How Arch Manning, retooled roster give Texas high upside for 2024

On3’s Jesse Simonton put together his way-too-early top 25 for the 2024 season, with Texas coming in at No. 2. Only the Georgia Bulldogs were ahead, with Simonton saying Steve Sarkisian‘s team has “as high of an upside” as any team in the country. He admitted Texas may not finish the year ranked second but the potential is certainly there.

Plenty of talent is returning, including quarterback Quinn Ewers. His weapons on the outside are leaving though, with Texas seeing three wide receivers declare for the NFL Draft. But if there is one position of the roster Simonton is not worried about for Sarkisian, no matter the year, it’s wide receiver.

“They’re going to lose both of their top two receivers,” Simonton said during Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “Xavier Worthy and AD Mitchell are both heading into the NFL. But this a group that signed a couple five stars and a couple other blue chippers that got their feet wet in backup roles. Playmakers is not going to be a problem for Texas.”

Johntay Cook was a five-star during the 2023 cycle and received limited playing time this past season. DeAndre Moore was able to turn a few heads in practice as well. Young talent is already on campus but Sarkisian is dipping into the NCAA transfer portal for more.

Mathew Golden will play for Texas next season after spending the last two with Houston. On3’s Pete Nakos predicted Liberty‘s CJ Daniels to wind up in Austin fresh off a visit. Oregon State‘s Silas Bolden will visit the 40 Acres on Jan. 13.

Wide receiver is not the only spot Texas made a splash in the portal, though. Simonton mentioned UTSA transfer Trey Moore, the No. 4 EDGE player this cycle per the On3 transfer portal Industry Rankings.

“Who was one of the EDGE rushers to enter the portal? Trey Moore from UTSA. Guy who was one of the sack leaders in the country a year ago,” Simonton said. “Texas is not going to lack EDGE pressure.”

Texas, Steve Sarkisian has two options at quarterback if needed

Mentioning the return of Ewers, another popular quarterback is wearing burnt orange — just look at Sugar Bowl media availability. Ewers has not officially announced his return but is expected to come back for at least one more season. That leaves the question of Arch Manning and whether or not he will have the opportunity to take the starting role in 2024.

“You can’t rule that out,” Simonton said. “That luxary — there are not a lot of schools that have that… Texas has that. I think Quinn’s highs are as high as any. But his lows, you’re dipping down into the basement there. If that consistency lacks, who is to say that Steve Sarkisian wouldn’t say ‘Let’s turn the keys to the heir apparent already.'”

Ewers did significantly improve in 2023, finding a bit more of the consistency Simonton brought up. He completed 69% of his throws for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions. A shoulder injury caused Ewers to miss two games as well.

Whether another health problem arises or Sarkisian feels like a change is needed for some reason, Texas has to feel confident about the quarterback situation. Pair with another great roster and it’s easy to see why expectations are high despite moving to the SEC.