ESPN just published an article today that named a player from each top 25 team who could breakout in 2025 and have a big impact for their respective clubs, despite being currently seen as an under-the-radar prospect.
There were no guardrails for this particular exercise. Anybody from a true freshman to an incoming transfer could be included, and their choice for the Longhorns was one that some might not have expected. Incoming transfer TE Jack Endries from Cal was the player that the ESPN crew picked for Texas.
One of the main reasons why Endries was the selection is due to Arch Manning's praise of the veteran pass-catcher, commenting on his ability and potential to emerge as a household name in the Longhorns offense this season. He's an incredibly welcome addition to a tight end room that lost Gunnar Helm to the NFL Draft in April, and TE Amari Niblack to Texas A&M in the transfer portal.
Texas has a little streak going at TE in the draft. Ja'Tavion Sanders, Gunnar Helm, and now Cal transfer Jack Endries may be next.
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) July 1, 2025
6'4", 240 pounds. Willing blocker with versatility and hand pop, and an explosive vertical athlete who's been clocked over 20 MPH. 56-623-2 in '24. pic.twitter.com/1wjZKK4bKy
Endries (6'4", 240 pounds) has adequate size and measurables for the position with above-average speed and athleticism to go along with it. He may not be as physical of a player as Helm was for the Longhorns when it comes to blocking at the line of scrimmage, but he should be able to line up all over the field in 2025. He caught 56 passes for 623 yards and 2 touchdowns at California last season, and that was in an offense that was focused more on the ground game. It's safe to say that he'll be in a better situation at Texas when it comes to scheme fit.
It's no secret that Steve Sarkisian loves tight ends and isn't afraid to use more 12P and 13P formations than other play-callers in the FBS. Endries will most likely be Sark's "move" tight end in 2025, one that he'll motion around the formation both inside and out to try and get a numbers advantage in the run and pass game.
Gunnar Helm was used in this fashion last season, lining up in the slot and out wide at times to try and take advantage of different personnel matchups. For example, Sarkisian would use Helm out wide in an attempt to isolate him in a 1-on-1 matchup against smaller cornerbacks in the redzone.
If the Texas offense improves in 2025, Jack Endries could end up being a big reason as to why.