Texas football OL Cole Hutson could possibly return for bowl game

The most significant injury that Texas football experienced on Black Friday in the regular season finale win at home over the Baylor Bears was unfortunately dealt to true freshman offensive guard Cole Hutson. Texas saw Hutson go down with a pretty nasty-looking right knee injury against Baylor when offensive tackle Andrej Karic rolled up on his leg.

It looked bad at first sight with Hutson needing to be carted off the field after suffering this injury.

But the prognosis from head coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t sound as bad as originally anticipated when he talked about the nature of the injury in his Monday press conference on Nov. 28.

Sarkisian noted that Hutson suffered a right ankle sprain, which is not what most originally assumed was the nature of the injury (myself included). It was good to hear, though, that Sark mentioned “I anticipate having him back ready to go for the bowl game”.

Texas football could have freshman G Cole Hutson back for the bowl game

When the injury first occurred, it definitely looked like one that could keep Hutson out for the rest of the season.

Following the injury that Hutson suffered in the win over Baylor, Texas gave the starting reps at right guard to fellow true freshman IOL DJ Campbell. And after a misread on his first play of the game in pass pro after replacing the injured Hutson, Campbell was solid in run blocking and pass pro.

We will continue to monitor to see how Hutson’s status progresses before Texas’ bowl game that will likely take place next month.

If he’s not ready to take the first-team reps along the offensive line in the early stages of bowl practice next month, I would anticipate that those reps will go to Campbell.

Texas finished up the regular season with a record of 8-4 (6-3 Big 12) following the 38-27 win over Baylor on Nov. 25. Sark and the Longhorns now await their fate during the bowl selection process next week.