Would Texas' second team be good enough for the Top 25?

Based on incredibly talented depth at a couple of key positions, I believe UT’s second-team would be ranked in the Top 25.

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Related: There are a handful of very average teams in the Top 25. 

This may sound hyperbolic to fans who haven’t paid much attention to Texas, or are simply biased against the school, but due to Steve Sarkisian‘s preference towards heavy rotation we have seen the second-team much more than is typical. In two contests this season, Colorado State and UTSA, Texas has played 77 players. We’re not just seeing these guys when the game is in doubt, either.

And yes, bias runs both ways, but if you’re on the schedule, you’ll see for yourself.

Quarterback

One of the funniest laments of Arch Manning‘s recruitment came from those who said he’d be an average prospect if he had a different last name. This came from people who are biased against UT, some who even draw a check to cover the sport.

The main problem with bias is it can blind people to reality. The reality was, and remains, that Arch Manning is an elite prospect with traits both in line with his uncles and traits in line with his grandfather. Manning 3.0 is a scary combo of pocket presence, quick release and accuracy, ability to read defenses, and athleticism. 

In my opinion, Manning 3.0 has the highest NFL upside of any player currently on a college roster and he would be starting at 99.5% of colleges right now.

Running Back

Jerrick Gibson leads the team in carries, yards, yards per carry, and is tied with Manning with two rushing touchdowns. He gets better each week and is showing to be a volume back who is quite effective running downhill and in short outsize zone. 

Given Texas’ injuries at running back, we’ll see a lot of Gibson in the next few weeks. 

Wide Receiver

In addition to quarterback, this is the position where Texas has an embarrassment of riches. Johntay Cook just had two touchdowns against UTSA but it’s more than just scoring the ball. It’s about traits and he looked shot out of a cannon on his first touchdown. 

Ryan Wingo is one of the best freshmen in the country regardless of position. We knew he possessed a rare blend of size, speed, and physicality, but he’s also proven to be ready to be counted on as a true freshman. True, he may be the second most impressive freshman ‘Ryan’ at the position this year, but Wingo is elite as well. 

Silas Bolden made DJ U. look decent at Oregon State last year as he hauled in 54 receptions for 746 yards. He’s not starting because Texas’ receiver group is so talented. 

This trio is better than most in college football. 

Tight End

Juan Davis is proving to be a very useful and versatile piece who has already played a lot of snaps for Texas this season. He’s more of an H-back ‘move piece’ but he’s been good for Texas.

Also available for this exercise is Alabama transfer Amari Niblack who played in 14 games for the Crimson Tide last year.

Offensive Line

Trevor Goosby is the heir apparent to Kelvin Banks at left tackle. We’ve heard nothing but positives since he arrived. Athletic, great work ethic. He’ll be right on time next year but he could play this season if needed.

Neto Umeozulu would be a capable starter for Texas this season at left guard. He should be a stud next year.

Likewise, Cole Hutson could easily start for this Texas team at either guard or center position. Hutson is proven at this point.

Connor Robertson could play center with Hutson at right guard. Or, Hutson could play center with true freshman Nate Kibble at right guard. Kibble arrived with a maturity reminiscent of Kelvin Banks.

Right tackle would be elite freshman Brandon Baker.

This line would have its issues against top D-lines but would be good enough with the surrounding skill talent for Texas to win 8-9 games.

Defensive Line

Ethan Burke and Colin Simmons would be the starters at Edge. Ha ha, that’s better than most schools can run out there at yet another premium position. If Simmons struggles versus the run, they could put Colton Vasek in his place and continue to package Simmons on passing downs.

Those are three NFL players with Vasek and Simmons potentially being 1st rounders.

You still have Justice Finkley as well. The second-string is two-deep.

Texas would lack top-end talent at defensive tackle but not size and maturity. Jermayne Lole has been good so far. Bill Norton is a space-eater. Tia Savea showed some bounce this past weekend. Alex January looks like he’s ready for more snaps as well.

Linebacker

I love what I’ve seen from Liona Lefau this season and senior Morice Blackwell is a known quantity. This would be a good starting duo on some Texas teams of the past.

How can you not love what Tyanthony Smith brings to the table? He was the darling of August reporting and he’s showing why on Saturdays.

A whole lot of good evaluation took place at this position.

Secondary

Senior Gavin Holmes and elite freshman Kobe Black are your starters at corner. Warren Roberson would figure into the rotation as well.

Nickel is a tough call. Jahdae Barron is the real backup to Jaylon Guilbeau but it’s cheating to include him. Rather than putting Jordon Johnson-Rubell here, I’ll go with Jelani McDonald since he practiced at the position all last year until bowl prep.

Safeties are ultra talented sophomore Derek Williams and JJ-R, who is like the Jerrick Gibson of safeties.

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This second-team and beyond is absolutely riddled with future NFL Draft picks and is a testament to Sark’s quality roster management.

As IT reported this past offseason, Texas has achieved ‘reload’ status.