The Texas Longhorns have wrapped up spring practices and had their fan fest. Now, it's time to turn to summer and the rapidly approaching 2025 season.
With a new quarterback eying his first year as the official starter and a lot of freshmen looking to leave their mark, the Texas starting lineup will look radically different from how it did last season.
Here are the first and second string players that Texas fans can expect head coach Steve Sarkisian to play throughout (the start of) the upcoming season:
Projected Texas two-deep depth chart after spring window closes
Offense
QB: Arch Manning, Trey Owens
It's pretty much set in stone that Quinn Ewers' understudy, Arch Manning, will take the reins of the Texas offense during the upcoming season. However, in games against easier opponents, don't be surprised to see backup QB Trey Owens take a few snaps to keep Manning as healthy as possible.
RB: Quintrevion Wisner, C.J. Baxter
Quintrevion Wisner stepped up big last season as he surpassed Jaydon Blue, Texas's supposed RB1, in rushing yards. This time around, he will most likely be the featured back as both C.J. Baxter and Christian Clark return from injuries.
X-WR: Ryan Wingo, Parker Livingstone
Ryan Wingo was a star last year when he was just a freshman. Now, with wideouts Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden gone, as well as tight end Gunnar Helm, Wingo will most likely become the go-to target for Manning. Supporting Wingo at the X-wide receiver position will be true-freshman Parker Livingstone, who has looked extremely talented during spring practices.
Z-WR: Kaliq Lockett, Aaron Butler
Five-star true freshman Kaliq Lockett has stood out among his peers this spring as he has worked through his first few weeks as a Longhorn. Now, it looks like the young wideout could slide into the starting role as the Z-wide receiver, supported by redshirt freshman Aaron Butler.
Slot-WR: DeAndre Moore, Michael Terry III
DeAndre Moore Jr. became a true WR4 last season behind a slew of talented wideouts. However, as many moved onto the next level, Moore will most likely earn the starting job as Texas's slot receiver, backed up by yet another true freshman, Michael Terry III.
TE: Spencer Shannon, Jordan Washington
The Texas tight end room is a little threadbare this season as the Longhorns look to rely on either redshirt sophomore Spencer Shannon or redshirt freshman Jordan Washington to fill the shoes of former starting TE Gunnar Helm.
LT: Trevor Goosby, Jaydon Chatman
Longhorn Nation got a sneak peek of just how good Trevor Goosby could be last season as he filled in for starting offensive linemen Cam Williams and Kelvin Banks Jr. Now, it's Goosby's turn to be the official starter and receive some relief from redshirt sophomore Jaydon Chatman.
LG: Neto Umeozulu, Nate Kibble
Last season, Neto Umeozulu played in five games for the Horns as a sophomore, mainly supporting left guard Hayden Connor. This year, Umeozulu will most likely earn the starting role and be supported by redshirt freshman Nate Kibble.
C: Cole Hutson, Connor Robertson
Playing center at the University of Texas isn't an easy task, especially with the Horns now playing in the SEC. However, Cole Hutson is stepping into the role after Jake Majors, who started in 56 games for the Longhorns, headed to the pros.
RG: Devon "DJ" Campbell, Connor Stroh
DJ Campbell is the only returning starter for Texas's offensive line, so, barring any injuries, it is almost certain that he will be the starting right guard for the Horns. More likely than not, his immediate backup with be redshirt sophomore Connor Stroh.
RT: Brandon Baker, Andre Cojoe
A true freshman starting on an offensive line is rare but not unheard of. For Texas, that true freshman will be Brandon Baker at right tackle, surpassing redshirt sophomore Andre Cojoe for the starting role this season.
Defense
DE: Ethan Burke, Colton Vasek
To put it simply, Ethan Burke started last year, and that will continue into this coming season; there's no denying it. This year, he will most likely play a more full-time role as an edge rusher instead of playing the hybrid role between EDGE and linebacker. Colton Vasek will probably be his backup.
Buck: Trey Moore, Zina Umeozulu
Last year, Trey Moore amassed 36 total tackles and 5.5 sacks at the EDGE position. This year, with another year of eligibility under his belt, Moore will be an even more difficult presence for opposing offensive lines to slow down. Redshirt freshman Zina Umeozulu (yes, Neto's brother) will be Moore's backup.
DT: Travis Shaw, Alex January
Defensive lineman Travis Shaw transferred to Texas after starting his collegiate career with the UNC Tar Heels. Now, Shaw is projected to be the starting defensive tackle for the Longhorns and play ahead of returning sophomore Alex January.
NT: Cole Brevard, Hero Kanu
Cole Brevard, a transfer from the Purdue Boilermakers, is looking more and more likely to earn the starting nose tackle this season, backed by fellow transfer Hero Kanu, who played the last two seasons for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
M-LB: Anthony Hill Jr., Brad Spence
Anthony Hill Jr. is a bad, bad man. This year, he has the chance to prove his draft stock as he (most likely) turns to the next level after the 2024-25 season. Transfer junior Brad Spence, from the Arkansas Razorbacks, will play his understudy role.
W-LB: Liona Lefau, Ty'Anthony Smith
Liona Lefau has already played in 30 games for the Longhorns, despite starting in nine games so far in his career. The on-field and in-game experience will be vital for Texas as it enters its second year in the SEC. Lefau will be supported by sophomore Ty'Anthony Smith.
F-CB: Kobe Black, Wardell Mack
Despite star defensive back Jahdae Barron stealing the show for the Texas defensive secondary last season, cornerback Kobe Black made his name known with 13 tackles and a pass deflection. This year, Black will have one of the starting roles and receive relief from Wardell Mack.
B-CB: Malik Muhammad, Warren Roberson
Similarly to Black, cornerback Malik Muhammad's success last season was overshadowed by that of Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba. Now, it's Muhammad's time to shine as a returning junior for the Longhorns. Redshirt sophomore Warren Roberson will most likely play second string at the boundary corner position.
STAR: Jaylon Guilbeau, Kobe Black
The star position is a hybrid between linebacker and defensive back, which was mostly played by Kobe Black and Trey Moore last season. This year, Sarkisian will probably hand those duties off to senior Jaylon Guilbeau, with Black shifting over to the star role when necessary.
S: Michael Taaffe, Derek Williams Jr.
Every Texas Longhorns fan in the world knows Michael Taaffe's name after the Austin native screamed his way in through the tunnel in utter devastation after Texas's loss to Ohio State in the College Football playoffs. Taaffe will return to his leadership and starting role this year, supported by Derek Williams Jr.
BS: Jelani McDonald, Xavier Filsaime
The boundary safety, a role that isn't always in play on the field, is one of the positions where Texas doesn't have a lot of depth this year. That is why Longhorn fans will most likely see a lot of action for junior Jelani McDonald and redshirt freshman Xavier Filsaime at the position this season.