Texas Longhorns - College Football 2019 Season Preview

Last season Texas completed its first 10-win season since 2009. The Longhorns defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl to put an enthusiastic end to their season. Texas finished in the top-three in recruiting class and that should translate to continued success on the gridiron.

Offense Sam Ehlinger returns as the Longhorns starting quarterback. Last season Ehlinger accounted for 41 Texas touchdowns and will be a Heisman Trophy contender in 2019. At running back, Texas will use both Keaontay Ingram and freshman Jordan Whittington, which will allow Ehlinger to focus more on passing than running the ball. Lil-Jordan Humphrey has moved on to the NFL, but receivers Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay return giving Ehlinger talented targets with size and speed.

The offensive line will see Samuel Cosmi move to left tackle from right, and Zach Shackelford return to center. Three new starters will make up the line. Parker Braun a graduate transfer from Georgia Tech will play left guard. Braun was a two-time All ACC player with the Yellow Jackets. Derek Kerstetter and Denzel Okafor along with Junior Angilau will all battle for starting spots on the line. Defense Nine starters must be replaced on the Longhorns’ defense. The strength of the Texas defense is in the secondary and specifically at safety. Brandon Jones and Caden Sterns are the only two Longhorns on the defense returning and both are safeties. Nickel back B.J. Foster will see plenty of playing time as will DeMarvion Overshown. At cornerback, Anthony Cook, D’Shawn Jamison and Jalen Green will all battle for playing time.

The linebacker core is talented but inexperienced with Joseph Ossai, Jeffrey McCulloch, and Ayodele Adeoye likely all starting. The defensive line returns experience, but no starters from last season. Ends junior TalQuon Graham and senior Malcom Roach will be important against both against the run and pass, while nose tackle Keondre Coburn, a redshirt freshman is expected to shine for the Longhorns.