Video: Texas Players Plant Flag Through Baker Mayfield OU Jersey After Rivalry Win
Oct 13, 2024
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Quintrevion Wisner #26 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Texas Longhorns had a message to send following their Red River Rivalry victory.
Following the dominant 34-3 victory on Saturday, Longhorns linebackers Anthony Hill Jr. and Barryn Sorrell planted a Texas flag through a Baker Mayfield Oklahoma Jersey at midfield.
Anthony Hill Jr. and Barryn Sorrell plant the Texas flag through an Oklahoma jersey at midfield after the win in the Red River Shootout. pic.twitter.com/s8855rVY9p
Mayfield was famous for planting the Sooners flag at midfield following a victory over Ohio State, and the Texas linebackers put their own twist on that gesture.
This was the second time in the last three seasons that the Longhorns knocked off the Sooners in the rivalry matchup but also just the third time in the last 10 seasons that Texas beat Oklahoma. This was also the first time that the rivalry took place within the SEC.
Texas improved to 6-0 on the season and currently stands as the No. 1 team in the nation. Oklahoma dropped to 4-2 and missed an opportunity to grab a key conference victory.
The Longhorns will not have much of a respite following the emotional victory, as they are set to take on No. 5 Georgia next week.
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns warms-up prior to a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Quinn Ewers led No. 1 Texas to a 34-3 victory over No. 18 Oklahoma on Saturday in his return from an oblique injury.
Ewers spent the last two weeks on the sidelines watching redshirt freshman Arch Manning start in his place. That rust showed as Ewers was picked off by Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. on the game's opening drive.
Ewers passed for one touchdown and ran for another in the win, but his hesitance early in the game led some fans to express concerns about his performance.
The Texas run game and defense have owned the day. Horns are comfortably ahead on a day when Quinn Ewers has been serviceable but not great.
Ewers seemed to settle in later in the outing as he set up a scoring drive before running in a touchdown during the final six minutes of the fourth quarter.
In two starts made in Ewers' absence, the nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning had gone 41-for-60 with two interceptions and four touchdowns, while adding another touchdown on the ground— and some Texas fans were hoping to see him play again on Saturday.
If Arch Manning was playing Texas would be up 42-3.
Ewers previously went 58-of-79 for 691 yards, eight touchdowns and two picks in his first four starts for the Longhorns this season.
His struggles early against Oklahoma led some fans to doubt he would find similar success in the toughest matchup of the season so far, which is coming up next Saturday against No. 5 Georgia.
Georgia could improve to 5-1 on the season with a win over Mississippi State on Saturday.
Very disappointed in how Quinn Ewers performed against Oklahoma. The offense wasn't dominant. I'm not convinced Texas can beat Georgia next week.
Other fans expressed confidence Texas' QB1 will have finished readjusting to game speed by the time the team returns to Austin to face the Bulldogs next weekend.
Quinn Ewers after his first drive: 13-16, 122 yards and a TD.
Probably disrespectful to call OU a warmup opponent, but it would be a major plus for Texas if Ewers knocks the rust off before next week’s home showdown against Georgia.
Impressed by Quinn Ewers settling in after an awful start. That's critical with Georgia on the horizon. The run game seems to be getting going for the Longhorns as well
The Longhorns improved to 6-0 on the season with the win, but the debate over who should serve as QB1 looks set to continue next weekend as Texas prepares to face Carson Beck at home.
Quinn Ewers Named Starting QB over Arch Manning for Texas vs. Oklahoma Rivalry Game
Oct 10, 2024
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 21: Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass in street clothes during warmups before the college football game between Texas Longhorns and University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks on September 21, 2024, at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After missing the last two games with an oblique injury, quarterback Quinn Ewers is set to make his return for No. 1 Texas in one of the biggest games of the year.
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters on Thursday that Ewers will be the starter for Saturday's Red River Rivalry game against No. 18 Oklahoma. Sophomore Arch Manning had started the last two games in his absence and helped lead Texas to back-to-back wins.
Sarkisian announced on Monday that Ewers was on track to return in Saturday's matchup against the Sooners. He had participated in practice during the Longhorns' bye week last week and continued over the last few days as the team prepared for its rivalry showdown.
During Ewers' absence, Manning impressed in wins over UL Monroe and Mississippi State. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning showed that quarterbacking runs in the family, throwing for 901 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 70.5 percent of his passes this season. He's also added three rushing scores, tied for second on the team.
Ewers was off to a strong start to the 2024 campaign before the oblique injury forced him to exit early from a Week 3 win over UTSA. The junior signal-caller completed 73.4 percent of his throws for 691 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.
Returning against Oklahoma will give Ewers the chance to erase last year's lackluster performance in the Red River Rivalry game where he threw two interceptions and was sacked five times as Texas suffered a 34-30 loss.
Ewers and the Longhorns will certainly be motivated to maintain their status as the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 and continue establishing themselves as a favorite to win the national championship this year.
Jahdae Barron NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Texas CB
Oct 9, 2024
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 07: Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) pursues a play on defense during a college football game against the Michigan Wolverines on September 07, 2024 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 5'11"
WEIGHT: 194
HAND: 9½”
ARM: 29⅝”
WINGSPAN: 73½”
40-YARD DASH: 4.39
VERTICAL: 35"
BROAD: 10'3"
POSITIVES
— Highly versatile player who is used in an almost limitless way at Texas.
— Stout, strong defender who excels in the run game. High-motor athlete who plays with reckless abandon. Secure tackler.
— Smart defender who identifies his threats in zone and plays with great leverage.
— Plays with very good ball skills. Puts himself in a very good position and attacks the ball through receivers. Able to defend bigger receivers.
NEGATIVES
— Hesitant when breaking at times. Looks like he doesn't trust his eyes.
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— Although he has very good twitch in short area, he lacks elite long speed.
Jahdae Barron is a highly versatile defensive back with the ability to play multiple positions, including cornerback, nickel, and safety. Standing at 5'11" and 200 pounds, Barron has demonstrated the instincts and adaptability needed to contribute in almost any role within a defensive backfield. Known for his physicality, high motor, and football intelligence, Barron has shown that he can impact the game in both the run and pass game. Depending on the NFL team and scheme, his skills give him the potential to wreak havoc on the field, making him a valuable asset at the next level.
Barron excels in zone coverage, where his football IQ and understanding of leverage allow him to read the quarterback's eyes and anticipate threats. His ability to cover a variety of offensive players, including tight ends and larger receivers, is a standout trait. Barron puts himself in excellent positions, consistently attacking the ball through receivers and showing impressive timing when swiping through the catch point. However, despite his strong short-area quickness and twitch, Barron hesitates at times when breaking, which suggests he may not fully trust his eyes. Additionally, while he has good quickness in tight spaces, his lack of elite long speed can be a concern when trying to keep up with faster, vertical threats.
Barron is a force in the run game. His stout, aggressive nature allows him to play much bigger than his listed size, and he isn't afraid to mix it up in the box. Barron triggers downhill quickly and is a secure tackler who consistently plays with intensity and effort. He takes on blockers effectively, using his physicality to make plays near the line of scrimmage. His high motor and willingness to compete in the run game make him a reliable defender in all situations, and he's capable of handling the physical demands of playing close to the line of scrimmage.
Jahdae Barron projects as an early-round pick with the potential to become a versatile defensive weapon in the NFL. His ability to play multiple positions, combined with his high football IQ, physicality, and ball skills, gives him a high ceiling in a variety of defensive schemes. Barron's toughness and adaptability give him a solid footing immediately and will allow him to develop into a key contributor at the next level. His versatility and competitive nature make him an attractive option for teams seeking flexibility in their defensive backfield.
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Cameron Williams NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Texas OT
Oct 9, 2024
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 07: Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Cameron Williams (56) blocks during a college football game against the Michigan Wolverines on September 07, 2024 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'6"
WEIGHT: 317
HAND: 11⅜"
ARM: 34½"
WINGSPAN: 84½"
40-YARD DASH: NA
3-CONE: NA
SHUTTLE: NA
VERTICAL: NA
BROAD: NA
POSITIVES
— Long arms with a rugged, powerful build that he uses to engulf and corral defenders.
— Vice grips for hands that once clamped on are a chore to unlock.
— Flashes the ability to turn pass pro reps into run blocks by firing his feet, driving and generating knockdown power late in the rep.
— Effective on frontside kick-outs to strike, keep defenders at his fingertips and wall off to create an alley.
— Fluid gait and can stride out to close space and blot out second-level targets on climbs and pulls.
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NEGATIVES
— Gains minimal ground out of his stance that forces his hips to open early and fall behind high-side, speed rushes to the corner.
— Mediocre range on an island forces him into chase mode and leaves him off-balance and easily pried open at the top of the QB's drop.
— Wide and high hand placement on down-pin-base blocks exposes his chest and forces him into scramble mode to stay attached.
— Will step under himself on backside cut-offs, get behind his target and have to overextend to make the block.
NOTES
— Born Oct. 16, 2003
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— 3-star recruit from the 2022 class, per 247Sports
— Played at 369 pounds last year before dropping significant weight this past off-season
— 16 career starts at right tackle
OVERALL
Cameron Williams is a one-year starter inside Texas' 55-45 run-pass split, multiple-run scheme with a high rate of quick-game, RPOs and motion. Williams has a massive, rugged frame and build with long arms, excellent grip strength and solid athletic ability.
Williams wins in the run game using his girth, length and sticky hands to press and wall off targets on angle-drive blocks with the giddy up to close space and blot out targets on the move. Williams does show below-average, high, and/or wide hand placement that leads to defenders getting inside and underneath his frame. This forces him into scramble mode in an attempt to regain control which he is usually able to do once reset due to very good grip strength to stay attached with active feet to get defenders walled off long enough, but does result in shaky sustain skills late in the rep.
Williams is a chore to work through and around in pass protection due to his girth, length, and solid movement skills that allow him to lengthen the corner, eat the bull-rush, and blot out rushers when they rush down the middle. Williams also flashes the rare ability to turn pass pro reps into run blocks due to having the power and aggressiveness to fire his feet, drive, and dump rushers once clamped. He runs into issues on an island against widely aligned, high-side rushes at the top of the QB's drop, where he regularly gets pried open stemming from gaining minimal ground out of his stance that forces his hips to open early and fall behind high-side speed rushes to the corner.
Overall, Williams is a green, inexperienced right tackle with the frame, length and grip strength to anchor against power, lengthen the corner and blot out targets on the move in the run game, but has shaky footwork and balance at the top of the QB's drop that will require a quick-trigger QB and help on an island. Williams' upside may be highest at guard, but in a RPO/PAP-based pass game can stick at tackle in the NFL.
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Kelvin Banks Jr. NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Texas IOL
Oct 9, 2024
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 07: Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) blocks during a college football game against the Michigan Wolverines on September 07, 2024 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'5"
WEIGHT: 315
HAND: 10⅜"
ARM: 33½"
WINGSPAN: 84⅜"
40-YARD DASH: 5.16
3-CONE: 7.81
SHUTTLE: 4.66
VERTICAL: 32"
BROAD: 8'8"
POSITIVES
— Smooth footwork in his pass set with his inside foot vertical to reach his spot on time, square and under control.
— Refined use of hands in pass protection.
— Potent bait technique to disrupt the rusher's timing with a firm understanding of high-low hands to clamp up outside moves and slow down inside moves.
— Gets into fits with proper timing and pad level on double-teams and combo blocks to arrive on contact with pop before driving and generating displacement.
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— Has the wheels and agility to stride out, close space and intersect targets on lead-pulls and screens.
NEGATIVES
— During the second and third phases of base/angle-drive blocks he struggles to keep defenders clenched/tight to his frame resulting in a wide base, leaning and falling off of too many blocks.
— Feet can cross over on backside cut-offs leading to a compromised base and quick penetration.
NOTES
— Born March 10, 2004
— 5-star recruit from the 2022 class, per 247Sports
— 2023: AP First-team All-Big 12
— 2024: Consensus All-American, Outland and Lombardi Award winner
— 42 career starts at left tackle
OVERALL
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Kelvin Banks Jr. is a three-year starter at left tackle inside Texas' 52-48 run-pass split, multiple run scheme with a high rate of quick-game, RPOs and motion. Banks has good athletic ability with a compact build, solid arm length and play strength.
Banks excels getting into his fits square and on time on double-teams and combo blocks using the gallop technique to deliver pop on contact to jumpstart movement. This sets him up well to release, climb and intersect backers where he can establish a quick, firm latch to gain control at the point of attack. Banks is also a fluid mover leading around the edge and on screens with the burst to line up, uncork and jolt smaller targets. He gets into trouble on solo drive/base blocks due to his base widening as the rep progresses, leaving him overextended and off balance late in the rep which saps his ability to consistently sustain and finish.
In pass protection, Banks shows smooth footwork in his 45-degree set and does a nice job keeping his inside foot vertical to the spot, which helps him remain square and balanced on contact. He is skilled in using his hands with a potent bait technique to disrupt the rusher's plan with a default high-low hand carriage that works well to establish quick leverage on outside moves with an effective catch hand against inside moves. Banks transitions into his anchor against speed to power on time but can get pressed onto his heels and pried open against the long-arm that exposes closer to average length and lower body strength.
Overall, Banks is a skilled pass protector with good athletic ability who works effectively on combination blocks and can line up targets on the move but will fall off of blocks on longer developing plays and struggle to finish due to streaky contact balance and sustain skills.
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Texas' Quinn Ewers Expected to Return from Injury, Start Over Arch Manning vs. OU
Oct 7, 2024
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 21: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns watches teammates warm up before the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
As No. 1 Texas returns from its bye week to face No. 18 Oklahoma in the Allstate Red River Rivalry on Saturday in Dallas, it sounds like the team will be bringing back a familiar face under center.
Per ESPN's Dave Wilson, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that the team expects starting quarterback Quinn Ewers to return from his oblique injury in Saturday's game, replacing sophomore Arch Manning after he started the last two games during his absence.
Sarkisian said Ewers participated in practice three times during Texas' bye week and again on Monday. He indicated that it's not yet definite that Ewers will be starting against Oklahoma.
"I thought he looked good coming off the bye," Sarkisian said. "I think if anybody benefited from the time off, it was probably him. We're going to monitor him daily just to kind of see how he continues to progress, but I feel good about how he was [Monday]. I feel good about him going into Saturday, but that remains to be seen."
With Ewers sidelined, Manning led the Longhorns to victories over UL Monroe and Mississippi State. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning has impressed when he's been on the field this year, completing 70.5 percent of his passes for 901 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions while adding three rushing scores.
Oklahoma also will have a new face under center on Saturday, as freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. took over for struggling starter Jackson Arnold. Hawkins made his first start on the road against Auburn and led the Sooners to a 27-21 win, going 10-of-15 for 161 yards while adding 69 rushing yards and a score plus a two-point conversion.
"He went 50 for a touchdown against Auburn, so we got to be really mindful of his ability to extend plays and then create explosive [plays] with his legs," Sarkisian said of Hawkins.
Ewers and the Longhorns lost last season's Red River Rivalry game, in which he threw two interceptions and was sacked five times, so they will be looking for a better showing this time around.
Report: Texas' Quinn Ewers Taking QB1 Reps Ahead of Arch Manning Before OU Game
Oct 2, 2024
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 21: Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass in street clothes during warmups before the college football game between Texas Longhorns and University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks on September 21, 2024, at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is reportedly back.
While the signal-caller missed the Longhorns' last two games because of an abdominal strain, Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods.com reported he took the first-team reps over Arch Manning during Tuesday's practice.
Texas is on a bye week and next plays rival Oklahoma on Oct. 12.
A source told Richardson that, "Quinn is playing [against Oklahoma]. No way he misses this game or the rest of the season. He wants to win the SEC and a Natty."
This comes after head coach Steve Sarkisian provided an update Monday.
"We haven't had any setbacks," Sarkisian told reporters. "It's been steady progress. I think he's getting stronger and more comfortable and more confident, and so we'll just kind of stay the course with that."
Fortunately for Texas, it still defeated UL Monroe and Mississippi State without its starting quarterback thanks to the presence of Manning. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings, also played against UTSA after Ewers exited with the injury.
Manning played well and has completed 70.5 percent of his passes for 900 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 82 yards and three scores on the ground as a runner this season.
Yet it was Ewers who turned heads during the Longhorns' most notable game of the season to this point.
He went 24-of-36 for 246 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while leading Texas to a dominant 31-12 road victory over the reigning-champion Michigan Wolverines. The game wasn't even as close as the final score indicated, as the SEC team largely dialed it back on offense in the second half.
It was the type of performance that could resonate with Heisman Trophy voters down the line, especially if he returns and continues to play at a high level in SEC play.
The next two games for the Longhorns are against the Sooners and Georgia Bulldogs, so there won't be much time to adjust for Ewers as he returns to the field. But the bye week at least means he will have additional practice reps for a team that has realistic national title aspirations.
Report: Texas' Ewers Set to Return from Injury, Start Over Arch Manning vs. Oklahoma
Sep 30, 2024
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) on the field in street clothes before the SEC college football game between Texas Longhorns and Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 28, 2024, at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Quinn Ewers is reportedly expected to be under center the next time the Texas Longhorns take the field.
Chip Brown of 247Sports reported Monday that Ewers is expected to play in the team's Oct. 12 game against rival Oklahoma following a bye week as long as he doesn't experience a setback as he recovers from the abdominal strain he suffered against UTSA on Sept. 14.
He sat out victories over UL Monroe and Mississippi State while Arch Manning started.
"We haven't had any setbacks," head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters. "It's been steady progress. I think he's getting stronger and more comfortable and more confident, and so we'll just kind of stay the course with that."
Fortunately for Texas, backup quarterbacks usually aren't as talented as Manning.
The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning arrived on campus as a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings. He certainly looked like a 5-star talent when he was on the field when Ewers was sidelined.
Manning turned in the following stat lines the last three games:
9/14 vs. UTSA: 9-of-12 passing for 223 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs; 3 carries for 53 yards, 1 TD
9/21 vs. UL Monroe: 15-of-29 passing for 258 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
9/28 vs. MSU: 26-of-31 passing for 324 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs; 6 carries for 33 yards, 1 TD
While having a backup like Manning is quite the luxury that should help Texas remain in the national title picture even if Ewers experiences any type of setback, it is still a welcome development for the team to get its starter back for the rivalry showdown with the Sooners.
He put himself firmly in early Heisman Trophy discussions in the second game of the season when he went on the road and torched the reigning-champion Michigan Wolverines during a 31-12 victory. Ewers went 24-of-36 for 246 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in a game that could have been uglier if the Longhorns didn't dial it back in the second half.
It was a statement performance ahead of Texas' first SEC conference slate, and Ewers will have another opportunity to make more national statements in back-to-back games against Oklahoma and Georgia.
Texas A&M is the only ranked team remaining on the Longhorns' schedule after the next two games, so Ewers could put his team on track for a potential conference title and College Football Playoff spot if he performs well upon his return.
NFL Scout: Texas' Isaiah Bond 'Might be Faster Than' Chiefs' Xavier Worthy
Sep 30, 2024
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) high steps into the end zone for a touchdown during the SEC college football game between Texas Longhorns and Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 28, 2024, at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Is Texas Longhorns star wideout Isaiah Bond the new Xavier Worthy?
As ESPN's Matt Miller wrote on Monday, "scouts are buzzing" about Bond who has shown "game-breaking speed, an ability to track the deep ball and a knack for creating yardage with the ball in his hands as a runner. One scout texted me after Bond's 56-yard catch-and-run touchdown against Louisiana-Monroe in Week 4: 'I think [Bond] might be faster than Worthy.'"
If true, it would certainly be notable. Worthy, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, posted an NFL record at the NFL Scouting Combine in the 40-yard dash, finishing in a blistering 4.21 seconds. He's already proven to be a deep-threat menace at the NFL level, too:
Bond, a transfer from Alabama, has adjusted well to life in Austin, posting 20 catches for 364 yards and three touchdowns in five games. He's well on his way to having his best college season and is certainly on the radar of NFL decision-makers.
