Welcome to the 134th Season of Texas Longhorns Football
Photo by Mikala Compton, AAS
The Burnt Orange Nation has had high expectations before, but 2026 might be the highest ever. A stacked team thanks to a huge payroll (reportedly the biggest in college football), Arch Manning in his senior season, and Will Muschamp is back coaching the defense. The excitement and expectations for this season come with one of the toughest, if not the toughest, schedules in college football.
Traditions
I have included these videos for as long as I can remember. The great What Starts Here Changes the World campaign, the brainchild of Roy Spence (the second most famous man from Brownwood in Austin) and his team at GSD&M, and the WSHCW videos narrated by the legendary Walter Cronkite, remain my favorite UT Austin promos. By a long shot. This is how we start.
Let’s Ride
Some more videos to get you in the right frame of mind.
2025 Highlights, 11 minutes
26 minutes of Arch Manning Highlights
Nathaniel Bradley on YouTube
Worthy, on YouTube – set to Django’s Texas Longhorn
Those are good. But I promise this is the best pre-season video you will watch. Charlotte Anne “Lottie” Fleming, University of Texas Class of 2044. 🧡
Here are a few other clips from last season to enjoy
Win over the Land Thieves
Can’t wait for these highlights again. Los Longhorns en Español.
The Mini-Movie from the win over undefeated Texas Agricultural & Mechanical.
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1995986366060999075
The Citrus Bowl win over Michigan. From ESPN, a little over 18 minutes
Lastly, from the SEC. Brace yourselves.
Texas State Bobcats vs. No. 5/4 Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns open the season at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium at 2:30 p.m. this Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, with Roy Philpott handling the play-by-play, Brock Osweiler providing analysis, and poor Sherree Burrus on the scorching surface of Campbell-Williams Field. Texas has played Texas State once, a victory in 1930. Coach Clyde Littlefield’s varsity defeated Southwest Texas State Teachers College 36-0. Texas State has improved dramatically over the last few years. I remember watching Jim Wacker coach Southwest Texas State to two Division II national championships (1981 & 1982). Since then, the Bobcats have had 10 head coaches (Dennis Franchione twice). Last season, the Bobcats were 7-6 overall (thanks to a bowl win over Rice) and in the Sunbelt Conference. A great offense, and if they’d had any defense, especially in the redzone, they might have won 9 games. Texas State is now in the reconstituted Pac-12 conference. Coached by one-time Longhorn G.J. Kinne. Texas opened as a 30.5 point favorite. Thursday night, the line is Texas minus 29.5. The money lines are Texas -9,000 and Texas State +2500. The over/under is 59.5.
The game can be heard around the world on the Longhorn Radio Network, with the Voice of the Longhorns Craig Way, Roger Wallace, and Lifetime Longhorn Will Matthews.
More information on the game with the San Marcos Kitties below. First, a look at the 2026 Texas season and team.
College Football Opening Weekend
Five days of football which started Thursday night (not counting week zero), and some pretty great games. I have my usual preview of SEC Games, the Service Academies, Top 25, and Games of Interest below. Here are a few to plan on watching. Friday night, No. 7 Miami (Florida) at Leland Stanford Junior University, 8 o’clock on ESPN, and Fresno State at No. 14 Southern Cal, 8 o’clock on FOX. Saturday night, Clemson at No. 11 Louisiana State, 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Sunday, Wisconsin vs. No. 4 Notre Dame at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, 6:30 on NBC, and No. 24 Louisville vs. No. 9 Ole Miss, 6:30 p.m. on ABC from Nashville. Monday night, maybe the most interesting game, with No. 19 Southern Methodist at Florida State, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Texas Sun
A short editorial, concerning the kickoff time of our football game. I have for years expressed my dismay with our games starting at 11:00 or 2:30 or really anytime before it cools down a little in the evening. Some may think it’s selfish because I don’t want to sit in the heat. Well, I don’t like it, but I have done it all my life and will continue to do it. The real reason I do not like these midday starts in the brutal Texas heat it is because of the danger to players on the field (and coaches, officials, spirit, band, etc.). I heard the field temperature at practice on Wednesday was over 150 degrees. That’s absurd. I want to make sure and be clear this is not the fault of Chris Del Conte or anyone at The University of Texas. Kickoff times are dictated by our “partners” in the media. Fox and ESPN decide game time for basically every televised contest. Sadly, in my lifetime, I have come to fully understand and accept that that sometimes important change comes about to remedy dangerous situations only after lives are lost.
I pray that the networks adopt a more common sense approach to assigning kickoff times before someone loses their life. UIL has already done that, implementing Heat Protocols and Procedures for Outdoor UIL Athletic and Marching Band Activities. I understand that there is also a rule for recess in Texas public schools. I have not researched it, but my source, who I know I don’t need to fact check (Peter Dean, 3rd Grade, Blanco Elementary), told Papa that he doesn’t get to have recess when it’s too hot outside. Don’t know if that is a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature method as implemented by UIL or just an ambient air temperature trigger, but if it is too hot, the kids have recess inside.
I hope that the conferences and university presidents and athletic directors will make this a priority with the media “partners” before we see the Longhorns take a knee on an extra point attempt at the end of a game to honor a number on the scoreboard.
The Apocalyptic State of College Football
There is no conceivable human way I could do a short overview of the mess in college football these days, much less a deep dive. Maybe in February after the Longhorns play in Las Vegas. It will all have changed by then! The hottest story (at least on Thursday night, as I write), is Lane Kiffin bringing men from the NFL to Baton Rouge (who somehow have, at least allegedly, college eligibility [but for having signed to play in the NFL, of course]) to suit up for the Tigers. Louisiana State has a few, including Dae’Quan Wright who played collegiately at Ole Miss and Virginia Tech and has been with the Cleveland Browns and Zxavian Harris, also an Ole Miss Rebel, who has spent time with the New Orleans Saints. It is of course a legal circus, and the lawyers are making a whole lot of money (nothing wrong with that!). The Louisiana judge ruled for the players tonight. Meanwhile, the Southeastern Conference filed suit in federal court earlier on Thursday. This X post is very detailed and informative.
Anyway, SEC Shorts did a pretty good one on Louisiana State. Geaux Tigers.
The 2026 Texas Longhorns Season
As often happens, I predict an undefeated season and a national championship. It will be long hard road to get there this season, but I believe Texas has a good chance. We have the Ohio State game here and some very tough road games. One redeeming hope is that Texas can probably afford to lose one game (not one we are supposed to win) and still be in the playoffs. The rankings are the preseason AP Top 25 and the AFCA Coaches Poll.
Texas State Bobcats, September 5, 2:30 p.m. ESPN. Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. W.
No. 1 The Ohio State Buckeyes, September 12, 6:30 p.m. ABC. Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. W. Texas is 2-3 vs. OSU. The Buckeyes were 12-2 last year, undefeated in the regular season. Lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and to Miami (Florida) in the CFP Quarterfinals. Ohio State is favored to win the natty this season. ESPN Matchup Predictor: Texas, 53.7%. Longhorns favored by 1.5.
U.T. San Antonio Roadrunners, September 19, 7:00 p.m. SECN+. Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. W. The Longhorns are 2-0 against the Roadrunners. UTSA was 7-6 last year, 4-4 in the American Conference. ESPN Matchup Predictor gives Texas a 98.6% chance of winning.
No. 20/18 Tennessee Volunteers, September 26, 11:00 a.m. ABC or ESPN. W. Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. UT is 2-1 against the Vols. Coached by Land Thief Josh Heupel. Tennessee was 8-5 last year, 4-4 in the SEC. ESPN Matchup Predictor gives Texas a 75.5% chance of winning, but the line is just Texas minus 6.5.
No. 10/9 Oklahoma Land Thieves in the 122nd edition of the Red River Shootout, October 10, 2:30 p.m., The Cotton Bowl. ABC or ESPN. W. Texas leads the series 65-51-5. The Land Thieves were 10-3 last year, 6-2 in the SEC. It has been 1,063 days since OU scored a touchdown against Texas. The Thieves snuck into the CFP last year and got beat in Norman by Alabama, 34-24, in the first round. The ESPN Matchup Predictor has the Horns at 70.9%. Texas is a 6 point favorite.
Florida Gators, October 17. (11:00 a.m. or noon). W. Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas is 3-1-1 against the Gators, with last year’s loss in the Swamp being exceedingly costly. In 2025, Florida was 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the SEC. Though not ranked, Florida was “others receiving votes” in both polls – 27th in both the AP and the Coaches. The ESPN Matchup Predictor has the Horns at 87.8%.
No. 9/10 Ole Miss Rebels October 24. (Flex – afternoon or night). W. Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Ole Miss was 13-2 last season, 7-1 in the SEC (lost to No. 7 Georgia in Athens, 43-35). Lane Kiffin quit his team and went to LSU after the Egg Bowl. The Rebels were No. 6 in the CFP rankings and beat Tulane 41-10 in Oxford in the first round with Pete Golding as head coach. Ole Miss beat No. 3 Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl (CFP quarterfinals). Miami (Florida) ended the Rebs season in the Fiesta Bowl, 31-27. The stories which will swirl around this game will be great with the Manning connection. I am really surprised ESPN Analytics has Texas with an 83.8% probability of winning right now. The line is Texas minus 8.5.
Mississippi State Bulldogs, October 31. TBD (night, 5-7). W. Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Last year’s game was one of the wildest of the season. State had a brutal season, going 1-7 in the SEC and 5-8 overall. Jeff Lebby, from Andrews, Texas, is in his third season with a record of 7-18. Texas is 4-2 against the Bulldogs (both losses were to Jackie Sherrill). The ESPN Matchup Predictor has the Horns at 95.8%.
No. 25 Missouri Tigers, November 7, 11:00 a.m. or noon. W. Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia. Missouri was 8-5 and 4-4 in the SEC last year. Lost to UVA 13-7 in the TaxSlayer Bowl. Texas is 18-6 all-time against Missouri. The ESPN Matchup Predictor has the Horns at 81.9%.
No. 11/13 Louisiana State Tigers, November 14. (TBD, flex afternoon or night). W. Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. The Tigers had a tough 2025, going 7-6 and 3-5 in the SEC. Their season ended in Houston in a 38-35 loss to the Cougars in the Texas Bowl. The ESPN Matchup Predictor has the Horns at 64%. Texas currently favored by 2.5. This should be an epic game. If I had to bracket my “W’s”, this would be one of them.
Arkansas Razorbacks, November 21. (afternoon, 2:30-3:30). W. Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Our only home game in November. Texas leads the series 58-23. The pigs stunk last year, 0-8 in the SEC, 2-10 overall. Ryan Silverfield is the new Razorback head coach. Sam Pittman didn’t make it to October last year, and Bobby Petrino was the interim. Silverfield, who went to Hampden-Sydney, was at Memphis for 6 years and very successful. The ESPN Matchup Predictor has the Horns at 95.5%.
No. 8 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, Friday, November 27. 6:30 p.m. on ABC. W. Kyle Field. Texas leads the series 78-37-5. This century, it is 11-3 Horns. The Aggies came to Austin last year undefeated and No. 3 in the nation. Arch Manning, Quintrevion Wisner, and the Texas defense didn’t care. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical left Austin with a 27-17 loss. The Aggies got to host Miami (FL) in the first round of the CFP and lost 3-10. Cheapest ticket right now to get into Kyle Field is around $561. The ESPN Matchup Predictor has the Horns at 65.1%. Texas is a 2.5 point favorite.
If the season goes as expected, then:
- First Round: Friday, December 18, 2026 (ESPN) and Saturday, December 19, 2026 (ABC, TNT Sports) on campus.
- Quarterfinals: Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, Arizona) and Friday, January 1, 2027 (all 3 TBD).
- Semifinals: Thursday, January 14, 2027 (Capital One Orange Bowl) and Friday, January 15, 2027 (Allstate Sugar Bowl).
- CFP National Championship: Monday, January 25, 2027 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
I am highly confident of making the playoffs, my minimum expectation is the quarterfinals. But as we saw in the NCAA Baseball Tournament this year, in the post-season it can be the hottest team (this year, Oklahoma) that runs the table and wins. For those of you who don’t follow college baseball (and you should), the Land Thieves finished the season 11th in the Southeastern Conference with an SEC record of 14-16. They went to the Atlanta Regional and beat host No. 2 Georgia Tech twice to advance. They went to the Lawrence Super Regional and swept the Jayhawks. In Omaha, OU went undefeated on their side of the bracket, and then dogpiled after taking 2 out of the 3 from North Carolina. The 11th place SEC team won the National Championship (and, we are happy for Skip Johnson).
If Texas is the hot team in the CFP, then there may very well be tens of thousands of happy Longhorns in Las Vegas in 143 days.
My projected results of course assume a few things. Very important things. And as can be the case when presented with an exceedingly complex equation to solve, one can solve the equation much easier when one replaces the variables with assumptions. My perfect season ending in confetti in Las Vegas assumes:
- Every player on the 2 deep roster stays reasonably healthy.
- Arch Manning is the Arch we saw at the end of last season. Especially how he played against Texas Agricultural & Mechanical and Michigan.
- The Longhorns get as up for each game as their opponent will be for Texas.
- Coach Boom does that defensive voodoo that Boom can do so well
- We clean up the penalties (significantly).
- We stay very good in the turnover department.
- The offensive line is dramatically better.
Thus you can see my predictions are really aspirational. It is possible. But it’s also possible that I will win the lottery and quit practicing law and start writing full time with a house in San Miguel. As awesome as that would be, I would like to make that move after the Longhorns hoist the CFP trophy next January. So, realistically, 11-1 or 10-2. We just can’t have a bad loss like last year’s Florida game.
2026 Season Preview from Josh Pate:
The 2026 Texas Longhorns
Here is the summary for those with a short attention span:
- Arch Manning. Very Good
- Texas Defense. Should be one of the best in the last 50 years. 1977 or 1983 or 2005 good.
- Running Backs: Looking good on paper, but they were running against different defenses than they will see in the SEC.
- Wide Receivers. Elite, potential to be one of the best ever on The Forty Acres.
- Offensive line. Has to be better. Frankly, the Texas season depends on these big men.
- Defensive Secondary. Very good and deep. Some really outstanding athletes.
- Very good. Not as a deep as we thought we’d be, but I think we will be okay.
- Defensive Line. I include the Edge guys here, while most give them separate attention or put them with the linebackers. Anyway, maybe the best unit on either side of the ball.
- Coaching Staff: Very good, and the addition of Will Muschamp has all waiting to see just how good his defense might be.
Offense
Photo by Noah Goldberg
Quarterback
Like just about everyone else who wrote about Archibald Charles Manning (No. 16, 6-4, 222 pounds, Senior from Isadore Newman in New Orleans) last year before the start of the season, whether it was national publication, a Texas football website, a local newspaper, or just your buddies’ Texas text group, Arch was overhyped. I was guilty after drinking gallons of the Burnt Orange Kool-Aid: “Every report, interview, post – class kid, football royalty, patient, smart, athletic, humble. Hard to imagine a more anticipated quarterback.” The rocky start to the season was hard, but most of us didn’t lose faith. And we sure didn’t write-off Arch Manning, like some did (many for click-bait, some because of stupidity). Will Leitch’s infamous article in The Athletic unjustly said Manning was college football’s first flop. Paul Wadlington, whose wordsmithing surpasses eloquence, said “You can’t totally blame the New York Times for its stupidity, as the piece originally ran in The Athletic, a publication that finally solved the problem of providing sports content to metropolitan cat owners.”
If you read this newsletter last year, or just followed Longhorn football, the early season struggles were documented. An offensive line that wasn’t living up to expectations or hopes, lots of dropped passes, other issues. Hit and pressured constantly (most in the SEC I think). But in the end, Arch overcame all of that. His 2025 season stats.
| Passing | Arch Manning |
| Yards per game | #31 – 243.3 |
| Yards | #27 – 3,163 |
| Attempts | #22 – 404 |
| Completions | #35 – 248 |
| Completion Percentage | #81 – 61.4% |
| Yards/Attempt | #40 – 7.8 |
| Yards/Completion | 12.75 |
| Touchdowns | #17 – 26 |
| Interceptions | #86 – 7 |
| Rating | #42 – 144.92 |
| QBR | #34 – 70.6 |
| Rushing | Arch Manning |
| Yards | 399 |
| Carries | 92 |
| Yards per Attempt | 4.34 |
| Touchdowns | 10 |
It is not all rainbows and puppies. Paul Wadlington fairly points out Arch’s struggles in the short game. Between 0-9 yards, Manning’s offense averaged just 5.3 yards per attempt. I say “Manning’s offense” because it is not all on his genetically gifted shoulders. The pressure, the receivers, etc., all contribute. Manning, the O-Line, and the receivers (regardless of position) have to do better. Wadlington takes this very seriously: “Either Arch and Texas correct it or a talented Texas team will fall short of its season objectives.” So, on Saturday, pay particular attention to the short passing game.
Note I have Arch as a Senior. That is on his official bio, but you will see him listed some places as a Junior. Enjoy 2026 with Mr. Manning, Longhorn fans.
Texas needs Arch Manning to stay healthy to make a championship run. Not because we don’t have other quality quarterbacks, but because Arch has experience and is the leader of this team.
Karle “KJ” Lacey Jr. (No. 9, 6-2. 188 lbs, sophomore, Saraland, Alabama) is Arch’s back-up. I am not a film watcher in the offseason. Texas baseball and basketball consume my Horns Fan sporting life in the offseason, baseball especially. So I rely on various media for most of my information. Reports are very good. KJ will be able to play if necessary, let’s just hope it isn’t.
Dia Bell (No. 6. 6-3, 206 lbs, freshman, Fort Lauderdale, Florida) maybe QB2B. Heard lots of good things. Hope we get to see both Dia and KJ in the second halves of the Bobcat and Roadrunner games. (And I dream of our back-ups getting mop-up time against the Buckeyes!)
MJ Morris (No. 19, 6-1, 201 lbs, 5th year senior, Carrollton, Georgia) was brought in as an experienced player insurance policy. Last year, RS junior at Coastal Carolina. 2024 he played in 7 games for Maryland, including a start. Started his career with NC State Wolfpack. Played a little.
Running Back
It’s a whole new world in the running back room. Texas invested heavily.
Raleek Brown (No. 0, 5-9, 193 lbs, 5th year senior from Mater Dei in Stockton, California) comes to Austin from Arizona State. He ran well for the Sun Devils, 2nd in the Big 12 at 95.08 ypg with 1,141 yards, and averaging 6.13 yards per carry. Good ball carrier with quickness and eye for daylight. Good receiver too – hopefully he can contribute to improvement in the short passing game. He and Hollywood will be RB1A and RB1B.
Hollywood Smothers (No. 2, 5-11, 196 lbs, Senior, Charlotte, NC), transfer from NC State. He started 11 games for the Wolfpack last season. 939 yards and 6 TDs on 160 carries, a nice 5.9 ypc. Led the ACC at 85.36 yards per game. Also had 37 catches for 189 yards, so again, an asset to Arch.
Derek Cooper (No. 5, 6-1, 212 lbs, freshman, Lauderhill, Florida, Chaminade Madonna Prep) is next on the depth chart. Apparently had a great spring game and we will see a lot of him. That would make me happy. Would love to see a big fast back pounding opposing defenses. One thing that got me excited – Wadlington said that Cooper reminds him of Breece Hall from Iowa State. That was a good college tailback.
Ryan Niblett (No. 21, 5-10, 189 lbs, Senior from Houston). Niblett is listed as RB/WR, and he is also a game-saving and season-saving special teams stud. Sark will have some plays designed for Manning & Niblett. Won’t see anything this week, but maybe against the Buckeyes.
James Simon (No. 31, 5-11, 208 lbs, sophomore from Shreveport) played sparingly last year but is a good RB who might be in for a Sarkesian special play on the goal line or something. Or just to give other guys some breathers in the Texas heat.
Michael Terry III (No. 11, 6-3, 229 lbs, sophomore, Mule from Alamo Heights in San Antonio). Will be interesting to see if we see him.
We are going to be better than last year at running back. We have to be. But the quality of our running game will be one of those key determinative factors in how and when the 2026 season ends. These guys run well and help provide a balanced offensive attack and help keep Arch healthy, that how and when will be what we want.
Tight End
My favorite position on offense. I am an amateur observer, but have been observing for over half a century. Great tight ends contribute to great teams. Sark has built a tight end room this year with an array of skill sets and sizes that will provide a lot of opportunities for these guys. I suspect one of the reasons is to provide flexibility for different schemes. For example, in the 11 Personnel set (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) versus the 12 Personnel set (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR). [The concept extrapolates logically – 21 is 2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR, and 13 is 1 RB, 3 TE, 1 WR.] Sark’s offensive schemes implement tight end packages and schemes, and I think 2026 is going to be interesting, because this room is talented.
Nick Townsend (No. 81, 6-3, 250 lbs, sophomore from Houston) is an athlete. Big, fast, played defensive end in high school, and his touchdown against Texas Agricultural & Mechanical still makes me smile. Great blocker too. Spencer Shannon (No. 83, 6-7, 260 lbs, senior from Mater Dei) will be an important asset for Arch with his height. Michael Masunas (No. 15, 6-5, 259 lbs, from Tucson, transfer from Michigan State) started for the Spartans. Emaree Winston (No. 85, 6-1, 245 lbs, sophomore from Calhoun, GA) will be one to watch this season. Wadlington says he’s an “archetypal tight end/fullback/old school Joe Gibbs H-back”. I like it. Will Randle is back, may see him.
Wide Receivers
As we know, this position room is the one that is drawing the most attention outside of the one Manning sits in. A stunning array of talent.
Cam Coleman (No. 8, 6-3 foot, 204 lbs junior from Phenix City, Alabama) was the portal prize out of Auburn. I think everyone has seen and read about Cam, and I will leave it there and say I cannot wait to watch him tomorrow and all season. Ryan Wingo (No. 1, 6-2, 214 lbs, Junior from St. Louis) is fast and talented and, for me, more fun to watch after the catch. But he needs to catch better. 7 drops last year on 94 targets. Rounding out the starting 3 in the slot will be Emmett Mosley V (No. 3, 6-2, 199 lbs Sophomore from Chicago), who had a great 2025 once he started playing. Sticky – no drops.
Others: Kaliq Lockett, Michael Terry, Jermaine Bishop, Daylan McCutcheon, and Sterling Berkhalter.
Great observation from Wadlington:
If the preview has a piece of advice to offer it is this: this room’s total quality means that if someone expected to play up to a certain standard doesn’t perform, it should be next man up. Texas’ schedule can’t abide hoping that someone will eventually play better and they just need a half dozen more starts to get through it. If anyone goes into a funk, irrespective of their NIL or fan investment, see what Lockett, McCutcheon, or Bishop can do in their place.
Texas “lost” a lot of guys in the portal including Benedict Parker Livingstone. Again, PW from TTF: “Paul’s Portal Rules tell us that if you stack elite players at a position, losing one who goes on to perform well elsewhere is indicative of program health, not failure.”
Offensive Line
The key to winning championships. Last year I wise-cracked “Most guys I hear talk about this team say the offensive line is our biggest concern. What, me worry?” I should have, especially having noted Cojoe’s injury. But I am moving on and ready for a better 2026.
Trevor Goosby (No. 74, 6-7, 325 lbs, junior from Melissa), was first team All-SEC last year and will be better this year. Left tackle. Behind him is Andre Cojoe.
Laurence Seymore III (No. 50, 6-2, 316 lbs, 5th year from Miami Gardens) at left guard, backed up by Dylan Sikorski.
Connor Robertson (No. 62, 6-4, 316 lbs, 5th year senior, Austin Westlake) will be at center. He could be playing on Sundays, and having him back is huge. Backed up by Jackson Christian.
Brandon Baker (No. 73, 6-4, 315 lbs, sophomore, Mater Dei, Ontario, California) at right guard, backed up by Cole Hutson.
Melvin Siani (No. 71, 6-6, 317 lbs, senior from Hamilton, Ontario) at right tackle, transfer from Wake Forest (where he was their best lineman – no sacks allowed). Backed up by Jonte Newman.
Defense
I think every year for over a decade, I have written of my nostalgia for the days when most of the standing ovations in Texas Memorial Stadium were for three and outs by the defense. When we had defenses that simply shut down opposing teams. Last year I was quite hopeful and wished for a PPG allowed under 11. Well, that was cute. Oklahoma led the nation at 15.5 ppg, and Texas was 6th at 20.3. So this year, my wish is for 15.4 ppg. I think we have all the talent, and Will Muschamp’s defensive coaching skills supported by Blake Gideon and Johnny Nansen (and special assistant Mark Stoops) will manage the defense so much better than last year. I am really excited. The one piece that is irreplaceable is Michael Taaffe, but I am confident we will have enough leadership to overcome that loss on defense.
It is also very late (early Friday morning actually), and I should have written this piece a month ago. Not complete, but let’s roll with it. I added bio links for the key guys.
Linebacker
Linebackers are my defensive equivalent of tight ends. The key to success on defense.
Rasheem Biles will start at the Will LB. One of our best portal pick-ups, a great player who will be one of the 3 best on our defense. Kosi Okpala and Tyler Atkinson behind him.
Justin Cryer at the Mac or Mike LB position. Backed up by Brad Spence and Rocky Cummings.
Wadlington’s observation:
“Texas is somewhat undersized, but has speed and quickness to burn here, though Juice Cryer should add some thumping physicality when needed. Rocky Cummings may be the only classic linebacker profile on the roster and he was an early breakout star in spring practices. It will be interesting to see if he can continue on his trajectory in August and force his way into rotational consideration. Don’t discount Brad Spence getting heavy potential snaps when Texas goes base defense. Darius Snow was a nice late addition to round out the depth chart with a veteran 6th year player. This unit should be elite as blitzers and pretty strong in pass coverage, but it remains to be seen if they can be reliable down-to-down tacklers and do the dirty work that’s also required at the position. It’s absolutely imperative that Texas be at least competent in that regard as a loaded defensive line and a quality secondary means that the second level will have a lot of opportunities to make “clean-up” plays that are essential in getting offenses off the field.”
Defensive Line
Inside, Texas has both size and some depth. Hero Kanu (No. 93, 6-5, 309 lbs, 5 year) who started 12 games for Texas last season and enters 2026 with 39 career appearances, and he is the established veteran of the group and will be an anchor for this defense and leader for the line. Wadlington: “Kanu is one of the ten most indispensable players on the entire Texas roster”. He is joined by massive nose tackles Ian Geffrard (Arky transfer, 6-5 and over 375) and Maraad Watson, and fan favorite Justus Terry (6’5″, 289 lbs sophomore) will be a load in the middle. Alex January and 341-pound Josiah Sharma give Texas additional bodies in the rotation. Freshman James Johnson is talented enough to work his way into the rotation, especially tomorrow. Texas doesn’t necessarily need one defensive tackle to dominate every Saturday; it needs this group to consistently occupy blockers, control the interior gaps, and keep the linebackers clean.
Defensive Back
The Longhorn secondary is talented and deep, but young in spots. Jelani McDonald gives Texas an experienced, versatile presence at safety, joined by Derek Williams Jr. and Xavier Filsaime. Sophomore Kade Phillips has emerged at corner, and transfer Bo Mascoe brings experience to the other corner, and Graceson Littleton is expected to handle the nickel spot but can play where needed. He was fun to watch last year. There are plenty of options behind them, including Kobe Black, Warren Roberson, Wardell Mack, Jordon Johnson-Rubell, and a group of highly regarded younger players. Big question for me, as a Texas baseball fanatic, is what about Jonah Williams? The question isn’t whether Texas has athletes in the secondary – it absolutely does. The question is can this group settle in and eliminate the explosive plays that can turn otherwise good defensive shifts into touchdowns for the offense.
Edge
Saving the best for last, and that is Colin Simmons (No. 1, 6-3, 246 Junior out of Duncanville) He is the player opposing offensive coordinators and linemen will have to account for on every snap. 21 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in 2 years, but he has to work on the yellow flags. Lance Jackson (6-5, 274 lbs sophomore) who earned SEC All-Freshman honors last season, gives the Horns another imposing edge presence. Freshman Richard Wesley is another name worth remembering as the season develops. Simmons will command a lot of attention, which will provide opportunities for others and hopefully delayed safety blitzes. If one of the guys opposite Simmons becomes a consistent pass-rush threat, EDGE could become one of the key strengths of the Texas defense.
Special Teams
Our new place kicker is Gio Spectic from Ohio and Memphis. Lots of experience, strong leg. Need to see how he performs on the big state of Texas and the SEC. Mac Chiumento takes over the punting duties, transfer from Florida State, averaged about 44 yards. Which begs the question that comes up so often – what will Sark do on third and short in plus territory? Or even close? Another issue to watch this season.
The Austin Horns Fan Dispatch: Online @ AustinHornsFan.com
You can read this edition of the Dispatch (and years of Longhorns football writings) on my website. This week’s edition will be posted by noon on Friday. The online version is a good way to read it and a great way to share it. Check it out – especially for accessing videos.
Blog – Austin Horns Fan Dispatch
2026 Longhorn Football Prospectus: Thinking Texas Football
My top recommendation to get ready for the year, and to keep handy throughout the season, is to buy Paul Wadlington’s 2026 football bible. Great preview of the season, the players, and the SEC. Best $17 you will spend on college football.
2026 Longhorn Football Prospectus: Thinking Texas Football
Texas State Bobcats vs. No. 5/4 Texas Longhorns
I have no doubt that the Longhorns will win this game, but Texas has to quit looking at some of our younger brothers in the U.T. System and schools like Texas State and just assume it is a “paycheck game” and that the Longhorns are going stampede to a big win. Those of us who are Texas baseball fans know that is not always true with Texas State (and painfully know that is not true with U.T. San Antonio). Texas State has in my lifetime gone from Division II to the Pac-12 (albeit with quite a bit of help, on this last jump, from the tectonic plates shift a couple of years ago with the SEC and Big 10).
The Bobcats have a high octane and entertaining offense that finished last season 5th in total offense and 12th in scoring. Led by quarterback Brad Jackson out of San Antonio Reagan, who had a terrific first season as the starter in 2025. He threw for more than 3,200 yards (24th nationally) and rushed for 692 yards and 16 touchdowns. He completed 71.3% of his passes and accounted for 3,968 yards of total offense, 7th in the nation. He is a very good runner as well as a very good passer, which means the new Muschamp defense will have to play smart and execute from the first snap. We don’t need the kitties scoring early.
Jackson has two outstanding targets in Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr.. Sparks, a senior from El Paso, was one of the best receivers in the country last year, catching 84 passes for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 92.3 yards per game (No. 1 in the Sun Belt). Dawn was right behind him, 2nd in the Sun Belt with 83.9 ypg, 1,007 yards on 65 catches with 4 touchdowns. That is a pretty good pair of receivers for any quarterback, much less a good quarterback operating G.J. Kinne’s up-tempo, spread offense. Texas State wants to create space and make you defend the entire field, and these two receivers are very good at finding it. This will actually be a great first game test for this vaunted (by me, anyway) Longhorn secondary.
The Bobcats lost their top two running backs from last season. Torrance Burgess Jr. is back after missing most of last season with a knee injury, and he has previously shown that he can carry the football effectively. On the O Line at right tackle, Sully Burns, a 6-7, 327-pound senior from Plano started all 13 games. And on the other side of the ball there is an interesting name for Longhorn fans: Terrence Cooks II, the former Texas Longhorn who transferred to Texas State. Cooks had 50 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks last year and is one of the veterans trying to stabilize a Bobcat defense that needs considerable improvement.
Since it is early in the season and there no statistics, I am just going to crib from the Texas game notes and provide last year’s stats comparison.
As you can see, Kinne had a strong offense, considerably better than Texas, at least on the ground. But the Bobcats were not going up against SEC defenses every week. The Texas State defense was not so good. Both teams were penalized a lot. An uneducated person who is not a college football fan could look at just this and conclude that the match-up might be competitive. That’s why we can’t judge teams by numbers.
Official Game Notes from The University:
1 Texas State – University of Texas Athletics
2026 Game Projections — BCF Toys
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas | Texas State | .990 | 26.1 | 39.5 | 13.4 | 52.8 |
College Football Insiders:
TCT Thoughts
Texas State had an offense in 2025 that was very successful in the Sun Belt Conference. A quarterback who can run Kinne’s offense, two very good receivers, and an experienced offensive line. Kinne will play fast, spread the field, and take some shots
Possibility of a bumpy first quarter, but I think everyone settles down and Texas cruises to a win. The overall talent level vastly favors the Longhorns. I expect the defense to play very well, but Texas State might end up scoring more than my prediction below. Kinne and Johnson are that good. I hope to see a balanced attack on offense, a lot of work in the short passing game since that is where we need the most improvement, and a look at 3 if not 4 running backs. I will also be interested to see what we really have in the kicking game.
TCT Predicts: Texas 42, Texas State 13
Kamukama Foundation
Kamukama Foundation’s mission is to nourish the spiritual, emotional, physical, and educational well-being of impoverished youth living in rural Uganda. Through student sponsorships and wrap-around services, sponsored students are opened to a world of hope and opportunity. Next month, Kamukama will open the doors to our dorms, providing a new home for our most vulnerable students. You can consider supporting Kamukama by making a gift or sponsoring a bed for one of their students.
General Donation Link: https://kamukamafoundation.org/donate/
Sponsor a Bed: https://kamukamafoundation.org/dormitory-sponsor/
Our dear friends Jeanne and Lew Little started Kamukama, and they have brought some of the best and most faithful people I know into the Kamukama family, especially my daughter Mary Elizabeth Fleming. This is an extraordinary ministry, and I ask you to join me in supporting it.
Give us generous hearts, minds, and spirits, O God, so that what we give may help others to know your love. Through Jesus Christ, we humbly pray. Amen.
The 2025 Texas Season
My traditional look back to see how my preseason predictions fared. Not as well as I had hoped!
No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes. W. I had Texas winning 27-20, which as it turned out was way off. 14-7 loss.
San Jose State Spartans. W. Correct. 38-7.
University of Texas El Paso Miners. W. Texas won 27-10. Much closer than expected as Arch struggled a bit.
Sam Houston State Bearkats. W. Texas won 55-0.
Florida Gators. W. Nope, an ugly 29-21 loss in the Swamp. As it turned out, an incredibly costly loss for the Longhorns.
No. 6 Oklahoma Land Thieves. W. Texas won 23-6. Enjoyed every single minute.
Kentucky Wildcats. W, but barely. Texas won 16-13 in overtime in Lexington.
Mississippi State Bulldogs. W, but almost a disaster. 45-38 in overtime as the Horns rallied and scored 24 points in the fourth quarter.
No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores. W. Texas won 34-31 but gave up 21 points in the fourth quarter. Too close for comfort.
No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs. W. It wasn’t close. 35-10.
Arkansas Razorbacks. W. 52-37. Pig sooey.
No. 3 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical. W. 27-17. It was glorious.
Texas beat No. 18 Michigan 41-27 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. 10-3 season and 6-2 in the SEC. Looking back, it could’ve been a lot worse.
Texas Softball 2026 National Champions
Mike White and the Texas Longhorns beat Texas Tech to win the program’s second national championship. Texas dropped the first game of the WCWS and then ran the table, finishing it with a sweep of the Red Raiders in the championship series. Teagan Kevan was MOP for the second year in a row. Teagan was the winner of Game 1, 7 innings, 3 hits, 3 earned runs, and 6 strikeouts. She finished the season 29-6 with that 7-3 win. Thursday night, Citlaly Gutierrez got the start and the win, Kavan had the save (her 5th) in the Texas 4-1 victory. An insane stat I saw (not verified): Teagan Kavan in her career at the WCWS in the 6th and 7th innings had a 0.00 ERA and 26 strikeouts.
Katie Stewart’s homerun in Game 1 was epic.
Another road that doesn’t run through Lubbock.
The trophy that Teagan and her teammates brought back to Texas is the 71st National Championship. As reported by Danny Davis, 18 of those (25.4%) have been won since Chris Del Conte was hired in December of 2017.
ESPN Football Power Index
What my snip above doesn’t show is the projected win totals and percentages for playoffs etc. That is interesting too. I noted Texas above. Here is the link for more fun:
2026 College Football Power Index – ESPN
Some Preseason Nerd Stats
First, from Brian Fremeau.
2026 Projected FEI ratings. “Projected FEI Ratings (FEI), Offense Ratings (OFEI), Defense Ratings (DFEI), and Special Teams Ratings (SFEI) are calculated from five previous years of opponent-adjusted possession efficiency data and represent the scoring advantage per non-garbage possession a team or unit would expect to have on a neutral field against an average opponent. Projected strength of schedule ratings represent the number of losses a team two standard deviations above average would expect to have against the regular season schedule of opponents (ELS), the number of losses a team one standard deviation above average would expect to have against the schedule (GLS), and the number of losses an average team would expect to have against the schedule (ALS). Projected strength of record ratings (EWD, GWD, AWD) are the difference between a team’s projected schedule strength ratings and its projected regular season losses.
Next, F+ Ratings combine Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings.
And, lastly, his 2026 Preseason Win Total Projections. Hope he’s way off. Pin this to revisit in December.
2026 Win Total Projections — BCF Toys
Juan Heisman Tailgate
As we look forward to the 134th season of Texas football, the Juan Heisman Tailgate crew and families look forward to the 29th season of fellowship and fun. I found it interesting this summer to see a number of posts and articles about the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, key planning for which culminated 60 years ago when President Johnson and Mrs. Johnson reviewed the models for the library. Of note, the buildings would include what is today Sid Richardson Hall, and the plaza which is home to the 36,000 pound replica of San Lorenzo Monument 1, or El Rey. Who we affectionately call Juan Heisman.
The Juan Heisman Tailgate Party is a private party sponsored and operated by JHT1998 L38, Inc. This Saturday we will have hot dogs, venison sausage, sandwiches, and plenty of cold beverages. Including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, back for another season as the official spirit of the Juan Heisman Tailgate.
National Championship Odds
Polls and statistics are real nice, but the betting odds are where the money is. Here is where we stand Thursday night:
The Preseason Polls
Texas State University
As every good Texan knows, President Lyndon B. Johnson attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College, graduating in 1930.
Established in 1899 as the Southwest Texas State Normal School, it has undergone multiple name changes, finally arriving at Texas State University (importantly, without a geographical designation). Texas State has grown dramatically since LBJ’s days; enrollment was 1,223 when he graduated, it is over 44,000 today on a campus of 517 acres (plus campuses in Round Rock and Queretaro, which I happened to fly out of this past Sunday).
| Academic Rankings | ||
| National | ||
| Texas | Texas State | |
| Forbes | 46 | 298 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 30 | 257 |
| WSJ/College Pulse | 49 | 244 |
| Washington Monthly | 152 | 223 |
| Global | ||
| ARWU | 49 | n/a |
| QS | 68 | n/a |
| THE | 50 | 1,201-1,500 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 63 | 1592 |
Other famous alumni include George Strait, Paul Goldschmidt, John Sharp, Taylor Sheridan, Randy Rogers, and Charlie Robison. Pretty good musicians among that group.
Week One in the Southeastern Conference
Thursday night, No. 25 Missouri beat Arkansas Pine-Bluff 54-14. The line was Missouri -54.5, and the over/under was 60.5.
Friday
UTEP Miners at No. 10 Oklahoma, 7:00 p.m. on SECN+, from Memorial Stadium in beautiful Norman. Land Thieves favored by 401.5, over/under is 51.5. Miners have a steep mountain to climb, but so did Appalachian State when they went to Michigan a few years ago.
Saturday
East Carolina at No. 13 Alabama, 11:00 a.m. on ABC from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Crimson Tide favored by 28.5, over/under is 52.5. Crimson Tide to win and cover.
Kent State at South Carolina , 11:45 a.m. on SEC Network from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Gamecocks are favored by 35.5, over/under is 53.5. South Carolina should be better this year.
Youngstown State (1-0) at Kentucky, 12:00 noon on SEC Network+ from Kroger Field in Lexington. I still find it amusing that the mascot of the “Cradle of Coaches” is the penguin. The Penguins routed Mercyhurst 43-10 last week, and the Youngstown quarterback (Beau Brungard, a household name in Mahoning County, Ohio [to be fair, he actually was FCS All-American last year]) threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for 2 more. Kentucky favored 22., over/under is 62.5. Wildcats to win, Penguins to cover.
Tennessee State (0-1) at No. 3 Georgia, 2:00 p.m. on SEC Network+, between the hedges at Sanford Stadium in Athens. The Tigers lost their season opener to Jackson State, 24-26, and they face a very good Georgia team. Dawgs are favored by 46.5, and the over/under is 55.5. Bulldogs to win and cover.
Furman (1-0) at No. 20 Tennessee, 2:30 p.m. on SEC Network+ from Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The Paladins won their season opener 20-3 over the Anderson Trojans, which is apparently a four year college in South Carolina and not the Trojans from the high school up on Mesa Drive in Northwest Hills. Volunteers favored by 47.5, and the over/under is 66.5.
Baylor vs Auburn, 2:30 p.m. on ABC/Disney+, from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Aflac Kickoff game. Tigers favored by 7.5 over the Bears, the money lines are Auburn minus 298, Baylor plus 240, and the over/under is 59.5. Auburn to win, Baylor to cover.
BCF Toys:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Auburn | Baylor | .666 | 6.2 | 28.1 | 21.9 | 80.0 |
North Alabama (1-0) at Arkansas, 3:15 p.m. on the SEC Network from FayetteNam. The Lions beat Samford last week, 22-10. Pigs favored by 40.5, over/under is 63.5.
Missouri State at No. 8 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, 6:00 p.m. on ESPN from Kyle Field in College Station. Aggies favored by 40.5, over/under is 53.5. I think the Bears are in trouble.
Austin Peay (1-0) at Vanderbilt, 6:00 p.m. on SECN+ from FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. The Governors shut down Gardner-Webb 35-17 to open the season. Commodores favored by 29.5, over/under is 60.5. Now that Pavia is gone (presumably for good), I can tolerate Vandy much better. Dores to win big. Anchor Down.
Clemson Tigers at No. 11 Louisiana State, 6:30 p.m. on ABC from Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. One of the premier games of the weekend, and with the Lane Kiffin $#!+show and lawsuits and SEC threats, the eyes of much of the college sports world are on Baton Rouge. I wish I knew how to create memes, because if I could I would have Lane as Pigpen from Peanuts, surrounded by swirling controversy and scandal. Bayou Bengals favored by over the Plains Tigers by 10, over/under is 50.5.
BCF Toys:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Louisiana State | Clemson | .615 | 4.2 | 24.7 | 20.5 | 45.2 |
Louisiana Monroe at Mississippi State, 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU from Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville. Bulldogs are 28.5 point favorites, the over/under is 54.5. Warhawks can sometimes pull the upset.
Florida Atlantic vs. Florida, 6:45 p.m. on SEC Network from the Swamp. Gators are favored by 26.5, over/under is 59.5.
Sunday
No. 24 Louisville at No. 9 Ole Miss, 6:30 p.m. on ABC from Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff. I will tune in for the Rebels and for the Dolly Parton tributes. Maybe one of the best games of the weekend. If you listen to enough talk radio and read enough sports blogs, you will find plenty of folks who think that Trinidad Chambliss is not just the best quarterback in college football, but maybe the best player. Ole Miss and Trinidad fought hard to get him another year of eligibility, and they won. Kewan Lacy is also one of the best running backs; he rushed for 1,567 yards (9th nationally) and 24 touchdowns (2nd ranked RB) in 2025. Ole Miss favored by 6.5, over/under is 55.5. I like Ole Miss and I don’t like Louisville. Rebels to win and cover. Hotty Toddy!
BCF Toys:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Ole Miss | Louisville | .726 | 8.8 | 30.6 | 21.8 | 52.5 |
Week One: Service Academies
Bryant (1-0) at Army, 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN from Michie Stadium in West Point. Black Knights are favored by 36.5, total is 51.5.
Duquesne at Air Force, 12:00 noon on MW+. Falcons favored by 28.5, over/under is 58.5.
Towson (0-1) at Navy, 2:30 p.m. on CBSSN from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Towson is another good lacrosse school. The Midshipmen are favored by 30.5, over/under is 52.5.
Top 25 – Week One
Some stinkers, just as with the SEC, but here are all of them.
Thursday night, Idaho lost No. 21 Utah, 66-14. The line was Utes by 35.5, and the total was 57.5. The Vandals start the season 0-2.
Friday
No. 7 Miami (FL) at Stanford (1-0), 8:00 p.m. on ESPN from the Farm in Santa Clara County. The Hurricanes are favored by 24.5, and the over/under is 48.5. I don’t like them. I do like Leland Stanford Junior University, however, and I will be cheering for the Cardinal.
Fresno State at No. 14 Southern Cal (1-0), 8:00 p.m. on FOX from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Based on the college sports radio I listened to this week, the actual attendance at the game will be the main item of interest. Apparently the reported attendance of 51,144 may have been a slight overcount. Guess the brisket sandwiches were dry. Trojans favored by 22.5 over the Bulldogs, over/under is 51.5.
Saturday
North Texas at No. 6 Indiana, 11:00 a.m. on FOX. Josh Hoover, formerly of Texas Christian University, quarterbacks the Hoosiers. I had to chuckle when I looked at his ESPN bio and his photo has him in a purple shirt (it will probably be updated by Friday afternoon). Frogs could’ve used him in Dublin last weekend. Indiana favored by 40.5, over/under is 56.5. ESPN gives the Hoosiers a 98.2% chance of winning.
Oregon State at No. 23 Houston, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. Cougars favored by 21, over/under is 49.5.
Ball State vs. No. 1 Ohio State, 11:30 a.m. on BTN from Columbus. Buckeyes favored by 50.5, over/under is 55.5.
Boise State vs. No. 2 Oregon, 2:30 p.m. on CBS from Autzen Stadium in Eugene. The Ducks are favored by 24.5, but the Broncos are a Pac-12 team now and longtime upset deliverer. Would absolutely LMAO if they went into Autzen and beat Oregon. Over/under is 51.5.
Marshall at No. 18 Penn State, 2:30 p.m. on FS1 from Beaver Stadium in the shadows of Mount Nittany. Probably has snow on it. PSU favored by 23.5, over/under is 52.5.
Northern Illinois at No. 22 Iowa, 3:15 p.m. on BTN from Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Line is Hawkeyes minus 31.5, total is 44.5.
Abilene Christian (0-1) at No. 12 Texas Tech, 6:00 p.m. on FS1 from “Galaxy Stadium” in Lubbock. How did Fanduel or DraftKings not win those naming rights? What happened to Clifford B. Jones? Betting AT&T is glad they didn’t ante up to renew those rights. Galaxy made the pot right and won. Sand Aggies favored by 42.5, over/under is 59.5. ACU might as well fold now.
Western Michigan at No. 16 Michigan, 6:30 p.m. on NBC from the Big House in Ann Arbor. This will be good enough to watch while I prep my filet and enjoy a cocktail. Wolverines favored by 27.5, over/under is 49.5.
Utah Tech at No. 14 Brigham Young, 7:00 p.m. on ESPN from LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Cougars favored by 51.5, total is 61.5.
Sunday
Washington State at No. 17 Washington, 3:00 p.m. on NBC from Husky Stadium. The Apple Bowl before Labor Day? How far we have fallen from … Washington favored by 23.5, over/under is 47.5.
Wisconsin vs. No. 4 Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. on NBC from Lambeau Field. What a great game and great place to play it. Been there twice for Packers games, thanks to the gracious hospitality of D. Kent Lance. It is fun. Fighting Irish favored by 20.5, over/under is 46.5. Y’all know my family has Domers now. I will be cheering for old Notre Dame! Peter, I hope they win and cover!
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Notre Dame | Wisconsin | .932 | 20.8 | 32.6 | 11.7 | 44.3
|
Monday
No. 19 Southern Methodist vs. Florida State, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN from Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Big game for both teams. The once proud Seminoles have been underperforming for far too long, and Coach Mike Norvell needs a win or his seat is going to be awfully hot. Southern Methodist, the newcomers to the Atlantic Coast Conference, have a national stage to show off the new SMU, all shiny and pumped full of cash from the Frac Bros. Mustangs favored by 3 over/under is 53.5
BCF Toys:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Florida State | Southern Methodist | .561 | 2.2 | 28.7 | 26.5 | 55.2
|
Week One – Other Games of Interest
All Saturday:
UTRGV at U.T. San Antonio, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+ from the Alamodome. The Vaqueros and the Roadrunners will, someday, be one of the most watched intrastate games in Texas. Roadrunners favored by 28.5 over the Vaqueros, over/under is 59.5. UTSA to win, the Valley to cover.
Oklahoma State at Tulsa, 2:45 p.m. on ESPNU. Why, you ask? Well, because my good friend and one of my favorite Red Raiders, Lance Morris, is Eric Morris’ uncle, and Eric is the new head coach in Stillwater. The kid has worked his way to the Power 4, and I am happy for him and wish him the best. Okie A&M favored by 13.5 over the Hurricane, over/under is 59.5.
Houston Christian at Rice, 6:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Why of interest? “But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? … Why does Rice play Texas?” IYKYK. Owls favored by 22.5. If you are betting the total on this game, seek professional help.
UCLA vs. California, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN from California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. The little brother Bruins are favored by 1.5 over the Golden Bears. Over/under is 53.5. Have fun JB. This, of course, is what would have been before the demise of the Conference of Champions, our Pac-12 After Dark game. Instead, it is a Big 10 vs. ACC matchup. Regardless, it will be my Saturday night game, and the wine will be a Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon, most likely a Salus from Staglin Family Vineyards.
Washington & Lee University
The Generals open the 2026 campaign at home on Wilson Field with the Wittenberg Tigers. Wittenberg University is a pretty good little school in Springfield, Ohio. Last year, the Generals and Tigers met for the first time since 1953, but the Blue & White came up short, losing 24-21. Wittenberg leads the series 3-0. The game kick-offs at one o’clock in the afternoon, Shenandoah Valley time.
W&L returns 7 starters on offense, including Ty Collins who will be starting at quarterback for a third year. Collins was third team All-ODAC last season, 77 of 136 passing for 1,004 yards and 7 touchdowns, and he rushed for 326 yards and 5 TDs. Rejoining him the backfield are Ryan Clemens (1,086 yards, 10 TDs) and Anthony Crawford (701 yards and 9 TDs).
Full preview of the game here: Tigers vs. Generals Week 1
My old friend Adam Krug’s son Tanner is a freshman defensive end out of Jesuit in Dallas. Other Texans on the roster include RB James Lancaster, sophomore from Highland Park; Gabe Joyner, senior DB from Fairview Lovejoy; Fulton Weaver, freshman DB from Fort Worth Country Day; Jake Campbell, freshman LB, Bellaire Episcopal; Jackson Todd, junior tight end from the John Cooper School in Tomball; Thomas Cook, freshman defensive lineman out of Highland Park; and Cole Sheppard, junior defensive lineman from The Woodlands, John Cooper School.
Texas Longhorns Baseball
Coach Jim Schlossnagle got the Longhorns back home to Omaha. It was a really great season, and the Regional and Super Regionals at the Disch were just about as much fun as one can have at a college sports event. The photo above is from the Regional final against Tarleton State on Sunday night.
For years, I have pondered writing my newsletter for Texas baseball. This season, I finally started. It was bit a rough at first (the writing, the format, the content), but my plan (which I stuck to) was just to write for home weekend series. I was pleased by the end of the season. Here is the link to the Austin Horns Fan Dispatch for the Super Regional with the Oregon Ducks.
Texas Longhorns Baseball: 2026 Austin Super Regional – Ducks vs. Longhorns
So – if you are interested in being on the distribution list for Texas Baseball, you need to email me at baseball@austinhornsfan.com.
Jim Nicar
The 1897 University of Texas football team. At upper right is John Phillips, student team manager. Before the arrival of college athletic directors in the 1910’s, student managers oversaw scheduling, transportation and lodging, uniforms and equipment, hiring a coach, and gate receipts.
From Jim’s June 28 post on X.
Photo of the Week
From JType’s September 1, 2026 post on Instagram.
On X: @tctayloratx
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Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371