How the top 2024 recruits from Texas fared in their true freshman seasons

Here’s a recap of the top 25 players from the state of Texas in the 2024 recruiting class and additional notable names, highlighting their On3 rankings and freshman performances in college.

[BOOKMARK: Check Inside Texas daily for FREE Texas Longhorns content]

DJ Lagway (Florida, QB)

On3 Ranking: 5-star, No. 1 in Texas, No. 3 QB nationally

Performance: Excelled as a true freshman, living up to his ranking as the top player from Texas with standout performances. 115-for-192 for 1915 yards, 12 touchdowns, 9 interceptions.

Justin Williams (Georgia, LB)

On3 Ranking: 5-star, No. 2 in Texas, No. 1 LB nationally

Performance: Redshirted during his freshman year, expected to contribute in 2025.

Terry Bussey (Texas A&M, ATH)

On3 Ranking: 5-star, No. 3 in Texas, No. 1 ATH nationally

Performance: Played in limited roles on offense, defense, and special teams. Showed flashes, particularly as a return specialist. 318 scrimmage yards, two touchdowns,

Micah Hudson (Texas Tech, WR)

On3 Ranking: 5-star, No. 4 in Texas, No. 2 WR nationally

Performance: Played sparingly but gained more playing time late in the season. Transferred to Texas A&M for better opportunities. Eight receptions, 123 yards.

Weston Davis (LSU, OL)

On3 Ranking: 5-star, No. 5 in Texas, No. 6 OT nationally

Performance: Redshirted during his freshman year.

Colin Simmons (Texas, EDGE)

On3 Ranking: 5-star, No. 6 in Texas, No. 5 EDGE nationally

Performance: Dominated as a true freshman, leading Texas in sacks and emerging as their best pass rusher. Shaun Alexander True Freshman of the Year Award winner. 44 tackles, 14 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 INT, 3 forced fumbles

Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (Georgia, DL)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 7 in Texas, No. 5 DL nationally

Performance: Redshirted during his freshman year.

Dontae Carter (Vanderbilt, S)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 8 in Texas, No. 3 S nationally

Performance: Played in all 13 games with 11 tackles and two PBU.

Casey Poe (Alabama, OL)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 9 in Texas, No. 2 IOL nationally

Performance: Redshirted but participated in two games

Aaron Flowers (Oregon, S)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 10 in Texas, No. 4 S nationally

Performance: Redshirted but recorded one tackle against Washington

Corian Gipson (Clemson, DB)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 11 in Texas, No. 7 CB nationally

Performance: Played in four games before redshirting, gaining limited experience.

Taylor Tatum (Oklahoma, RB)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 12 in Texas, No. 2 RB nationally

Performance: Played for a problem-plagued Sooner offense. Notched 278 yards and three rushing touchdowns plus a receiving touchdown.

Xavier Filsaime (Texas, DB)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 13 in Texas, No. 5 S nationally

Performance: Redshirted during his freshman year.

Kobe Black (Texas, DB)

On3 Ranking: 5-star, No. 14 in Texas, No. 10 CB nationally

Performance: Made an immediate impact on special teams and earned standard down snaps, including several key plays at the end of the Vanderbilt game.

Peyton Morgan (Texas Tech, DB)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 15 in Texas, No. 6 S nationally

Performance: Appeared in one game with one tackle.

Kedren Young (Notre Dame, RB)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 16 in Texas, No. 5 RB nationally

Performance: Had 21 carries for 116 yards and one touchdown.

Bryant Wesco (Clemson, WR)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 17 in Texas, No. 14 WR nationally

Performance: Shined as a standout freshman receiver for Clemson with 41 catches for 708 yards and five touchdowns.

Kewan Lacy (Missouri, WR)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 18 in Texas, No. 7 RB nationally

Performance: Rushed 23 times for 104 yards and entered the transfer portal after the season.

Zina Umeozulu (Texas, EDGE)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 19 in Texas, No. 15 EDGE nationally

Performance: Redshirted during his freshman year.

Caden Durham (LSU, RB)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 20 in Texas, No. 8 RB nationally

Performance: Had a breakout season, becoming a key running back for LSU with 140 carries for 753 yards and six touchdowns plus two receiving touchdowns.

Jacob Ponton (Texas Tech, OL)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 21 in Texas, No. 9 nationally

Performance: Redshirted during his freshman year.

Ellis Davis (Texas Tech, OL)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 22 in Texas, No. 11 OT nationally

Performance: Redshirted his freshman season.

Zion Kearney (Oklahoma, WR)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 23 in Texas, No. 25 WR nationally

Performance: Played significant snaps due to injuries in Oklahoma’s receiving corps. Made explosive plays, including one touchdown catch.

Jordan Washington (Texas, TE)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 24 in Texas, No. 9 TE nationally

Performance: Early enrollee who shined in the spring game. Expected to make an impact in the 2025 season after playing five games

James Peoples (Ohio State, RB)

On3 Ranking: 4-star, No. 25 in Texas, No. 10 RB nationally

Performance: Played as the third running back behind TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Shined when given opportunities with 49 carries for 197 yards and two touchdowns.

[Join Inside Texas TODAY and get 7 days for just ONE DOLLAR!]

Notable Players Outside the Top 25

Trey Owens (Texas, QB; No. 35 TX Prospect)

• Performance: Early enrollee who looked promising in the spring game but redshirted.

Michael Hawkins (Oklahoma, QB; No. 40 TX)

• Performance: Took over as a starter in a few games, showcasing explosive plays with his legs. Was 76-for-120 for 783 yards and three touchdowns over two interceptions. Rushed 69 times for 204 yards and a score.

Alex January (Texas, DL; No. 47 TX Prospect)

• Performance: Played in 10 games as a backup at Texas and made three tackles

Ty’Anthony Smith (Texas, LB; No. 61 TX Prospect)

• Performance: Played in all 15 as a backup linebacker and special teams contributor, recorded an interception, and delivered 16 tackles with 1.5 for loss and 0.5 sacks. Showed promise as a future contributor.