Texas Longhorns WR Adonai Mitchell Still Mulling Over Options Following Sugar Bowl Loss
The clock has struck zero on the Texas Longhorns' chances of making it to the national championship.
Where does it stand on Adonai Mitchell's chances of returning for 2024?
Mitchell, who joined Texas after two seasons with Georgia, was coy about his status for the upcoming NFL Draft. He spoke fondly of his lone season in Austin and how his career has benefitted both on and off the field simply by signing with the Longhorns.
“All the things I wanted to do when I came here, I did,” Mitchell told reporters postgame. “I met a lot of great people. I’ve got a lot of great relationships. You know, I'm Texas forever in my blood. I'm just glad I was able to come back home and play for my home.”
Texas Longhorns Adonai Mitchell misses a catch against Washington in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal in the Sugar Bowl
© John David Mercer, USA TODAY
Mitchell might sound as if he's ready to enter the next stage of his career. Is he? Perhaps, but for now, nothing has been set in stone.
“I haven’t made a decision yet, but I’ll let y’all know,” Mitchell said.
Based on production, Mitchell could end up being a first-round pick come April with a strong combine and pro day performance. The 6-4 Texas native caught a career-high 55 ball for 847 yards and 11 touchdowns while helping the No. 3 Longhorns win their first conference title since 2009.
Mitchell also proved his clutch factor again, hauling in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers in the fourth quarter of the Sugar Bowl to breathe life into an offense with just over seven minutes remaining. The former Bulldogs star has caught a touchdown pass in all five CFP matchups over his three seasons with Georgia and Texas.
Few prospects have the resume of Mitchell. Two national championships, three CFP appearances and a touchdown in each contest? The only thing that would've improved Mitchell's career is a third ring, but he wouldn't change a thing about the choice that led him back home.
“It was a great season, so there is no need for anybody to hang their head, you know?” Mitchell said. “The fault isn’t on one man. We all went out there as a team, and we fought our butt off. We just played a great team. As a team, this all is done. At this point, all we can do is just reflect on the memories we had.”
Should Mitchell enter the draft, the Longhorns should feel content with their receiving room's status. Johntay Cook is expected to have an expanded role as the Longhorns' new vertical receiver. Texas also added Houston transfer Matthew Golden, who will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Should Mitchell return, the Longhorns would gain back an experienced pass-catcher looking to go out on top as a member of the SEC. The Longhorns have a roster built enough to compete in Year 1 of a new conference en route to a 12-team postseason.
Mitchell isn't the only receiving option mulling over options. Xavier Worthy and Ja'Tavion Sanders are expected to declare before the deadline, though neither has made it official yet. Senior receiver Jordan Whittington won't be back next season after using up his eligibility.
