Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian confirms Isaiah Neyor, Junior Angilau out for the season

The past week has not been kind of Texas on the injury front. After being able to go most of last season relatively healthy, the Longhorns have seen multiple players go down with long-term during Saturday’s scrimmage. Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed two players will miss a significant amount of time this season during his Monday press conference.

Both are offensive players who will miss the entire year with torn ACLs — wide receiver Isaiah Neyor and offensive lineman Junior Angilau. Neyor was entering his first season in Austin, coming via the transfer portal and Wyoming. Considered one of the top receivers available this offseason, Neyor was expected to breakout under Sarkisian and drew praise throughout spring.

Neyor had nearly 20 yards per reception last year, totaling 44 receptions, 878 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Of course, Xavier Worthy was still expected to be the top receiver for Sarkisian this year but Neyor was viewed as a legit and much-needed No. 2.

As for Angilau, he had been a starter on the offensive line over the past few seasons. Playing inside at both left guard and right guard, Angilau was expected to keep his spot on the blindspot for position coach Kyle Flood. All 34 career appearances for Texas have been starts for the senior.

“That’s why you’ve got to continue to build depth, to have other guys who can step up and play,” Sarkisian said on Angilau and Neyor being out for the season.

Texas dealing with three other injuries

Angilau and Neyor are not the only Texas players dealing with injuries according to Sarkisian. The head coach listed off three other names — Jahdae Barron, Cole Hutson, and Roschon Johnson — as players who will miss some time. Sarkisian said it’s nothing long-term, just for a few days, maybe a week or two.”

All three are hopeful to be back in time for the Week 1 matchup against Louisiana-Monroe.

Johnson was previously reported to be out for a month, lining up somewhere around the nonconference matchup against Alabama. One of the leaders for Texas this season, getting him back as soon as possible would be a jolt of energy heading into the season.

As for Hutson, he’s a candidate to replace Angilau on the offensive line, even with the short-term injury. One of seven new offensive linemen who are new to the Texas program, he has made an impression on Sarkisian and Flood.

Barron is a defensive back who has appeared in 14 games and made two starts. He too is expected to make an impact in the secondary this season for defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. An injury setback will derail the rest of his fall camp but should not affect the season.