This Texas roster feels like its blueprint is coming to life. There’s star power where it matters: quarterback, edge, linebacker, but what really jumps is the depth. It’s a team built to win now. Arch Manning finally takes the wheel, flanked by a violent ground game and anchored by a defense with real potential. Loaded and ready! One of the OLs has traits that Jeff Stoutland and the Eagles love and is someone to pay close attention to in the upcoming drafts.
Offense:
Arch Manning (QB)
There’s no escaping the surname, but Arch is about to etch his own legacy in burnt orange. The tools are all there. Prototypical size, clean mechanics, composure under fire, and 2025 feels like the season where he steps into the legend. Texas doesn’t need him to be a Manning. They need him to win, and Arch is finally taking the reins after learning in the shadows of Quinn Ewers. He looks ready, not just to lead, but to rise. His camp has indicated that he will not be coming out until the 2027 NFL Draft.
Quintrevion Wisner (RB)
He has not been the headliner, but don’t overlook him. Wisner is the kind of back who gets forgotten, until he takes a swing pass 25 yards and leaves defenders grabbing air. Twitchy, light-footed, and compact, he allows his blocks to develop. He is built like a slot receiver who squats 500. There’s grit in his game. He earns yards the hard way, and that edge makes him a dangerous change-up in the rotation.
CJ Baxter (RB)
Built in a lab. CJ Baxter runs like someone told him contact was personal. He’s a true workhorse with Sunday traits, and when Texas needs rhythm, he’s the one who can drag the offense into it. Thick lower half, violent finisher, deceptive burst. If the Longhorns lean into their ground game, and they should, Baxter could be the bellcow to bet on.
DeAndre Moore Jr. (WR)
Quick-twitch off the line, precision in his routes, and a knack for finding daylight when it matters. Excels in contested catches and has decent RAC ability. Very good blocker. One of the cleaner separators in the conference.
Jack Endries (TE)
Every offense needs a glue guy, and he’s a good one, who plays fearlessly. The kind of tight end who chips the edge, sneaks across the middle, works well in space, and is willing to lay out on third-and-six. When Texas needs a key conversion, don’t be surprised if it’s him moving the chains or scoring in the red zone. If he improves his blocking, like all tight ends, he improves his draft status.
DJ Campbell (OG)
Campbell brings bar-fight energy to the interior offensive line. He locks on and drives defenders off the screen, playing with violent hands and a brawler’s mentality. He’s not just strong, he’s nasty. If Texas wants to impose its will in the trenches, DJ’s the tone-setter, doing it one pancake at a time.
Trevor Goosby (OT)
Goosby’s development arc is trending steeply upward. He is 6’7 with long arms, light feet, and a frame that’s still adding strength. He’s not a finished product, but the flashes are undeniable. If he puts it all together, Texas will have its next NFL blindside protector, and he could be a first-rounder in 2027.
Defense:
Cole Brevard (DL)
The space-eater. The Purdue transfer does the thankless work in the middle, absorbing doubles, clogging gaps, freeing up the linebackers behind him. He won’t rack up statistics, but his potential and impact are evident on film. Texas doesn’t need him to be flashy; they need him to be immovable. If Texas utilizes his strengths, he will be a standout on the D-line and should create interior pressure.
Colin Simmons (LB/EDGE)
Colin is only 19 years old, and already turning heads! His first step is lethal, his bend is elite. Simmons is a force who could become the most feared edge rusher in college football by season’s end. The comparisons to Von Miller and Nick Bonitto are not lazy; he has a plethora of potential and is one of the more exciting players to watch this season. 2027 1st round potential.
Anthony Hill Jr. (LB)
Alpha. Hill is the heartbeat of the defense and the kind of linebacker opponents circle on the scouting report. He’s got sideline-to-sideline range, but what separates him is his mental game. He diagnoses before the snap and detonates plays with purpose. If this defense levels up, Hill will be the soul of it.
Malik Muhammad (CB)
He’s got all the traits. Fluid hips, instincts, sticky coverage, and the kind of short memory all great corners need. He has the athletic profile to be versatile in the defensive backfield. He presses and makes plays!
Michael Taaffe (S)
Taaffe is always where he’s supposed to be, and that makes all the difference. Smart, gritty, and vocal, he’s the kind of player who holds a secondary together with discipline and trust. He’s one of the emotional leaders of the defense. The leadership skills translate to Sundays, and so does his diligence in the film room.
As always, thank you for reading!
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Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
