Nearly two years ago, the Longhorns were the talk of the town after they landed a commitment from five-star, two-sport athlete Jonah Williams, who committed to play both football and baseball for Texas.
Since then, he has become a beloved member of both teams, making a massive splash for Jim Schlossnagle and the baseball team, and finally earning some reps on the football field for Steve Sarkisian in 2025.
Then, devastatingly, Williams had to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery in the middle of the 2026 baseball season, and suddenly, his prospect of playing football later that year felt like it was in jeopardy.
Now, Sarkisian, the Horns' football head coach, has shared an update that has Williams trending in the right direction and has fans feeling more optimistic about his return.
"Jonah will be a work in progress, obviously, his surgery occurred later, but we do expect him to be ready by training camp," Sarkisian said. "That doesn't mean that he's not able to do some things in summer, you just have to be smart."
Jonah Williams set to return by fall camp
Unlike most football players who suffer a mid-season injury, Williams' reparative surgery happened three months after the football season was over, taking place during his baseball career.
Because of that, as Sarkisian said, his timeline for recovery is also delayed. While it may not be delayed for three months on the dot, it has obviously affected his ability to participate in spring workouts.
Luckily, sparking the hope that Williams could return sooner rather than later, Sarkisian also hinted at the fact that the former five-star safety would be involved, to some capacity, in summer workouts and practices.
Williams committed to play defensive back for Texas's football team, and kicked off his true-freshman season with the program in 2025. He earned nine total tackles (five solo and four assisted) in just five games.
#Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on two-way player Jonah Williams, who underwent surgery midway through this year's baseball season:
— Evan Vieth (@EvanVieth) May 21, 2026
"Jonah will be a work in progress, obviously his surgery occurred later, but we do expect him to be ready by training camp. That doesn't mean… pic.twitter.com/3QlG4Ewk4F
He also committed to play for the baseball team, since taking over as a highly-impressive and athletic outfield for Schlossnagle's program. He earned 15 starts during his freshman season, joining the Horns a season early, graduating from high school a semester early.
Before having to undergo his surgery, Williams was batting .304, earning seven hits, five runs, and four RBIs.
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