Texas Football Preview 2024: Biggest games, crucial players, predictions and more
A season after making its first College Football Playoff, Texas is now in the SEC and looking to return to the Playoff. It's a brave new world for the Longhorns, but they do have an incredibly talented and deep roster.
Here's a preseason breakdown of all things Texas as UT prepares for a massive 2024 campaign.
Biggest games for Texas
While Texas does join the SEC, they didn't draw an awful league schedule. They won't have to play Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, Missouri or Tennessee, for instance. The fourth toughest game on Texas's schedule is probably their trip to Texas A&M for their first battle with the in-state foe since 2011.
Week 2 brings a trip to Michigan, which is a great early test for Texas. The Wolverines don't have the same level of talent they had a year ago but promise to still be fierce.
The two other tough games fall in mid-October. On Oct. 12, Texas plays Oklahoma in Dallas. The two former Big 12 rivals will meet again within their new league, and the game will be a big one.
The following week on Oct. 19, Texas hosts Georgia. The Bulldogs look like the SEC and national favorites, but this is Texas's best chance at a meaningful upset. Of course, a year ago, UT bested Alabama in a game that set up the CFP run.
Most Significant Texas Players for 2024
#1. Quinn Ewers, QB
After playing well in 2022, Ewers made a big step up last season. He passed for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2023, helping key Texas's offense for the run to the CFP. Ewers has battled some minor injuries, but as long as he's healthy he's one of the best passers in college football.
Ewers might have to split some time this fall with redshirt freshman Arch Manning. Manning hasn't played meaningful college snaps, but his recruiting profile and famous bloodline will make it hard to keep him on the bench. Count on Ewers to handle the awkward situation peacefully.
#2. Kelvin Banks, OT
Banks is one of the best pure linemen in the SEC. At 6-foot-4 and around 324 pounds, he's a huge physical specimen. That said, Banks is surprisingly light on his feet and able to move. A season ago, Texas scored 35.8 points per game and racked up 478 total yards per game. Banks helped open holes for a 5.0 yards per carry season on the ground and helped protect Ewers.
#3. Anthony Hill, LB
Hill is just a sophomore, but he'll likely be an outstanding player at Texas. His 67 tackles were second on the team in his true freshman campaign. He had eight tackles for loss a year ago. At 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds, Hill is a versatile middle linebacker who seems to be an excellent leader. He'll key a rapidly improving Texas defense.
In 2023, UT allowed just 18.9 points and 337 yards per game. That included just 82 rushing yards per game at a 2.9 yards per carry clip. Hill could be a big part of helping the Longhorns stay stout defensively in 2024.
Predictions for Texas football 2024
The Longhorns had to go 12-1 and win the Big 12 to sneak into the Playoff a year ago. In the SEC, a 10-2 season should get Texas the nod. That's a reachable goal. Even at home, Georgia is a likely loss. Beyond that, Texas might well be favored in 11 of 12 regular-season games.
Even if the Longhorns stumble in another game, a 10-2 mark should be good enough for the Playoff. Once there, Texas can just keep its momentum moving on.
How do you think the Texas Longhorns will fare in 2024? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.