Nick Townsend & Texas Weapons Ready to EXPLODE This Season

Summary

Podcast Summary: On Texas Football

Episode: Nick Townsend & Texas Weapons Ready to EXPLODE This Season
Host: Bobby Burton
Guest: Jerry Hamilton
Date: August 8, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of On Texas Football focuses on Texas Longhorns players—on both offense and defense—poised for breakout seasons, based on recent observations from fall camp. Host Bobby Burton and analyst Jerry Hamilton each share their picks for potential impact players, discuss their development, positional changes, and the implications for Texas’ upcoming campaign.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Offensive Breakout Candidates

1. Nick Townsend (Tight End)

• Development & Opportunities
  • Jerry Hamilton highlights Townsend's physical transformation (“gained about 15 pounds since getting to Austin”) and maturing as a blocker. He points out that Townsend will benefit from all the surrounding offensive talent, leading to favorable matchups ([01:37]).
  • Quote:
    • “He has the look of a guy ready to take his game to the next level.” — Bobby Burton ([01:00])
    • “Because of the people around him on this team...he’s going to have a chance to have a breakout year.” — Jerry Hamilton ([02:50])
• Notable Moments
  • Impressed in live 11-on-11s once media left.
  • Internal competition from Emory Winston is expected to push Townsend’s performance.

2. Brandon Baker (Offensive Line)

• Positional Change and Upside
  • Burton nominates Baker as his offensive pick, emphasizing his switch from tackle to guard, which might better suit his body and skills, potentially making him an all-conference and even NFL-caliber player ([03:18], [05:04]).
  • Quote:
    • “He moves really well for an interior offensive lineman, yet he has the size to play in there and that is rare.” — Bobby Burton ([05:52])
  • Jerry agrees, stating, “I think this is the year he actually starts to look like that guy,” referencing Baker’s growing draft buzz ([05:04]).

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Defensive Breakout Candidates

3. Brad Spence (Linebacker)

• Scheme Fit and Projected Growth
  • Jerry singles out Spence, noting his strong spring and the advantageous fit under new DC Will Muschamp as opposed to the previous scheme ([07:26]).
  • Quote:
    • “I think Brad Spence is going to have six sacks. I think he’s going to double his number last year.” — Jerry Hamilton ([07:26])
    • “Brad Spence isn’t really undersized...he’s right at 250 pounds of full-on muscle, and I think that also gives Texas a presence they need in the run game.” — Bobby Burton ([08:39])
  • Spence’s versatility is highlighted—capable of playing both off-ball and overhang linebacker roles.
  • Notably, after spring, all defensive assistants listed Spence in their post-spring Top 11 defenders.

4. Zina Umeozulu (Defensive End)

• Athleticism & Usage
  • Burton selects Umeozulu, noting his improved size, speed, and likelihood to see increased snaps as a pass rusher, despite Lance Jackson potentially starting ([08:39]).
  • Quote:
    • “He literally has not lost a step. In fact, if anything, I think he’s gotten more athletic and, and faster, just bigger.” — Bobby Burton ([08:39])
  • Jerry adds that Zina is likely to be utilized heavily on third downs thanks to his quickness: “I think he’s a better natural pass rusher than Lance Jackson. I’m not saying he’s a better player, but I think he’s got a little more quickness off the line of scrimmage.” ([11:01])
  • Protection in spring practice (limited snaps) seen as a sign of confidence by coaching staff ([11:01]).

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Honorable Mentions & Open Questions

Burton and Jerry discuss additional players who could make significant impacts but need more evaluation time:

• Emmett Mosley (WR): Likely breakout, heavily discussed previously.
• Justice Terry (DL), Cade Phillips (DB), Bo Masco (S): All have potential, but limited observation so far.
• Quote:
  • “Cade Phillips may be the most important guy to step up... that corner opposite Bo Masco, that’s going to be huge for Will Muschamp in this Texas defense.” — Jerry Hamilton ([13:18])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He’s gained about 15 pounds since getting to Austin. Now bodies change a little bit—still the same elite athlete at that position.” — Jerry Hamilton ([01:37])
• “I think the move of him from tackle to guard could actually give Texas a, I don’t know, a second or third team all-conference guard now.” — Bobby Burton ([03:18])
• “Brad Spence was on everybody's list [of top 11 defenders], and that’s saying something on this Texas defense.” — Jerry Hamilton ([07:26])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro & Purpose: [01:00]
• Nick Townsend (TE): [01:00]–[03:18]
• Brandon Baker (OL): [03:18]–[05:52]
• Brad Spence (LB): [05:52]–[08:39]
• Zina Umeozulu (DE): [08:39]–[12:15]
• Other Honorable Mentions/Discussion: [12:15]–[13:37]

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Tone & Style

The conversation is analytical, conversational, and collaborative, with both hosts drawing on direct practice observations and inside sources. There’s anticipation, cautious optimism, and a clear understanding of Texas football culture.

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Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Bobby Burton and Jerry Hamilton identify and analyze the Texas Longhorns players most likely to make a leap in 2026, thanks to physical development, increased opportunity, and strategic positional adjustments. The episode’s depth, backed by practice observations and recruiting pedigree, offers fans a preview of which Texas "weapons" could be set to explode onto the college football scene this season.

Transcript

[Sky Sports Announcer]

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[Host (possibly Bobby)]

Welcome to the Saturday conversation. Today Jerry Hamilton and I are going to talk about guys we think after watching a couple of days of practice are poised to make big moves this season again. Jerry, this is going to be a really simple list. These are guys that they may have started but now they're going to make bigger moves. They may have contributed last year, but we think they're poised to make bigger moves. Let's start if you don't mind. At tight end, Nick Townsend, after watching him a couple days in, in fall camp here this past week, he has the look of a guy ready to take his game to the next level.

[Jerry Hamilton]

Yeah, look, I think he had his moments as a blocker, right? I mean he wasn't always perfect there. He's a freshman. Had the little short red zone run against Texas A and M. Had a solid spring, spring showcase. Maybe had a drop or two, one was below the knees to be fair on the move. So that's a tough catch for a tight end. It's a 250 pound player but his body's really developed. He's gained about 15 pounds since getting the Austin. Now bodies change a little bit. Still the same elite athlete at that position. And Bobby, it may not be as even as much as what we saw the two days in the media window, but you know, I, I've been told he had a couple of three really good catches once they moved indoor and were 11 on 11 kind of live after the media was gone. I heard he had a strong first day of practice and I just think, look, it's gonna huge opportunity for him this year. When you say, okay, look at the wide receiver core of Cam Coleman, of Ryan Wingo, of Emmett Mosley and then the guys behind them and look at the running backs, Hollywood Smothers, Relik Brown, And Derek Cooper. Then you have Michael Masseuse as the inline tight end. But who is the guy that is going to have favorable matchups this year? It's probably going to be Nick Townsend. So he's going to get plenty of opportunities. And by the way, Bobby, he's going to have to make the most of them because Emory Winston will not drop a ball. He'll catch everything thrown his way which I think pushes Nick a little bit as well. But Nick Townsend, because of the people around him on this team has. I think he's going to have favorable matchups and he's going to have a chance to have a breakout year.

[Host (possibly Bobby)]

And the body transformation.

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He.

[Host (possibly Bobby)]

He came into Texas looking pretty good for the age that he was coming out of high school. Now he's got that ma. He's like getting bigger, bulkier, yet retaining that same athleticism. Interesting choice. That was one of Jerry's choices. My choice on offense, my pick on offense is Brandon Baker. Now I know that kind of, this kind of stretches the definition of what we mean by a breakout or breakthrough star or a guy that's really going to up his game since he started every single game last year. Jerry at offensive tackle. But for me, Brandon Baker last year was an average offensive tackle. Not great, not horrible, average. Now he's also young. At the same time I actually think he has a chance to be an all SEC caliber offensive guard long term. And that's what I saw for the first couple of practices. He's reshaped his body. He continues to be athletic for his size and I think he packs a really powerful punch. He's also really intelligent player. I think that may play better even more inside where you see more twists in stunts with or late rushing linebackers etc. I feel like the move of him from tackle to guard could actually give Texas a, I don't know, a second or third team all conference guard now and then long term he might be an all conference level player. That's kind of where I thought where I see Brandon Baker making a move this year. Again he started every game last year so it's not like he's newcomer but I think he has a chance to break through.

[Jerry Hamilton]

I agree, I agree with that and we were talking about that before so we definitely agree on Brandon Baker. And look, I think this is the year Brandon Baker's been thrown into some NFL mock drafts. I, I think this is the year he actually starts to look like that guy. And, and I think that he by the end of the season obviously having a healthy season and productive season. But he's going to be a guy that once they change him from offensive tackle to from offensive line to interior offensive line, I think we're going to see him rise up the draft boards at that position. I think he's poised to have a tremendous year for the Texas Longhorns and be a guy that people are talking about as a second round, maybe getting some mock late first type of NFL draft prospect if he has that type of season. That bodes really well for Texas in this offensive line.

[Host (possibly Bobby)]

I think he moves really well for an interior offensive lineman, yet he has the size to play in there and that is rare. All right, let's switch over to the defensive side. You, you and I each took one player. Start with the guy you took, Brad Spence, young man that saw some action last year but wasn't an every game heavy rotation player. But under Will Musk champ instead of Pete Kwikowski, it sounds like we're going to see him be in a more aggressive front and that lends really well to to Brad Smith's story.

[Sky Sports Announcer]

Football is back. Time to wake up the group chat and catch up with old friends, even the grumpy ones. What a baby. Hey, maybe even have a sing along because when football's back, so are we. Sky Sports is your home of football. Join us for over 1,500 matches this season across the Premier League, WSL, SPFL and more. Sky Sports, welcome to the show.

[FBD Insurance Representative]

FBD doesn't stand for friendly business ducks or for the freelance beatbox department. FBD stands for support. We support businesses and communities across Ireland. Visit your local branch to talk to your FBD Insurance team and see how we can support your business. FBD Insurance support. It's what we do. FBD Insurance PLC is regulated by the Central bank of Ireland.

[Jerry Hamilton]

Thanks. Yeah, he had a really good spring and I just think he's going to back up that spring. I think this was a good if you're going to have a coaching move at D.C. i think this is a really good move for Brad Spencer. I think we're going to see a return to the Arkansas Brad Spence, who had a really good game against Texas by the way a couple of years ago with even more of a pass rushing pass rushing numbers. I think he had four and a half sacks that season. I I think Brad Spence is going to have six sacks. I think he's going to double his number last year. I thought he was underutilized last year in the Texas defense and I think what gives him A chance to have a really big year is he can play off ball then he can play at the overhang linebackers spot. So he's got two chances to be productive. And I'm gonna, I keep going back to this but I heard that at the end of the spring Will Muschamp, a lot of coaches do this. We've heard this from other people. Will Must Champ texted all the text the defensive assistants under him and asked for the who's your top 11 players on the Texas defense after the spring And Brad Spence was on everybody's list and that's saying something on this Texas defense. So I think Brad Spence is poised to have a really productive year and I think this change from PK to Muschamp is right up his alley.

[Host (possibly Bobby)]

I want to add this because I think it's also important. We've talked about the size of the Texas Longhorns at linebacker. Rashim Biles kind of undersized. Ty Anthony Smith kind of undersized. Well, Brad Spence isn't really, I mean he's right at £250 of full on muscle and I think that that also gives him, it gives, it gives Texas a presence they need in the run game and means he's going to get more opportunities overall than he did a year ago. Which leads into your point about having more production etc. So I, I, I'm, I'm good with Brad Spence as being one of those guys on defense. The other guy on defense that I picked may not be everybody's pick, but it was mine. That's Zeno Umozulu, the defensive end. Lance Jackson's probably the starter alongside Colin Simmons, but Zeno Moslo is gonna get some snaps and he's gonna rush the passer. He looks like a million bucks right now. He literally has not lost a step. In fact, if anything, I think he's gotten more athletic and, and faster, just bigger. He looked terrific the first couple days without pads this past week.

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[Jerry Hamilton]

Yeah, look, I think he's a better natural pass rusher than Lance Jackson. I'm not saying he's a better player, but I think he's got a little more quickness off the line of scrimmage. Those first couple of steps maybe only surpassed by Smith Orogo at that position. But I think Zena is poised for a really big year. I mean, he's £270 now. He's growing into that long arm frame that he had coming out of high school and he showed the flashes last year. And again, I go back to one thing. At the spring showcase, they didn't play him much. That, that's a pretty good sign for a player that's not, oh, you're not good enough to play. That means they kind of had some bubble wrap on him when it came to 11 on 11 full contact. That means you're, you're protecting that player from injury and you're protecting that player from injury for a reason. That means he was really, really good in the spring. He got that type of treatment. I think he's gonna have a big year.

[Prize Picks Advertiser]

Bobby.

[Jerry Hamilton]

Agree. I think he's really good fit in this scheme for Will Must Champ. And, and I would say this, I, I think Lance Jackson of those two guys is more likely to move inside on third downs. And I think Xena, that gives Xena a chance as a pass rusher even more so than what we're thinking right now. I think Zena is going to have a really productive year for Texas.

[Host (possibly Bobby)]

Full disclosure. So, so let's line this up. Nick Townsend and Brandon Baker on offense. Yeah. Brad Spence the linebacker. Zeno Mosulu the defensive end on defense. Some other guys that we contemplated putting on this list. Jerry emt, Mosley. It. We think it's going to be a breakout year for him, most likely. I think that was a fair one. But we've talked a lot about him. We've talked a lot about Justice Terry. In a similar vein on defense, we also haven't talked about the guys. We don't know if they're ready 100 to break through. Guys like Cade Phillips, who looks the part. Okay. But we didn't get to see enough of I think in the couple of days of practice that we watched to really gauge him because he wasn't. They didn't guard anybody in the secondary, really. You know what I mean? So whether it's Cade Phillips or Bo Masco or, or even the second safety or the left guard on offense, there's some people that probably are going to step up. We just haven't seen them yet or enough of them.

[Jerry Hamilton]

Yeah. By the way, Kate Phillips may be the most important guy to step up. I mean, in this Will mustache defense, that corner opposite Bo Masco, that's going to be huge for Will Muschamp in this Texas defense. So he may be the one. I mean of all these guys we named, he made to be the most important on this team actually.

[Sky Sports Announcer]

Yep.

[Host (possibly Bobby)]

All right, Jerry, that's going to do it for this morning Saturday conversation. Just a quick update. Also want to mention we are going to have more from practice number three a little bit later today. Jerry, thanks for having the Saturday conversation with me this morning and you guys have a good weekend ahead. Thanks to Jerry Hamilton as well as our producer.

[Sky Sports Announcer]

Football is back. Time to wake up the group chat and catch up with old friends, even the group grumpy ones. What a baby. Hey, maybe even have a sing along because when football's back, so are we. Sky Sports is your home of football. Join us for over 1500 matches this season across the Premier League, WSL, SPFL and more. Sky Sports, welcome to the show.

[FBD Insurance Representative]

FBD doesn't stand for Friendly Business Ducks or Freelance Beatbox Department. FBD stands for Support. We support businesses and communities across Ireland. Visit your local branch to talk to your FBD Insurance team and see how we can support your business. FBD Insurance support, It's what we do. FBD Insurance PLC is regulated by the Central bank of Ireland.