Greg McElroy believes Texas 'can compete' in 2023

Texas is coming off a quality second season with Steve Sarkisian at the helm. The Longhorns put up eight wins in 2022 and didn’t lose any of their five defeats by more than a touchdown. They’re in an encouraging place and, in Greg McElroy’s opinion, he sees them being just as competitive in 2023.

McElroy discussed next year’s roster at Texas during a segment on ‘Always College Football’. He thinks the Longhorns showed a lot of promise throughout the year, specifically in their near win over the top-ranked Crimson Tide in Austin. While he thinks running back production could be a problem early, McElroy is encouraged about their chances next season because of how good their team is in comparison to the rest of the Big 12.

“I think Texas can compete right now,” McElroy said. “They showed it last year with their performance against Alabama. And you look at (the roster) and there are weapons.”

“They’re without two explosive playmakers at running back. Bijan Robinson? You’re not going to be able to replicate what he did for the Texas offense. But don’t forget (Roschon) Johnson, a secondary player at running back, was a dude. He was a problem for a lot of folks. A little bit more of a slasher, a little bit more of a downhill guy, not as much wiggle. But he could make some plays as well. So being without those guys is of significance,” McElroy continued. “However, you look at your wide receiver corps? Tell me a group in the Big 12 right now that you’d rather have. They’ve got guys scattered. (Ja’Tavion) Sanders is great. (Isaiah) Neyor is going to be back at full strength and they have such high hopes for him. (Xavier) Worthy is an All Big-12 performer.”

“I think Texas, this year, when you look at the roster? Just look at the roster, go 1-85 of their scholarship players? Tell me a roster in the Big 12 that you would rather have,” said McElroy.”

The biggest conversation at Texas is naturally going to be around Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning at quarterback. From there, it’s how Sarkisian and his staff are going to mirror any kind of similar production on the ground with Robinson and Johnson off to the NFL. With that said, those shouldn’t be the only two storylines considering all that they are going to have at their disposal.

The Longhorns are looking to make another jump on The 40 Acres this season, potentially by posting their first 10-win campaign since 2018 and just their second since 2009. McElroy believes they could be in for exactly that too based on how he feels about Texas’ roster heading into next fall.