Texas Depth Chart: Predicting The Longhorns' 2024 Lineup

Aug 31, 2025 by RICHARD 57 views

Alright, Longhorns fans! It's that time of year again where we dive deep into the Texas depth chart and try to predict who's going to be making plays on the field this season. With the Longhorns making the jump to the SEC, the competition is going to be fiercer than ever, and having a solid understanding of the team's depth is crucial. So, let's break it down, position by position, and see what Coach Sarkisian and his staff have cooking for the 2024 season.

Quarterback

Let's kick things off with the most important position on the field: quarterback. There's no question about who's leading the charge here. Quinn Ewers is back for another year, and expectations are sky-high. After a strong showing last season, Ewers has the potential to be a Heisman contender and lead the Longhorns deep into the College Football Playoff. His arm talent is undeniable, and he's shown tremendous growth in his decision-making. Guys, we're talking about a potential first-round NFL draft pick here! But who's backing him up? That's where things get interesting. Maalik Murphy and Arch Manning are the two names to watch. Murphy showed flashes of brilliance last year, and Manning, the highly-touted five-star recruit, is eager to prove his worth. The battle for the backup spot will be intense, and it's a luxury for the Longhorns to have this kind of depth at quarterback. A strong backup is crucial in case of injury, and both Murphy and Manning have the potential to step in and keep the offense humming. The quarterback room is stacked, and that's a great problem to have. The competition will only make each of them better, and it ensures that the Longhorns are well-prepared for any situation. This position group is definitely one to watch closely during fall camp.

Running Back

The Longhorns' running back room is looking absolutely loaded this year, guys! Jonathon Brooks is gone to the NFL, but fear not, because there's a stable of talented backs ready to step up and carry the load. Leading the charge is CJ Baxter, who showed flashes of brilliance last season. Baxter has the size, speed, and vision to be a dominant force in the SEC. He's a physical runner who can break tackles and also has the speed to outrun defenders. Behind him, there's a stable of talented backs vying for carries. Jaydon Blue is a name that's been generating buzz, and he's expected to have a significant role in the offense this year. Blue is a versatile back who can run between the tackles and also catch passes out of the backfield. He's a dynamic player who adds another dimension to the Longhorns' offense. Don't forget about Savion Red, either! Red is a powerful runner who's known for his hard-nosed style. He's a tough guy to bring down, and he's a valuable asset in short-yardage situations. The depth at running back is truly impressive, and Coach Sarkisian will have plenty of options to choose from. This allows the Longhorns to keep fresh legs in the game and wear down opposing defenses. The competition for carries will be fierce, but it will only make each of these backs better. This is a position group that could be a real strength for the Longhorns this season.

Wide Receiver

At wide receiver, the Longhorns are looking to replace some key departures, but there's still plenty of talent on the roster. Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell are gone, but Johntay Cook II is poised for a breakout season. Cook has the speed and athleticism to be a game-changer, and he's expected to be the primary target in the passing game. He's a smooth route runner with excellent hands, and he has the potential to be a star. Alongside Cook, Isaiah Neyor is back after missing last season due to injury. Neyor is a big, physical receiver who can stretch the field. He's a valuable asset in the red zone, and his return adds another dimension to the Longhorns' offense. Brenen Thompson is another name to watch. Thompson is a speedster who can take the top off of defenses. He's a deep-threat receiver who can make big plays. The Longhorns also added some talented newcomers to the mix. The depth at wide receiver is still a work in progress, but there's plenty of potential in this group. Coach Sarkisian and his staff will be looking for these guys to step up and make plays. The competition for playing time will be intense, and it will be interesting to see who emerges as the top targets in the passing game. This position group has the potential to be very explosive, and it could be a key factor in the Longhorns' success this season.

Tight End

The tight end position is looking solid for the Longhorns, with Ja'Tavion Sanders off to the NFL, there's an opportunity for others to step up. Gunnar Helm is the most experienced player in the group, and he's expected to be a key contributor in both the running and passing game. Helm is a reliable target who can make tough catches in traffic. Behind Helm, there are several young tight ends who are vying for playing time. These guys are eager to prove themselves, and they'll be pushing Helm for snaps. The tight end position is an important part of the Longhorns' offense, and having depth here is crucial. Coach Sarkisian values the tight end position, and he uses them in a variety of ways. They're involved in both the running and passing game, and they're often used as mismatches against opposing defenses. The development of the younger tight ends will be key to the Longhorns' success this season. They need to be able to block effectively and also be reliable targets in the passing game. This is a position group that could surprise some people, and it will be interesting to see how it develops throughout the season.

Offensive Line

The offensive line is the engine that drives the Longhorns' offense, and this year's group has the potential to be one of the best in the country. Kelvin Banks Jr. is back to anchor the left tackle spot, and he's a potential All-American. Banks is a dominant force who can handle any pass rusher. The rest of the line is filled with experienced players and talented newcomers. There's competition at every position, and that's a good thing. The depth on the offensive line is impressive, and it allows the Longhorns to rotate players and keep them fresh. A strong offensive line is essential for success in the SEC, and the Longhorns appear to have the pieces in place to be very good up front. They need to be able to protect the quarterback and also create running lanes for the backs. The offensive line is a unit that needs to work together, and the chemistry between the players is crucial. This group has the potential to be a real strength for the Longhorns, and it could be a key factor in their success this season.

Defensive Line

Switching over to the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line is looking fierce for the Longhorns. With several key players returning and some talented additions, this unit has the potential to be a dominant force in the SEC. T'Vondre Sweat is gone, but there are plenty of guys ready to step up and fill the void. The defensive line is the first line of defense, and they need to be able to pressure the quarterback and stop the run. The Longhorns have a good mix of size, speed, and athleticism on the defensive line, and they should be able to create problems for opposing offenses. The depth on the defensive line is also impressive, and it allows the Longhorns to rotate players and keep them fresh. This is crucial in the SEC, where games are often physical and hard-fought. The defensive line needs to be able to get after the quarterback and disrupt the timing of the passing game. They also need to be able to hold their ground against the run and prevent opposing teams from establishing a rushing attack. This is a position group that could be a real strength for the Longhorns, and it could be a key factor in their success this season.

Linebacker

The linebacker corps is a crucial part of any defense, and the Longhorns have a solid group of players at this position. Jaylan Ford is gone, but there are several experienced players returning who are ready to lead the way. The linebackers are responsible for making tackles, covering receivers, and blitzing the quarterback. They need to be able to read plays quickly and react accordingly. The Longhorns have a good mix of size, speed, and athleticism at linebacker, and they should be able to make plays all over the field. The depth at linebacker is also important, as injuries can happen at any time. The Longhorns need to have guys who can step in and play at a high level. The linebackers need to be able to communicate effectively with each other and with the defensive line. They need to be on the same page in order to make plays. This is a position group that needs to be physical and aggressive, and the Longhorns have guys who fit that mold. The linebacker corps will be a key factor in the Longhorns' defensive success this season.

Defensive Backs

The defensive backs are the last line of defense, and they need to be able to cover receivers and make tackles in the open field. The Longhorns have a talented group of defensive backs, and they're expected to be one of the strengths of the defense. The defensive backs need to be able to cover a variety of receivers, from speedy slot receivers to big, physical wideouts. They also need to be able to read quarterbacks and anticipate throws. The Longhorns have a good mix of size, speed, and athleticism in the defensive backfield, and they should be able to make plays on the ball. The depth at defensive back is also important, as injuries can happen at any time. The Longhorns need to have guys who can step in and play at a high level. The defensive backs need to be able to communicate effectively with each other and with the linebackers. They need to be on the same page in order to prevent big plays. This is a position group that needs to be smart and disciplined, and the Longhorns have guys who fit that mold. The defensive backs will be a key factor in the Longhorns' defensive success this season.

Special Teams

Special teams are often overlooked, but they can be a crucial part of a team's success. The Longhorns have a solid group of specialists, and they're expected to be reliable in all phases of special teams. The kicker needs to be able to make field goals and extra points, and the punter needs to be able to flip the field. The returners need to be able to make big plays in the return game. Special teams can be a difference-maker in close games, and the Longhorns need to be able to execute in these situations. A blocked punt or a long kickoff return can change the momentum of a game, and the Longhorns need to be prepared for anything. The special teams unit needs to work together as a team, and the chemistry between the players is crucial. This is a unit that can make a big impact on the Longhorns' success this season.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, guys! A deep dive into the Texas depth chart for the 2024 season. It's clear that the Longhorns have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and expectations are high as they make the move to the SEC. The competition will be tough, but this team has the potential to make a run at a championship. It's going to be an exciting season, and I can't wait to see what the Longhorns can accomplish. Remember, this is just a prediction based on what we know now. Football is a game of surprises, and anything can happen. But one thing's for sure: the Longhorns are going to be a team to watch in 2024. Hook 'em!