Who are the 10 best Texas Longhorns for the 2023 season?

This is a highly subjective pursuit but this list is based on my own opinions that are influenced by input from sources. In some ways it’s meaningless, in others ways it is illustrative of team strengths or weaknesses. You’ll notice some of the most important positions in the sport are represented, and in a couple instances, twice. 

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Not that other positions don’t have value, but those positions would be quarterback, Edge, defensive tackle, wide receiver and cornerback. Only cornerback is absent from the list but that position has enviable depth and a very high floor.

One thing to keep in mind, there is a whole lot of talent on the team aside these ten players, especially in the younger ranks. It’s not hard to predict youngsters like Anthony Hill, CJ Baxter, Derek Williams and many others on it in the future. 

10. S Jalen Catalon

It all depends on health for Catalon. This ranking is a hedge between his upside, and, unfortunately, his injury history. He had a very good August camp in his long anticipated return to the field. The former Arkansas Razorback has elite diagnostic skills.

9. DT Alfred Collins

I’m somewhat hesitant to include the senior but he’s been really, really good in August. In fact, No. 8 is too low based on camp. I believe in Collins because he’s made pretty noticeable physical improvement that suggests buy-in as well as millions in life changing incentives waiting for him after the season. Again, consume responsibly.

8. DT Byron Murphy

Like Sorrell, Murphy’s incredibly consistent, active, and has a well-rounded game. Strong leader, too. In general, Texas is strong up the middle of the defense and it starts with Murphy.

7. Star Jahdae Barron

Star is also known as the nickel, a pretty difficult position to play. Barron is good in both coverage and near the line of scrimmage, often using his quickness and aggression to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

6. QB Quinn Ewers

Ewers has come further than I ever could have predicted last November. It’s to the point I have very little concern about quarterback play this season. He can create plays or facilitate them. There will be a strong feedback loop between his ability and the receivers’.

5. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders 

The junior on everybody’s NFL Draft radar was very good last year but I believe he’ll be great this season. Like every other skill player, Sanders will benefit from the defense having to defend the entire field. I predict fewer receptions than last year but more explosive plays.

4. WR Adonai Mitchell

The Georgia transfer can play big or small. He can get open with speed, strength, and savvy. Contested catches, highlighted by his catch radius, are in his bag. Mitchell will be both a stick-mover and big-play threat who helps Sark control the game from his headset.

3. LB Jaylan Ford

I’m not sure if he’ll have the same absurd stat line as last year but I think he’ll be a more complete, consistent, and assertive player. He’s yet another who personifies experience and leadership. Last year was his breakout, this season should cement Ford’s Texas legacy.

2. WR Xavier Worthy

Worthy certainly had his share of struggles in 2022 but there’s no better candidate in the country for a huge bounce back. With the addition of Mitchell and the move to 11 personnel (three wide receivers) he’ll have a more custom tailored role. Ewers’ maturation should also help tremendously. Meanwhile, he still has some of the best ‘get open’ skills you’ll find at the position, plus a head coach intent on moving him around to exploit that ability.

1. OT Kelvin Banks

He combines the work ethic and team-first mentality of less heralded players while also possessing elite talent at a premium position. He was very good as a freshman. He should be nothing short of sensational as both a pass- and run-blocker as a sophomore. Only quarterbacks on the roster have higher draft potential than Banks.

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[Edit: The original version omitted Jahdae Barron which is certainly not representative of how I feel. Barron’s late inclusion bounced Barryn Sorrel. On the junior Edge I wrote, “Sorrell is as steady as they come and on a very predictable trend-line. He’s a future pro thanks to his ability as a run-stopper and to push the pocket. Could he get 8 sacks? I think that’s possible, especially if the interior defensive linemen consistently create an inside push.”]

Both wide receiver Jordan Whittington and defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat were also mentioned, meaning their respective positions have three players each in the top 12-15 players on the entire roster. That’s quite a feat given both are priority positions. 

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Running back was also mentioned but with the caveat it depends on if a sure-fire bell-cow emerges. The source at the time leaned toward that being Jonathon Brooks but it’s come to light CJ Baxter is right there in that conversation. One of the running backs could certainly emerge as one of the ten best over the course of the season. On the flip side, they could split votes every bit as much as they split carries. 

Given the strength at cornerback it might be odd to not see one make the list, but there’s context to that. Both Terrance Brooks and Malik Muhammad will likely be on it at some point in their career.