
Let's answer the latest round of Texas questions for the IT board.
Loading summary
Commercial Narrator
These days, you've got two buying a new car or making the one you've got run like new. We know which one we choose. That's why at Firestone Complete Autocare, we have thousands of ASE certified technicians nationwide trained to spot an issue with your car before it becomes a problem. No matter the make or model, get more out of your car. Firestone Complete Auto Care Call or go online@firestoneauto.com to book today, here's a quick podcast for all you true crime fans. The Case of the Missing Reese's. It was me at the store with my mouth motive. They're Reese's. What was I gonna do? Stop myself? Tune in next time to see if I do it again. Spoiler I will. Wow, that had everything. Reese's Suspense Reese's.
Host
You never forget your first fan.
Bank of America Announcer
So how was practice, kiddo?
Host
My mom inspired me to dream big and ask myself, what would you like the power to do? My answers helped me become the soccer player I am today, trusting my instincts and stepping onto the pitch without fear.
Bank of America Announcer
Bank of America champions U.S. men's national team member Tyler Adams and everyone who dares to ask, what would you like the power to do? Bank of America Proud to be the Official bank of US Soccer and FIFA World Cup 2026 bank of America NA
Shopify/Wayfair Advertiser
Member FDSE when it's time to scale your business, it's time for Shopify. Get everything you need to grow the way you want. Like all the way. Stack more sales with the best converting checkout on the planet. Track your cha chings from every channel right in one spot and turn real time reporting into big time opportunities. Take your business to a whole new level. Switch to Shopify. Start your free trial today. Most of us are one good deal away from finally replacing that worn out rug, fixing up the backyard, or getting the bedroom we actually want. Good news. That deal's almost here. Wayfair's Black Friday in July sale. Get up to 80% off area rugs and up to 60% off outdoor and bedroom furniture. Shop Wayfair's huge selection of styles and find the piece to fit your style, budget and space. Plus free shipping. Black Friday in July ends July 27. Shop today at Wayfair.com Wayfair Every style, every home everybody.
Host
Welcome to the Q and A where we take questions from the Inside Texas board and we answer them right here in a video format. You can ask your own questions at Inside Texas and if you're not a member, you can join for $1, then 50% off your first year. You can use the link in the description.
Eric
Eric.
Host
What I really like today about the Q and A is we got to talk about the team and players. It wasn't just recruiting and all that. So we're getting back into form. We're actually hearing questions directly about the team. The majority are. So first things first, let's just talk offensive line, left guard expectations.
Eric
Not even a sentence wider.
Host
It was just literally left guard expectations.
Analyst/Expert
Yep, yep. Of course our weekly offensive line questions, they're numerous, you know, obviously a significant upgrade. It won't be nearly as bad. Nash, our Justin Nash did a sensational article really detailing the hole that was left guard last year. You know it. The statistics really match up with our eyes about blown assignments between Connor Stro, Nick Brooks and even Cole Hudson. This year if you just get more assignment sound, you're already going to improve by a wide margin. But what I really like is Seymour is coming in with tons and tons of reps in pass pro, which I think marries well with the rest of the offensive line. The they're going to be good in pass protection. I know, I know that. I, I feel very strongly but just as a average run blocker is is a huge lift. So I'm not really worried about left guard right now. I'm worried about just the offensive line finding cohesion as a whole and how soon are they going to find it.
Host
What is the word on Nick Towns and the tight ends development?
Analyst/Expert
Well, if you saw the we broke down the new roster came out today. We had about three guys breaking that down. For some reason we can't get enough of it. I guess. Nick Brooks is listed at 250 and you know, you recall some were a little concerned about him coming in I think at 225. I've seen Nick heavy at like 235 while in high school after track season, so carrying weight is not a problem. He actually got up to 255, I've heard. So coming back down to 250, we don't want him any bigger than that because his athleticism is the game changer for him. You don't ever want to lose a step. The problem with Nick is that he's still, you know, he's still lacking experience. He's going to gain a lot of that in short order on the field this year in ways that he didn't get last year. You know, he's going to just be used a lot more in a lot more. A variety of ways. As we talked about, it's tough position Pass blocking, run blocking. Not just the physical ability to pull it off, but the mental ability of the. Of an offensive lineman. You know, there's just so much going on. Then you got to read defenses like a wide receiver. You have to understand where the soft spots are in zone. Be on the same page with the quarterback. There's a lot going into it.
Host
He's.
Analyst/Expert
There's no problem with Nick other than he lacks experience. And that's the, that's the case for a lot of guys that are as talented as he is. You could say the same thing about Lance Jackson. He still lacks some experience even though he got it.
Host
How dare you.
Analyst/Expert
You could say it about Cade Phillips, say, these are three of my favorite guys on the roster. They just need experience, you know that fans need to give them just a little bit of patience. I think Nick is going to be an entirely different player by the end of the season as he is at the beginning of the season. However, if we're talking about just flashing ability, all it takes is one or two passes in the open field and people are going to be all in love with that guy.
Host
Well, good news, Eric. Texas fans are known for their patience. So I'm sure that will work out great. And then a question about an interesting chess piece on the board. Is Brad Spence the true backup at Jack behind Simmons and can will he return next year? 5 for 5 rule to be the starting Jack. First off, I can answer it really quick. Simmons is not the Jack. So he's not so. He's so. No, but they do use them in an interesting way. Right?
Analyst/Expert
Wait, I thought Simmons was the Jack.
Eric
Oh, you're right.
Host
You're totally right. I'm, I, I had it flipped last year. I was thinking he was the buck. He is the Jack. He is the Jack in must chance.
Analyst/Expert
Right? Yeah. I had to do that middle switch the second I got must chat. That was like the first thing I thought about. Man. I'm gonna listen Jack.
Host
So you are right. I'm sorry for calling you out. You can. You can.
Analyst/Expert
Yeah. No, he was. And it was, it was actually convoluted to answer that question or another question later on because you have to flip flop it based on PK and and must champ. But. So I don't know if he's the quasi backup to Simmons. I could see that happening. But they're on the field together at the same time as well. So he, you know, it's not a one for one necessarily. I think long term, Richard Wesley is going to be the backup for Simmons. And that's the one that came up in another question because originally I thought Wesley would end up being a Jack under pk, which would be a defensive end under Mustjam. But he spent in the first year at Buck, which is Jack. I mean it all makes sense, trust me. But yeah, so I, I think Spence is going to play. Spence could easily play that position. He played it at Arkansas. He played, you know, he played it in high school basically behind Simmons. But they really like what they're getting out of Wesley. At the same time they've got to play Spence outside of just base I think because they're not going to get as many Bass looks as they got last year, I don't believe due to them facing more, more 11 personnel teams. So to answer that question, I don't think he's the necessarily like for like backup with Simmons. He can do it. I think they want to bring Richard Wesley along in that role. But that might play out, you know, further into the season as Wesley gains experience slowly.
Host
Where would you play Jermaine Bishop and why?
Analyst/Expert
Wide receiver, unquestionably. He's got a wide receiver build. He's got the mental toughness and the physical toughness to play cornerback even on the lighter side. But that's not where his body wants him. He's a playmaker. The cornerback ability is there, but that just makes him a better wide receiver because he moves better than any quarterback cornerback, that's going to cover him. Yet he has the wide receiver skill at the same time. Jalen Waddle is the comparison because Jalen Waddle could have played cornerback at a high level, but I'm not sure he's 100 million dollar quarterback in the NFL maybe. Is he even 100 million dollar guy at wide receiver? I think he's at least in that ballpark. I think Bishop has that sort of difference making on at wide receiver. He's going to put the ball in the end zone. There's. And he's going to do it from far out. You know, he's going to be, he's going to be a guy that, that scores on plays that shouldn't have been touchdowns, not just one that converts long vertical passes.
Host
Assuming you're going to ask about this game, but have you heard anything on Ohio State Prep yet?
Analyst/Expert
Not necessarily. I mean I just know the emphasis is there. Sark doesn't shy away from talking about it behind the scenes. It's a very important game. He knows that it's a must win. Doesn't want to leave anything in the Hands of the playoff committee, which is 100. Understandable. I haven't heard about the details on it. You know, are they going to change up their coverages on Jeremiah Smith or anything like that? I, you know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Is my mindset on that? They've covered Jeremiah Smith extremely well the last couple seasons. You know, they're. They're certainly going to be tweaks. They don't, you know, I don't think Ohio State is quite as dangerous passing the ball. They don't have, you know, the wide receivers are talented. Don't get me wrong. They have a true freshman that's going to be really good. They've got some other guys that have been around for a while, but it, you know, they don't have a Carnell Tate out there lining up alongside Smith. They are. They might lean on the run game a little bit more. They found a run game out of Bo Jackson, so I think it's going to be a little bit different. But I haven't. We'll hear a lot of details on that, especially in the weeks leading up to it. Right now. I just know the emphasis is there that they've got to win that game.
Host
Will the team do their testing in which it determines what the record may be for the season wasn't done last year, and if so, when will the testing take place? Give a little bit of background on that.
Analyst/Expert
Yeah, they do a test or they had done a test every year. I heard they didn't do it last year. I don't know if that's true or not. You know, if, if they would have won a lot, maybe I would have heard about the test if they would have, you know, they didn't win. So maybe I didn't hear about the test in the. In the previous years, the test lined up really well with the seats freakishly well with the season. And it basically tests them as far as, you know, their mental mistakes and their athleticism all at once. And so it's like timed, but it's also they, they check to make sure that you're not making any mistakes within the. The timing of it. So it's kind of hard to explain. I don't want to go into too much detail. It's kind of proprietary information for them. They feel. So that's probably why it's been, you know, embargoed in the past. But I do think they're going to do it because what I've heard about some workouts leads me to believe that they're kind of training for it. So yeah, I think they are going to do it. I'm trying to find out as much information as I can. But like I said in the past, when I have heard about it, it predicted 13 wins and I think it predicted 13 wins in like back to back years or something like that. And so yeah, we'll see if we hear about it.
Host
Very curious. I would like to know that test. That's a. It sounds awesome. What do you want to see from Sark in regards to his play calling? His play calling isn't aggressive enough for me. I think he plays too cute. Because of talent. I didn't say that. That's a question.
Analyst/Expert
Yeah, that's the question. I don't, man, I don't agree with that. I, I don't agree with that question or the way it's framed. I think he's been too aggressive in the past. You know, we hear Sark all the time talk about how he doesn't like long drives because too many things can go wrong. Yeah. In, in his defense. Well, not in his defense, but kind of in his defense. Things often go wrong with pre snap penalties and stuff like that. You can also have turnovers and all that. You're just more exposed to mistakes. But you know, we saw a lot of times with some of their best games, they strung together numerous drives. And what I said at the time last year when I was kind of bellyaching about this, you know, throwing it deep too much against Florida and, and we saw it against other teams as well is that you have enough talent that you know a short pass could become a big play. There's no, there's no rule against somebody breaking a short pass for a long ways. And then of course we saw those little dink and dunk passes Wingo work so well that they became big plays in short drives. So just get the ball in hands to your best players in space and you never know what's going to happen. But that at the same time they're, they're going to pick up 7, 8, 9 yards. There's nothing wrong with that. I would like to see the attempt to string together more drives because it, to me it gives more opportunity for big plays with your talented players one on one.
Host
I agree that consistency is, is a good proof of concept with a team that's got their talent and scheme wired up.
Analyst/Expert
Yeah, somebody's gonna break it, right? A dink and dunk pass to, to one of the running backs in space is a chain moving sort of play. But it can become a touchdown.
Eric
Are you ready to love your kitchen and bathroom again? Lux Kitchen and Bath will bring that to life. Lux has been offering high end kitchen and bathroom remodels for three generations throughout the greater Austin area. With five star review after five star review on Google and Facebook and an A plus rating from the Better Business Bureau, you can put your faith in Luxe Kitchen Bath's award win designers and skilled craftspeople to bring your dream vision to life. But that's not all. Lux's all star team also provides full home remodels, large additions and even commercial build outs as well. So call Luxe Kitchen and bath at 833-358-LUX today or visit luxkitchenbath.com to discover where quality meets luxury and begin the process of transforming your home. Get your free quote today by calling 833-358-LUXURY that's L U x E or by visiting luxkitchenbath.com contact info is in
Host
the description when will our coaches know what they have with our offensive line? I know fall camp can often look like zero sum against our defensive line, but when do they start seeing the trends in making contingency plans?
Analyst/Expert
I think I was in a bad mood when I answered that question the first time and I was talking about, well, when did they know last year? They didn't know going into camp. They didn't really even know after Florida. They didn't even know till later in the season. I guess they should know around spring. And, and I think a lot of that is due to the fact that you should know your personnel the whole time they're on campus. You know who you recruited, you know where they are in their development, especially guys you've had multiple years. The big question mark is one that actually is a defense of the the staff right now is that cohesion is a huge variable. We don't, we don't really know. They had so many issues in spring that yeah, you don't really, you shouldn't. You should know the individual parts, but you don't know how they're going to play together. So I think that's what's what August is going to be for. They better have a very good idea in August. You've got the defensive line to tell you what you have. Why would you not know what you have by mid August? You know, if you don't know what you have going up against, don't put them up against Colin Simmons because that's not fair. Put them up against Richard Wesley. That's a true freshman. If you're getting beat by a true freshman, then that's probably a problem. At the same time, you know, you don't have to use Hero Canoe as your barometer. You can use, you know, Charles, you know, it doesn't. If you're having trouble against Maron Charles, he's going to be very good, don't get me wrong. But he's still young. Then that's a problem. They should, they should definitely know what they have with their offensive line, at least from individual standpoint, talent standpoint. Can they get a push? Are they as good to pass blockers as we think by mid August at the latest.
Host
You mentioned Florida earlier. The question is, we laid an egg at Florida after a bye week the year before. We got embarrassed to home by Georgia after an off week. How do you think the staff intends to address this issue of not playing well after getting a week to rest and recover?
Analyst/Expert
Well, I'm still on my crusade about that Georgia game. Everybody's using that as a total team wide failure. The defense played great. That game, sensational. Georgia was just as flummoxed on offense as Texas was just about. So there's, you know, there's context to that game. And then of course, I don't know if the bye week has anything to do with it. That know Texas played Georgia much better in the, in the SEC championship game later that year. Should have won the game about, on about three different plays and all three went against them. Yeah, I don't know, man. That was just more. Quinn was limited, which meant Sark was limited. Texas was extremely predictable on offense and Georgia fully leaned into that predictability. And yeah, their defense just, just crushed the Texas offense in that game. I don't think Texas had offer answers because Quinn didn't have answers. The Florida game is, is entirely different. Sark all off season preached how good Florida was. It was clear that Sark had a ton of respect for the talent on that team. He made it clear behind the scenes. It was clear later in the year in a couple of press conferences that he held, you know, that was a really talented team. He tried to coach some of their players, trying to talk them up to the player, and they were not listening. You know, Florida got off to that terrible start and the players just had a first couple practices were not great. And I think that's when I first saw signs of ooh, man, maybe culture's not what I had hoped or what Sark had hoped. And so that was partially on the players. I would say But. But then that the. I don't want to say it was lethargic. Practice got better throughout the week, but I think they went in with the wrong mindset and then they didn't have the schemes to bail them out. The. The players didn't have, you know, Stark had a bad scheme, defense had a bad scheme. You know, Manny Muhammad being out allowed for bigger plays. It was a confluence of. Of maladies. They went against Texas. But yeah, that was a self inflicted loss, no doubt. But I don't fully blame the staff. I blame the staff. I think the schemes were poor. I think Sark was poor to adjust to what the realities on the ground had. But the players deserve a lot of blame for that game too.
Host
And finally. Come on, Eric, give us something juicy about Mark Stoops and Texas A M prep.
Analyst/Expert
Well, of course the implication here is that Stoops was all set to go to A M and then they pulled the offer at the last minute due to giving into the fan base.
Host
That was such a mean, mean way to handle it. This is a human being for Mark Stoops. That was such a mean way to go about.
Analyst/Expert
Yeah.
Shopify/Wayfair Advertiser
And he's.
Analyst/Expert
And there were. There were times that A M fans would have loved to have him too. Right. That guy was one in. You know, he had a good run in the SEC at a basketball school. He's been a good coach, but so he spends. He spends a lot of his time with the defense, obviously is with the defensive back. So that you've got a lot. You've got a serious brain trust back there with much.
Host
We got a lot of eyes on the DBs, man.
Analyst/Expert
That's the must Champ. That's mus champ's background. You got Blake Gideon back who is fully qualified to run that room himself. You got Stoops, they got a stud GA back there that I hear good things about. And so there's a lot of eyes on it. But you know, against A and M, you know, I don't. What's the passing attack going to look like from home? And Wiggins, Is that anything that. Do you really need to.
Host
Also at the end of the season, if they're. If they're prepping right now, that's a little overkill.
Analyst/Expert
Do you need to assemble Voltron to beat. To beat, you know, the Marcel Reed one read passing game? I don't. I don't know. You know, that ties back into the. You know, last year Texas put a lot of emphasis on Georgia and Florida heading into the season. Not. Not quite a. You know, not as much on A M as OU as you would think, giving them rivalry games. And I just feel like, you know, Texas has a really good feel for both those programs and A M. Oh, you're gonna have to do something significantly, schematically, I think to to reset the tone in those rivalry games.
Host
Everyone you can ask your own question, not even on the Q and A thread. Eric legally has to respond to you if you tag him on the board. So just join for $1 then 50% off your first year. Just click that link down there in the description. Have a good day, y'.
Analyst/Expert
All.
Host
Peace.
Analyst/Expert
Snoring Gasping for air during sleep Daytime sleepiness I'm Shaquille o' Neal and this shouldn't be anybody's experience Ask your doctor about Zepbound Tirzepatide, the first and only FDA approved prescription medicine for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Pharmaceutical Advertiser
Zepbound is a prescription medicine used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and obesity to improve their OSA. Zepbound is approved as a 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 or 15 milligram injection. Zepbound contains Tirzepatide and should not be used with other Tirzepatide containing products or any GLP1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Zepbound is safe and effective for use in children. Don't share needles or pens or reuse needles. Don't take if allergic to it or if you or someone in your family had medullary thyroid cancer or if you've had multiple endocrine neoplasia Syndrome Type 2. Tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck. Stop setbound and call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or a serious allergic reaction. Severe side effects may include inflamed pancreas or gallbladder problems. Tell your doctor if you experience vision changes before scheduled procedures with anesthesia. If you're nursing pregnant plant to be or taking birth control pills, taking Zepbound with a sulfonylurea or insulin may cause low blood sugar. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration and worsen kidney problems.
Analyst/Expert
Talk to your doctor, call 1-800-545-5979 or visit zepbound.lilly.com I want to grow the
Commercial Narrator
game of soccer and give every kid the chance to play. What would you like the power to do?
Bank of America Announcer
Bank of America champion Street Soccer Action Advocate Kyle Martino and is proud to be the Official bank of U.S. soccer and FIFA World Cup 2026 bank of America NA Member FDIC.
Date: July 22, 2026
Hosts: Inside Texas Team, Eric
Special Focus: Texas Longhorns Football – Team Developments, Player Status, Game Preparation, and Coaching Strategies
This IT Q&A episode dives deep into the latest updates and insights on the Texas Longhorns football team. Unlike prior episodes focused mainly on recruiting, this installment zeroes in on player progress, positional battles, game strategy, and what fans should expect from coaches and players as the season approaches. The discussion features direct questions from fans, detailed analysis, and candid assessments designed to provide a pulse on the upcoming season.
"If you just get more assignment sound, you're already going to improve by a wide margin... Seymour is coming in with tons and tons of reps in pass pro, which I think marries well with the rest of the offensive line." ([03:10] Analyst/Expert)
“His athleticism is the game changer for him. You don't ever want to lose a step...There’s no problem with Nick other than he lacks experience.” ([04:12]; [05:14] Analyst/Expert)
“They're on the field together at the same time as well. So it's not a one for one necessarily...I think long term, Richard Wesley is going to be the backup for Simmons.” ([06:32] Analyst/Expert)
“He's a playmaker...he moves better than any cornerback that's going to cover him...He's going to be a guy that scores on plays that shouldn't have been touchdowns.” ([07:55] Analyst/Expert)
“It's a very important game. He knows that it's a must win. Doesn't want to leave anything in the hands of the playoff committee...” ([08:55] Analyst/Expert)
“In the previous years, the test lined up really well with the season. And it basically tests them as far as, you know, their mental mistakes and their athleticism all at once.” ([10:05] Analyst/Expert)
“I think he's been too aggressive in the past...You have enough talent that a short pass could become a big play...just get the ball into your best players in space and you never know what's going to happen.” ([11:24] Analyst/Expert)
“They should definitely know what they have with their offensive line, at least from individual standpoint, talent standpoint. Can they get a push? Are they as good to pass blockers as we think by mid August at the latest.” ([13:59] Analyst/Expert)
“That was a self inflicted loss, no doubt...I think the schemes were poor. I think Sark was poor to adjust to what the realities on the ground had. But the players deserve a lot of blame for that game too.” ([15:40] Analyst/Expert)
“Do you need to assemble Voltron to beat...the Marcel Reed one read passing game? I don't know.” ([18:49] Analyst/Expert)
On patience with young talent:
“Fans need to give them just a little bit of patience. I think Nick is going to be an entirely different player by the end of the season as he is at the beginning of the season.” ([05:25] Analyst/Expert)
On Ohio State Prep:
“Sark doesn't shy away from talking about it behind the scenes. It's a very important game. He knows that it's a must win.” ([08:55] Analyst/Expert)
On play calling:
“Just get the ball in hands to your best players in space and you never know what's going to happen.” ([11:24] Analyst/Expert)
On the bye week curse:
“That was a self inflicted loss, no doubt...I blame the staff...But the players deserve a lot of blame for that game too.” ([15:40] Analyst/Expert)
On A&M preparation:
“Do you need to assemble Voltron to beat...the Marcel Reed one read passing game? I don't know.” ([18:49] Analyst/Expert)
The conversation is a blend of detailed analysis, honest critique, wry humor, and a call for patience and perspective among fans. It’s an episode truly aimed at “Inside Texas” followers who want the story behind the stat sheet—a must-listen for those invested in the Longhorns’ 2026 prospects.
For deeper dives or to submit your own questions, check out the Inside Texas board—Eric is “legally obligated” to answer!
End of Summary