Texas’ 5-Star Weapons: How Sark Plans To Use Jermaine Bishop & Michael Terry

Summary

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On Texas Football – Texas’ 5-Star Weapons: How Sark Plans To Use Jermaine Bishop & Michael Terry

Date: July 18, 2026
Host: Jeff Howe
Guests: Rod Babers, Jordan Scruggs

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Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Texas Longhorns’ exciting new five-star prospects: Jermaine Bishop Jr. and Michael Terry III. The roundtable examines how Head Coach Steve Sarkisian plans to maximize these versatile athletes, the likelihood of two-way roles, and the bigger picture for both players within the Texas offense and defense for the 2026 season.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jermaine Bishop Jr. – The Two-Way Hype

[01:15] Two-Way Potential and Practicality

• Jeff Howe introduces the main question: Is Texas really committing to Jermaine Bishop as a two-way player (offense & defense), or will he settle into one role?
• Rod Babers is skeptical about true two-way play in the SEC:

  “It’s a bit of a fantasy…Jermaine Bishop actually does have that skill set. If he focuses on def back, the guy could easily be a starting corner at the power four level…and have a chance to play in the league.” (02:17)
  He highlights that such experiments usually end on the offensive side due to logistics and precedent.

[03:05] Recruiting and Historical Context

• Jordan Scruggs puts the odds of Bishop as a true two-way player at 25%, noting it’s a big ask in the SEC:

  “It’s a lot harder to go both ways and not come off the field in the SEC than the Big 12. Travis Hunter…was larger, height-wise, weight-wise, than Jermaine Bishop…But if there’s anyone on this team that can go both ways, it’s Jermaine Bishop.” (03:33)

• Bishop’s decorated high school career is noted: 4th all-time leading receiver in Texas high school history, finishing behind NFL-drafted talent.
• Sarkisian pitched Bishop on two-way play, leveraging his experience with players like Adoree’ Jackson and John Ross (both had some two-way snaps under Sark).

[04:30] Likely Scenario

• Realistically, Bishop is viewed as primarily a receiver with “maybe 10 to 15 snaps a game” at corner by years two or three.
• Immediate expectation: Wide receiver role is the priority.

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Michael Terry III – The Ultimate Utility Back?

[05:09] The Positional Puzzle

• Jeff Howe observes that Michael Terry’s physical growth (now up to 233–235 lbs) and unusual skill set confuse some about his ultimate role:

  “I don’t know what he is and what his role on this team is, but that skill set at 233 pounds…is intriguing.” (05:09)

[07:39] Offensive Fit and Development

• Rod Babers explores several creative options for Terry:

  “I think there’s a way for him to carve out a role – maybe a very specialized boutique role…Long term, I think Sark loves running backs…He loves to use running backs in the passing game, especially with downfield concepts…But ultimately, he’s got to have that physical edge.” (07:39)

• Suggests Terry could become a Kyle Juszczyk-type, used as RB/H-back/TE/goal-line wildcat, but acknowledges immediate competition in the RB room.
• Reiterates the importance of physicality for the running back role in the SEC.

[10:01] Best Role for Terry

• Jordan Scruggs agrees running back is the best path:

  “From a frame perspective, athletic perspective…there’s not really a role at receiver in the SEC unless it’s a big jumbo slot. But then, why take those guys off the field?...He doesn’t have a clear position, but I do think running back is where he’s best suited.” (10:01)

• Terry could fill a unique niche as a third-down back due to his size, receiving background, and potential for pass protection (a clear need given the rest of the RB room’s size).

  “With that frame, that size, the receiving background, I think he can become a really intriguing third down back…pass blocking is the first thing that came to mind.” (11:50)

[12:06] Encouraging Early Glimpses

• Jeff Howe:

  “We got a small sample of it in the bowl game, but I was encouraged by the few reps he got in pass pro; he was at least willing to stick his face in there and be physical.” (12:06)

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Rapid Fire: Projecting the Most Likely Outcome

[12:30] What’s More Likely for 2026?
Jeff Howe asks:

“What is more likely: Michael Terry finds a role on offense, or Jermaine Bishop gets snaps at corner?” (12:30)

• Rod Babers:

  “I think right now I might go with Michael Terry carving out a role…Sark’s gonna have Jermaine Bishop playing offense, and I just don’t see him throwing them out there in corner…maybe in the UTSA or Texas State games late…So I’m gonna say Michael Terry.” (12:30)

• Jordan Scruggs adds excitement about the “pony package” or a return of the Wildcat.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rod Babers on two-way play fantasy:

  “It’s a bit of a fantasy, right? I think every player thought they could be the Deion Sanders, Charles Woodson type. Jermaine Bishop actually does have that skill set.” (02:17)

• Jordan Scruggs on Bishop's ceiling:

  “If there’s anyone on this team that can go both ways, it’s Jermaine Bishop... He finished his career as the fourth all-time leading receiver in Texas high school football history.” (03:33)

• Rod Babers on Terry's usage:

  “Ultimately, he’s got to have that physical edge to actually be a running back, not just a boutique player you can leave out there on the field.” (07:39)

• Jordan Scruggs on RB room needs:

  “With that frame, the size, the receiving background, I think he can become a really intriguing kind of third down back… pass blocking is the first thing that came to mind.” (11:50)

• Rod Babers on what’s more likely:

  “I might go with Michael Terry carving out a role… I just don’t see [Sark] throwing [Bishop] out there at corner.” (12:30)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:15 – Jermaine Bishop two-way player discussion begins
• 02:17 – Rod Babers on two-way player realism
• 03:05 – Scruggs on Bishop’s high school and receiver potential
• 05:09 – Michael Terry’s college position debate
• 07:39 – Rod Babers on Terry’s versatile offensive usage
• 10:01 – Scruggs on why Terry fits best at running back
• 12:06 – Jeff Howe on encouraging signs from Terry
• 12:30 – Likelihood of Terry vs. Bishop making an impact in specific roles

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Conclusion & Takeaways

• Jermaine Bishop Jr. is likely to be featured primarily as a wide receiver, with limited snaps at corner possible down the line—SEC schedules and roster realities make regular two-way roles unlikely.
• Michael Terry III is being developed for a boutique role in the Texas offense, with early promises as a versatile third down back, goal-line option, or new hybrid “pony package” contributor, especially given his size and receiving skill—a rare blend in the Longhorn backfield.
• The episode mixes deep roster analysis, historical context, and a healthy skepticism about college football “fantasies” with practical insights about likely usage in 2026.

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For full insider analysis and exclusive roster updates, check out TexasFootball.com and subscribe to On Texas Football.

Transcript

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[Jeff Howe]

Two recent five star signees in the football program. What is the plan looking like for Jermaine Bishop Jr. And Michael Terry III in 2026? We'll talk about that here on this latest edition of On Texas Football, brought to you by Prize Picks. I'm Jeff Howe, joined by Lifetime Longhorn, Rod Babers and Jordan Scruggs. Guys, our colleague CJ Vogel had some Friday team news, notes and nuggets posted over on texas football.com One of those was about Jermaine Bishop Jr. And Sark has talked about this a little bit in the off season and it seems like he's sticking true to his word, at least based on what the team is doing in the offseason. Jermaine Bishop Jr. Getting work on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and defensive back. Rod, you and I have not had a conversation centered around this since the great Duke Thomas debate of 2012 or 13, whatever that was back in the day Rod, it is incredibly hard for guys in this day and age to be two way players. How intrigued are you, number one, by Jermaine Bishop being a two way player and two. Right. Do you think once we get to the season we really see this come to fruition with him being a two way player?

[Rod Babers]

Yeah, I mean it's a bit of a fantasy, right? I, I think every player thought they could be the Dion Sanders, Charles Woodson type. Jermaine Bishop actually does have that skill set. I said if he focuses on def back, the guy could easily be a starting corner at the power four level and then have a chance to play in the league and playing defensive back. But Sark, I think is trying to follow through on a probably a recruiting pitch that I would let you play both ways. Remember, he's being recruited right after the Travis Hunter experiment and him winning the Heisman. I think that would play a two way player was probably on a lot of people's minds. But I think ultimately when all is said and done, he's going to be on the offensive side of the ball. Now will there be some experimentation maybe still in the future? Yes, but I think ultimately he's going to be playing offense. It seems like that's where most of these two way experiments end up leaning with sir.

[Jeff Howe]

Yeah, I think it helps Texas more in 2026 if he really finds a role on offense first and foremost before you start worrying about corner. But like you said, Rod will. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there. We'll see how it shakes out at Camp Jordan. Rod brought up Travis Hunter and we're not making a Jermaine Bishop to Travis Hunter comparison. But you watched him a lot in high school. What do you think the realistic chances of Jermaine Bishop being a two way player are by the time he's done in Texas full time?

[Jordan Scruggs]

Two ways. I'd say it's like, I don't know, 25 chance and I'm probably even being generous there. You know, it's a lot harder to go both ways and not come off the field in the SEC than the Big 12. Travis Hunter slightly larger tall or height wise weight wise than Jermaine Bishop was as well. I think that also plays a role. But hey, I mean if there's anyone on this team that can go both ways, it's Jermaine Bishop. He did three years in high school full time, primarily played receivers fresh or cornerback. His freshman year apologies. And then ended up going both ways as a sophomore junior senior and finished his career as the fourth all time leading receiver in Texas high school football history. Two of the guys in front of him have been drafted. Marvin Mims, Jackson, Smith and Jigba. So honestly I if he's gonna play one position, I definitely think it has to be receiver. Keep the ball in his hands, so don't take it out. As far as you know, the, the two way potential, what he could be, I think it'll be primarily one position and then maybe 10 to 15 snaps a game at the other position, which would be corner. Texas throughout his entire recruitment had a lot of, I should say interest because Sarkeesian was telling him, hey, all these guys recruiting are telling you to let you play two ways. I'm the only one that's ever actually coached a two way player. Dory Jackson at USC primarily played corner, also saw some snaps at receiver. John Ross at Washington primarily played receiver, also saw some snaps at corner. I think that's what we end up seeing from Jermaine Bishop probably year two or year three, not year one. I just think it's too early to expect him to play anything else besides receiver.

[Jeff Howe]

It's been a lot of Longwoods who were good enough to do it. Jermaine Bishop certainly got the talent. We'll see if logistically it works out. Rod Speaking of logistically working out, Michael Terry III was projected to a lot of different positions at the college level depending on who you ask. But you go to CJ's team news notes and Nuggets, Rod and Michael Terry is up to upwards 233, 235 pounds. Apparently running the ball with the physical edge has been a challenge to him from Jabbar, Jaluk and the rest of the offensive staff. My it's not really an issue, Rod, but my thing with Michael Terry, anytime he's been brought up, I, I don't know what he is and what his role on this team is, but that skill set at £233 rod to say the very least it's intriguing.

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[Rod Babers]

discount it is and I I think there's a a way for him to carve out a role on the team. I think it's maybe a very specialized boutique role. If you're talking about this specific season. I think long term, you know, I think Stark loves running backs. We're looking at him from a running back standpoint that can catch the football that have versatility to their game. Remember in 2024 with blue and Trey Weiser, both those guys were top 10 and running back targets. Both of those guys had over 40 receptions. He's on the record for saying running back is the most underutilized position in the passing game. So he loves you to use running backs and basket, especially with downfield passing concepts. We saw some of that with Jaden Blue, so I do wonder if he likes Michael Terry from that standpoint as a guy who could feel a kind of a void that his offense has had since Jaden Blue kind of left. But ultimately, you know, he's got to have that physical edge to actually be a running back, to not just be a boutique player, a guy you can leave out there on the field. And that's why I think that bulking him up, I think ultimately I would like to see him be a. A cow juice check type weapon. I've talked about this before. I wouldn't like to see him just relegated to one row. I'd like to see him be a tail back slash, H back slash, full back at times, slash tight end at times. I think you could do a lot of really creative things with him. But that's down the line. That's the macro. That's thinking long term with him. But this season I think, man, we had the Wildcat for years here on the 40 acres. They're actually real successful with Rojo. Remember they had Sav Red Reddit for a while. It was really helpful in short yardage and Stark has struggled in short yardage situations. So short yardage, goal line, Wildcat, maybe there's a place for him to carve out a roll. But right now I'm not sure if, you know, he's battling for being the fourth running back, maybe something like that on this team because it seems like Derek Cooper is now cemented himself as the third running back behind Smothers and Brown. So I'm just trying to figure out what's his, what's his role going to be in this running back room and on this offense, he got to figure that out where he can contribute the most.

[Jeff Howe]

Jordan, you watched him quite a bit in high school at Alamo Heights. He started out at wide receiver. You know, right around, you know, mid season we started to hear about him going to the running back room. By the time he got to the bowl game, he was a full on running back at that point. Do you feel Jordan like putting him making running back his primary position as opposed to wide receiver? Do you feel like that's the best way to whatever he becomes to get the most out of him?

[Jordan Scruggs]

I think so. I just think from a frame perspective, athletic perspective, that there's not really a role at him to make a difference at receiver in the sec, unless it's kind of like a big jumbo slot or something like that. But then, you know, you look at the guys Texas has in the slot and you think, okay, well why would you want to take that guy off the field? So I think running back is where he should stay. I think, you know, he was a very interesting prospect out of high school given he played every position. But it was also like he doesn't have a clear position. He projects to and that's still kind of the same thing. But I do think that running back is where he's best suited. He has to put on weight and he has to get physical, more physical. That's not really something you can usually coach into kids, they usually have it or they don't. So very curious to see if the level of physicality rises. One thing you know, when you think about his size, 6263 now north of 230 pounds, you think about the rest of the running back room and the future of the running back room. Relique Brown, Hollywood Smothers are both under 510. Derek Cooper, 6 foot 1, but he's a freshman Jet Walker, unlikely to play this year. James Simon, 5:10, 5:11, probably around £200. And then you think who they have committed. Noah Roberts, sub six foot guy. Landon Williams callous. We like their chances of him with him. I think they will eventually land him. He's 5, 8. So then you start thinking on third down, when it's third and long, which one of those guys is gonna pass block? Because it won't be Landon Williams callous. Or at least in year one, he's five, eight. Imagine him trying to block Anthony Hill last year. Probably not going to go well. So with that frame, that size, the receiving background, I think he can become a really intriguing kind of third down back. Just because with the size you should be able to hold it down and pass blocking. You can run routes. He's soft hands, he can catch. So I think, you know, developing the physicality, getting him to want to run through people instead of around people is something that could really benefit him because he has skills and traits that other players in that room don't have. And the, the past blocking one is the first thing that came to mind.

[Jeff Howe]

We got a, we got a small sample of it in the bowl game, but I was encouraged by the few reps he got in pass pro. He was at least willing to stick his face in there and be physical. So that's encouraging. Rod, as we wrap this up, I'm gonna put you on the spot. What is more likely, a more likely outcome in 2026? Michael Terry finds a role on offense. Maybe not even a significant role, just a roll on offense. Or Jermaine Bishop gets snaps at corner.

[Rod Babers]

Oh, damn, that's good. Oh man. What's more likely? Jermaine Bishop gets snaps at corner or Michael Terry carves out a row? That's a damn good question. I'm gonna go with, man, I think right now I might go with Michael Terry carving out a roll because I just think Sark in the end, sars gonna have Jermaine Bishop playing offense and I just don't see him throwing them out there in corner. Maybe with the utsa, UTSA game or the Texas State game in the fourth quarter. I mean, what, why would, why would you even do that? I don't see that happen. So I'm gonna say Michael Terry, I love Jordan's point about the third down back. I hadn't thought about that. But I actually got some interest, got some interesting skills and traits that may translate to that.

[Jeff Howe]

That all the more reason to bring back the pony package, Rod, and make it a feature part of the offense or the wildcat.

[Jordan Scruggs]

Bring the wildcat anything but the red cat.

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[Jordan Scruggs]

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[Jeff Howe]

We'll, we'll debate the, the red cat, the wildcat, whatever kind of cat we're talking about it. We'll, we'll save that for another show. Rod, Jordan, thank you guys for the time, the knowledge, the intel, the expertise. As always, big thank you to Matthew behind the scenes for producing it. Thank you to our friends over at Price Picks for sponsoring this edition of On Texas Football. If you're not a member over on texas football.com you want articles like CJ's, notes, packages, all the recru coverage you can get it over on texas football.com make sure you check out everything we've got going on on the site. Make sure that you like this video, make sure you're subscribed to the on Texas Football YouTube channel and make sure you got your notifications set. That way, anytime we go live or drop a new video, you're not missing any of our Longhorn coverage or breaking news for Rod, for Jordan, for Matthew, for the entire On Texas Football staff, I'm Jeff Howe. Thank you so much for watching and listening and until next time, welcome, welcome.

[Jordan Scruggs]

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[Jordan Scruggs]

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