provides size and athleticism that should earn him plenty of snaps this year, even during crunch time.
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Muhammad earned a spot in the starting lineup but strong springs from Barron and Guilbeau have moved him from boundary corner to field corner. While successful last season at boundary corner in Ryan Watts ‘ stead, field corner fits more of Muhammad’s skill set.
Mukuba transfers back home after three years at Clemson and steps right into the starting lineup. He’ll be part of what’s likely to be a secondary filled with Austinites along with Barron and Michael Taaffe . Expect Mukuba to start at free safety and rotate regularly as the Longhorns look to improve their pass defense.
Baxter is out for the season with a knee injury.
Sarkisian and company raved about the spring and summer Jaylon Guilbeau had, essentially saying they though he had made his “return” to the program. Guilbeau will likely start at Star and play a key role in the defense. His surge in the offseason opened up the chance for Barron to play at corner, something that the Longhorn staff believes will improve the defense.
Is Quinn Ewers the face of college football? Or just the face of Dr. Pepper? Either way, Ewers is the face of Texas football as he enters what is probably his final year in burnt orange. Ewers understands there are Heisman level expectations this year on him and if the Longhorns want to play for a SEC or national title, it might take Ewers making it to New York as a Heisman finalist. Ewers’ main priority this year should be to protect the football and to also protect himself so as to not miss time for a third consecutive season.
After a quality debut season where he was on the field often in crucial situations, Williams Jr. returns and will be a major part of the defense. Mukuba’s transfer may prevent Williams Jr. from accumulating starts, but he’ll be on the field often in the Longhorn secondary.
Another one of the transfers at wide receiver, Golden has been consistent throughout his time in Austin. His consistency and ability with the ball in his hands has been a key reason behind his ascension to the starting field receiver role. He’ll be part of a healthy rotation at wide receiver, and also will be a factor in the return game on special teams.
Finkley has bounced between Jack and Buck in his time in Austin. He’s back at Buck and will likely see a lot of snaps behind Moore this season.
Cook is part of the group within Sarkisian’s circle of trust at wide receiver. Capable of playing every position, Cook is likely to be behind Golden at field but he can play a number of different spots. Just because he’s not talked about often doesn’t mean he’s doing anything wrong. Expect the sophomore from DeSoto to see a significant amount of snaps.
Moore Jr. looks to be the closest approximation the 2024 Longhorns have to Jordan Whittington , at least on the field. Moore Jr. will play in the slot receiver role and will be asked to make impacts as a receiver and a blocker this year. Another receiver who had a strong spring game, Moore Jr. steps into a bigger role this season.
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Anthony Hill Jr. is the starter at mike and may be the captain of the defense during the 2024 season. He’ll wear the helmet communication device and help get his teammates lined up. An All-American season is on the table for Hill Jr.
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