Storylines to Watch
A four-way battle at quarterback?
Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele, as noted, remain part of the Texas football program. Both showed what they can do in the 2017 season, but neither stood out as the future quarterback. Sure, they only have a combined three years of college football experience, but in a season where expectations may be higher, someone must stand out.
However, if Ehlinger and Buechele can’t, there’s two freshman quarterbacks in the building: Cameron Rising and Casey Thompson. If Herman considers them as candidates for the position, then expect up to four signal-callers to play in the spring game. What if Rising or Thompson outperform the incumbents?
There’s pressure on Ehlinger and Buechele to step up. If neither does, it makes this quarterback conundrum a summer-long process until someone rises up.
Which running back emerges?
Sure, a running back committee can work, but someone becoming the go-to player would establish this Texas offense. Whether it’s Toneil Carter, Daniel Young, Chris Warren III or Kyle Porter, the job remains open for someone to pounce on.
Warren is the senior of the group but battled injuries throughout his collegiate career. The opportunity may be his, though, unless one of the youngsters break through, as Carter, Porter and Young were all touted out of high school.
It would give Texas some direction if a running back plays well on Saturday, especially as the quarterback situation sorts out. If not, too much offensive uncertainty will be an issue for this team to get into a rhythm and help a defense that was among the Big 12 Conference’s best.
Replacing lost players to the NFL
Texas lost a group of defenders, led by Malik Jefferson, to the NFL Draft. DeShon Elliott, Holton Hill and Poona Ford were the others, so one-third of this defense will face an upheaval for the 2018 college football season. However, there’s hope for some fresh faces to step up.
It starts with the secondary, as five-star defensive backs Caden Steans and BJ Foster committed to the Longhorns. Add in Anthony Cook, and this side of the ball could go from front-seven dominant to being in favor of the defensive backfield. It’s full of youth, however, so there may be growing pains in the spring game and regular season.
Next: College Football's 25 Best Rivalries
Outside of them, there’s the return of defensive end Charles Omenihu. He will provide a veteran presence on the line and be the carryover from 2017’s vaunted front. Which players could step up around him, though?