Texas football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2020

One could argue he already had his breakout season last year with the ‘Horns, but 2020 could be the year the rest of the country learns about linebacker Joseph Ossai. He is entering his true junior season out of Conroe, Texas, poised to be the best linebacker in the Big 12. Ossai is on the watch lists for the Nagurski, the Bednarik and the Lott trophies already. He’s ready to have a big year.

At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, Ossai showed he can fly all around the field on the Texas defense. As a sophomore in 2019, he had 90 total tackles (61 solo, 29 assists), 13.5 went for a loss of yardage and five went for sacks. He two interceptions for 24 yards, a pass deflection and a forced fumble last season. If he can build off that sensational sophomore season, he has All-American potential.

Last year, we saw Kenneth Murray be an absolute phenom in the middle of the Oklahoma defense, as the Sooners went on to win the Big 12 for the fifth year in a row. He was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft. It feels like a bit of a reach, but Ossai could be that kind of impactful player in the middle of the Texas defense this season.

For Texas to win the Big 12 and not Oklahoma, it is understood that Ehlinger will need to contend for the Heisman Trophy and the Davey O’Brien Award. It is also inferred he’ll need someone else to be the equivalent of that on the defensive side of the ball. Though it may not end up being Ossai, there is a good chance he ends up being just that for the Longhorns in the 2020 campaign.