It's crazy to think that spring practice is already set to begin on Monday, as this offseason felt like it flew by compared to most years. It's undoubtedly going to be a big time for quite a few of Texas' younger players, but three specific second-year Longhorns will be under the microscope this month.
Let's dive right in:
Sophomore TE Nick Townsend
Townsend saw the field quite a bit as a true freshman in 2025, mostly as a movement-blocker for Steve Sarkisian on "wham" and split-zone plays. Though he definitely proved that he's able to block, he still hasn't been a factor in the passing game.
With Jack Endries gone, and the team bringing in TE Michael Masunas as the blocker for 2026, Townsend has the opportunity to step into the main Gunnar Helm/Jack Endries role for Arch Manning and Co. this season. Yes, he technically has all summer and fall to show off his value as a pass-catcher, but it starts with having a productive spring. If he falls behind early, it wouldn't be surprising to see guys like Emaree Winston or even Spencer Shannon eating into some of his reps.
Redshirt Freshman DT Josiah Sharma
With the amount of talent that Texas continually brings in at the defensive tackle position every season, Sharma has to have a breakout spring. He's been getting a lot of love from the coaching staff, and he was looking great last season in spring practice, but Cole Brevard, Hero Kanu, and Travis Shaw couldn't be unseated on the interior.
This season, Sharma will be vying for consistent playing time at the apex of the defense alongside Ian Geffrard and Alex January. Though all three of them will likely see consistent reps in spring, Sharma has to show that he's well-conditioned and ready for a heavier workload in the future. At 6'4" and reportedly down to around 340 lbs., it's time to shine for the former blue-chip DT recruit.
Sophomore WR Daylan McCutcheon
With Emmett Mosley V reportedly being moved to the slot, McCutcheon has to find a way to stand out during his second spring practice period in Austin. The sophomore slot receiver consistently impressed the coaching staff in practice as a true freshman, but he was never able to carry it over to the field in 2025.
Heading into 2026, McCutcheon needs to find a way to potentially beat out Ryan Niblett and incoming freshman phenom Jermaine Bishop for the No.2 slot receiver role. Though it definitely won't be easy with how Niblett has played both as a weapon between the hashes on offense and as a kick/punt returner on special teams, McCutcheon is already a more polished route-runner at this point. Let's hope that he can make a big jump heading into year two.