Texas Longhorn News: Recruiting updates, CFB26 topics, and Arch Manning's glowing endorsement.

This rendition of the Longhorn news roundup includes a Jake Kreul update, Texas players in CFB26, and Garrett Nussmeier's praise of Arch Manning.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Per usual, Texas football has been hot on the trail of multiple blue-chip recruits this week, unfortunately losing both 4-star DE Jamarion Carlton to Baylor and 5-star OT Felix Ojo to Texas Tech recently.

Texas shifting its focus to 4-star IMG Academy DE Jake Kreul

After losing the recruiting battle for Jamarion Carlton this week, the Longhorns have moved on to the 6'3", 230-pound edge rusher from Bradenton, Florida.

There's always going to be wins and losses in the recruiting world, but Texas has shown that they're as resilient as they come in this area.

Two Longhorn players are in the top 10 of the game's freshman rankings

2025 4-star RB James Simon and 5-star WR Kaliq Lockett are ranked among the top 10 true freshmen in the game, with overall ratings of 81.

This shouldn't be surprising, especially to Texas fans because they're both ranked in the top 10 at their respective positions and could see early playing time in Austin.

LSU's Garrett Nussmeier praises Arch Manning in recent interview

The Tigers' star quarterback gave Manning a glowing review in a recent interview at the Manning Passing Academy.

"“We’re both high-level competitors... We both play for two schools that have the same goal. We know and both plan to compete for the same goal," Nussmeier said. "I’m definitely rooting for Arch. I think he’s a really good player. I love his swagger. I love his confidence, and I’m very excited to see his first season start, and I think he’s going to tear it up.”"

It's safe to say that Nussmeier respects Arch and his abilities, and he has a great mindset as a competitor.

BONUS: USA Today's 2025 SEC stadium rankings revealed

USA Today released their Southeastern Conference stadium rankings this week, and where they have Texas Memorial Stadium ranked might surprise you.

Also read: PFF names Steve Sarkisian the 6th-best Head Coach in college football