Top 10 returning Texas football players that are must-watch in 2024 ft. Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning
The Texas Longhorns have been one of the more talented teams in college football and saw a lot of players leave for the NFL draft after a College Football Playoff appearance. However, with the move to the SEC, the returning players will need to step up.
Top Returning Texas Longhorns
Quinn Ewers, QB
The Texas Longhorns' season depends on how well Quinn Ewers plays, as he is a Heisman Trophy favorite. He decided to return to the program instead of entering the 2024 NFL draft and is coming off a solid year, as he completed 69.0 percent of his passes for 3,479 yards with 22 passing touchdowns and six interceptions. He has proved to be a solid player under center, and he should continue to be one of the best in the sport.
Arch Manning, QB
Even though Arch Manning is the backup quarterback for the team, he plays an important role. Ewers has suffered injuries in each of the last two seasons, so Manning needs to be ready to take over at a moment's notice. Manning has seen the field sporadically and has to be prepared right away to take over.
CJ Baxter, RB
Sophomore running back CJ Baxter will likely be the starting running back for the Texas Longhorns, but will not be the only one on the list. Baxter stepped up in his freshman season with 138 rushing attempts for 659 yards (4.8 yards per carry). He also had five rushing touchdowns and 24 receptions for 156 yards (6.5 yards per catch). Jonathan Brooks' injury allowed Baxter to showcase his abilities, and he should improve with more seasoning.
Bert Auburn, K
Senior kicker Bert Auburn is one of the more overlooked players on the Texas Longhorns, but he will play a crucial role for the program this season. He was 29-of-35 (82.9 percent) on field-goal tries and made all 56 extra points last year. If he can continue to kick well, it will be a great chance for the Longhorns to put points on the board.
Anthony Hill Jr, LB
Sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has been a solid defender for the Longhorns as we enter his second college football season. Hill had 67 total tackles, two pass deflections, one forced fumble and five sacks. He needs to continue to be a force on the defensive side of the field.
Ethan Burke, LB
Junior linebacker Ethan Burke is entering his third season with the team, and he was able to take a massive leap last season, so the team will hope that improvement continues. In 2023, he finished with 41 total tackles, with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and 5.5 sacks. They need a disruptor on the defense, and Burke has shown to be that.
Gunnar Helm, TE
This is the third season with the Texas Longhorns for senior tight end Gunnar Helm and despite the lack of numbers, they need Helm to step up and be more of a threat in the passing game. Last season, he finished with 14 grabs for 192 yards (13.7 yards per catch) with a pair of touchdown receptions. With so many wide receivers leaving for the NFL draft, the Longhorns need Helm to be a solid option this season.
Jaydon Blue, RB
Junior running back Jaydon Blue is going to be in the same shoes as CJ Baxter in replacing what Jonathan Brooks was able to do in this offense. Last season, Blue finished with 65 carries for 398 yards (6.1 yards per attempt) with three rushing touchdowns and 14 receptions for 135 yards (9.6 yards per catch) with an additional touchdown.
Michael Taaffe, DB
This is Year 3 with junior defensive back Michael Taaffe, and he is coming off a solid season in 2023. He finished with 48 total tackles, a pair of pass deflections and three sacks. Taaffe has been playing well and needs to continue improving to help the defense dominate in a tough Southeastern Conference.
Jahdae Barron, DB
Senior defensive back Jahdae Barron is entering his fifth season with the Texas Longhorns, and he is expected to be a star in the secondary for the program. Last season, he finished with 59 total tackles with five pass deflections, one fumble recovery and one interception to dominate defensively, which the team will need in the SEC this season.