New Jersey Numbers For Handful of Returning Longhorns Revealed
With all of the new additions and players that have departed, whether via the transfer portal or the NFL Draft, some numbers have been changed or claimed in Austin.
Led by the recently extended head coach Steve Sarkisian who led them to a Big 12 title victory and within one score of advancing to the College Football Playoff, Texas was able to bring in a fantastic recruiting and portal class. Their high school class ranked as the No. 6 class in the country according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings, while their transfer portal class ranked as the No. 7 in the country.
With all of the new faces or numbers that were vacant, some returning players changed their numbers from this past season. Let's take a look at some of the numbers changes:
Texas DB Jahdae Barron
© Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Jahdae Barron, DB
Old Number: 23
New Number: 7
The prestigious No. 7 jersey will be donned by Jahdae Barron to honor legendary defensive back Michael Huff, who is now an Assistant Director of Player Development.
Texas wide receiver Johntay Cook
© Andrew Dieb, USA TODAY
Johntay Cook, WR
Old Number: 2
New Number: 1
After just one season on the 40 acres, the former highly-touted recruit will make a number change as well. The No. 1 was taken by Xavier Worthy this past season, but now that Worthy is off to the NFL, Cook will wear it like he did in high school.
Texas WR DeAndre Moore
DeAndre Moore, WR
Old Number: 11
New Number: 0
We didn't see the freshman out of St. John Bosco, but with some departures in the receiver room he will have a chance to fight for some playing time. He will be taking the No. 0 that Ja'Tavion Sanders wore during his time in Austin.
ov 25, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Bond (17) scores the game winning touchdown over Auburn Tigers cornerback D.J. James (4) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Isaiah Bond, WR
Old Number: No. 17 (Alabama)
New Number: No. 7
Bond comes to Texas as the highest-ranked player in their transfer portal class. He will be wearing No. 7 as opposed to the No. 17, which is currently worn by running back Savion Red.
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Amari Niblack (84) tries to break a tackle by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Junior Colson (25) in the 2nd quarter of the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Right is Michigan Wolverines defensive back Makari Paige (7). Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Amari Niblack, TE
Old Number: No. 84 (Alabama)
New Number: No. 8
After wearing No. 84 in Tuscaloosa, Niblack will be rocking the single digits in Austin. He takes No. 8 after it was previously worn by Xavier Worthy who gave it up for No. 1. After worthy gave up No. 8, it was worn by Casey Cain who has since transferred to UNLV.
Clemson DB Andrew Mukuba
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Mukuba, DB
Old Number: No. 1 (Clemson)
New Number: No. 13
After three productive years at Clemson, the Austin native opted to return home for his final season of college football. With No. 1 already claimed by Justice Finkley, he took the No. 13 which was previously sported by Larry Turner-Gooden who transferred to San Jose State.
UTSA EDGE Trey Moore
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Trey Moore, DE
Old Number: 31 (UTSA)
New Number: 31
One of the most prolific pass-rushers in the country, Moore will look to carve out a role in a loaded unit for Texas. He will be doing so in the same number he wore in San Antonio.
Texas DL Sydir Mitchell
Sydir Mitchell, DL
Old Number: 99
New Number: 90
Sydir Mitchell will be wearing his high school number next season. This past year it was worn by projected first-round pick Byron Murphy. It is also worth noting that Mitchell gained some major size this offseason, coming in at 372 pounds.
Sep 3, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Braxton Burmeister (5) is tackled by Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman Tiaoalii Savea (98) during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Tiaoalii Savea, DL
Old Number No. 98 (Arizona)
New Number: No. 98
A pleasant surprise addition across the defensive line for Texas, Savea provides some more experience in the trenches for a defensive line that lost two of the best players in the country. He will wear the same number he wore at Arizona, which is currently the highest number on the team.
