CJ Vogel
Spring's Biggest Risders
The Texas Longhorns wrapped up the 2025 spring season on Saturday before greeting thousands of Longhorn fans on the field at DKR for the inaugural Fan Fest to wrap up the spring season.
As a result, the highly anticipated 15 practices showcasing 27 first time Longhorns has concluded.
Texas is going to be a popular pick for the preseason No. 1 team in the country when poll season comes around and for good reason. Led by Colin Simmons, Anthony Hill Jr., Michael Taaffe, Trey Moore and plenty of other returning stars on the defensive side of the ball, the Longhorns will turn the reigns over to Arch Manning and a fresh offensive line.
Fortunately, there is plenty of talent roaming the fields at Denius this spring. And with the spring having finally wrapped up, a quick recap post on which Longhorns you can expect take that leap into the rotation or into the starting lineup based off of their work in the spring.
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Offense
Freshman OL Nick Brooks
Stop me if you have heard Nick Brooks' name this spring. But the 6-foot-7-inch, 350-pound freshman out of Loganville, Georgia had a spectacular spring. Brooks was quickly elevated to running with the second unit at left tackle and has been praised by many according to OTF's sources. Of course, the left tackle spot belongs to Trevor Goosby entering the season, but there remains limitless hope for Brooks' career at Texas.
Redshirt Freshman WR Parker Livingstone
No DeAndre Moore for the spring and a limited Ryan Wingo allowed for Parker Livingstone to oddly become the elder statesmen in the room for the wide receivers this year without having a career reception. Yet, it was very much a positive spring for the second year wide out. Livingstone has big play ability and a frame that is seldomly found in a Sarkisian offense. All in all, the expectation is for Livingstone to find the Texas rotation come the fall, even with the addition of Emmett Mosley V.
Redshirt Freshman OL Daniel Cruz
Cruz is running with the second unit right now at the center position. There have been rave reviews all spring in regards to the overall ceiling Cruz will have during his time at Texas. While Cole Hutson remains the odds-on favorite to hold onto the snapping job come the fall, Cruz has been someone often mentioned by folks behind the scenes as one to get excited about.
Freshman WR Daylan McCutcheon
Similarly to Livingstone, the lack of depth at wide receiver allowed for the former Lovejoy Leopard to see the field immediately. I have heard that McCutcheon took to the playbook immediately and as a result, quickly ascended in the pecking order of wide receivers this spring. It felt like practice after practice there was a growing level of praise in the direction of the slot wide receiver.
Freshman RB James Simon
The Texas RB room has a full stable of bodies and the level of competition is high. The name that continuously popped up throughout the spring was the newcomer out of Shreveport, Louisiana. Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark each had positive moments this spring as well, but ultimately Simon's name was most often heard.
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Defense
Freshman EDGE Lance Jackson
From Colin Simmons calling him a future first round pick to praise from practice attendees, Jackson's name continued to pop up throughout the spring. The former five-star edge prospect displayed tremendous length and burst off the line of scrimmage. Great start to his campaign as a Longhorn.
Sophomore CB Warren Roberson
I will be honest – I knew there the corner room this spring was going to have competition, but I did not expect to hear Warren Roberson's name as often as we ended up after 15 practices. As Texas trends towards more man coverage in 2025, Roberson's skillset fits the bill. A very solid spring for the Red Oak product who is entering year three.
Freshman CB Graceson Littleton
The Texas staff is very high on the Florida native and for good reason after the first spring season of his Texas career. Sticky with ballskills is the best way I would describe Littleton so far. How much will we see of Littleton this fall? That remains the question in a loaded cornerback room, but ultimately a strong spring.
Junior DB Jelani McDonald
McDonald is going to be a star. The continuity with Michael Taaffe allowed for a seamless transition into the starting lineup. After speaking with McDonald during a player availability, there was a strong sense of confidence coming out of the third year player. McDonald's versatility and ability to play near the LOS is going to be a huge benefit this fall.