Three Burning Questions Ahead of Texas Longhorns Spring Game

Texas takes the field on Saturday for their annual spring game. Here are three things to look for when they take the field.

The Texas Longhorns have had a world of hype surrounding them this spring, thanks to a stellar recruiting class, an elite transfer haul, and a coaching staff shakeup.

Among those new additions are freshmen Ryan Wingo, Collin Simmons, Xavier Filsaime and Brandon Baker, as well as transfers Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, Amari Niblack, Trey Moore, and Andrew Mukuba - each of whom could play a big role in 2024.

Not to mention, there is also a wealth of talent returning to the 40 Acres, including argubaly the country's best quarterback, Heisman hopeful Quinn Ewers.

On Saturday, Texas fans will get their first chance to see the new-look Longhorns, when they hit the field for their annual Orange-White Spring Game in Austin.

So what should fans be looking out for ahead of Saturday's kick? Here are three burning questions facing Texas before the spring game.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond during football spring practice at the Frank Denius

Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

Who Steps Up at Receiver?

Last season, the Longhorns enjoyed one of the best receiver groups in the country with Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittington. However, all three of those players, as well as tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders are gone.

Now, in are Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, Silas Bolden and Ryan Wingo, joining Johntay Cook, DeAndre Moore and Ryan Niblett - who are the only incumbent players at the position with game experience - in the receiver room.

By all accounts and from what we have seen, Bond seems to be the best candidate to take over for Worthy as the No. 1 guy. Meanwhile in limited action, Golden is the likely candidate to be the No. 2 guy opposite of Bond.

Outside of that? It is hard to tell. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has mentioned Wingo by name on multiple occasions as a freshman who has stood out from the crowd, while he has also mentioned Cook as a playmaker.

One way or another, however, someone is going to have to step up into the slot role that Jordan Whittington held last season. In our eyes, that player could, and likely should, be Cook. On Saturday, we will see if Sarkisian feels the same way.

Is there enough at DT?

Last season, the Horns had arguably the best defensive tackle group in the nation with Byron Murphy and T'Vondre Sweat as the starters, and Vernon Broughton and Alfred Collins rotating in. Now, Murphy and Sweat are both gone to the NFL, and Broughton and Collins are ascending to the top of the depth chart.

While Collins and Broughton seem to be ready for their top-line roles, it is what is behind them that is cause for concern. Yes, Arizona transfer Tiaoalii Savea should provide stability in the second group. But the rest of the group is anything but proven.

That's not to say there is no talent at the position. Aaron Bryant, Jaray Bledsoe, Sydir Mitchell and Alex January all have a chance to make an impact.

But if the Longhorns are going to come close to replicating what they did in 2024, they have to find another difference maker or two at the position. Bledsoe and January have both had rave reviews at times this spring, so perhaps its them.

Saturday will reveal much more about the position battle.

Who Replaces JT Sanders?

Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was a major x-factor for the Horns on offense last season, providing a true matchup nightmare for opposing safeties and linebackers all season long. Like Worthy, Mitchell, Whittington, Sweat and Murphy, however, Sanders is now off to the NFL, leaving a gaping hole at a position that was crucial to Quinn Ewers in 2023.

So who steps up to replace him?

Right now, it seems as though Gunnar Helm has the starting spot locked down pretty tight. Sarkisian has been impressed by his progression and he has made plays.

That said, the Horns would also love to See Amari Niblack step in and provide some of the things that will be leaving with Sanders from a matchup problem perspective.

Niblack has the athleticism to do just that. In fact, the Longhorns saw it first hand last season when he scored a touchdown on Texas in Tuscaloosa. The only thing holding him back is his knowledge of the system, and chemsitry with Ewers - both of which will come in time.

For now, Helm has both of those things in spades with Ewers, and will get the nod.

But if the Longhorns really want to be at their best on offense, they need Niblack to step up and become something akin to what Sanders was over the last two years.