INTEL/UPDATES From Texas Football Fall Camp | Chewing Clock EXTRA - SEC Unfiltered

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Transcript22 lines

[00:00]
A
Kick off just around the corner in Austin, Texas. Another season of Texas football is upon us. Helping us break it all down and tell us everything happening from fall camp down in Austin, some of the latest updates. Good friend of mine, friend of the show, one of the best in the business, C.J. vogel of ON Texas Football. He joins me once again. CJ Appreciate you taking the time for it, my friend. How have things been? I wanted to start by asking you this. What, what's the. You became very popular, even more popular than you are the last couple weeks when you know your work is so good it's getting ripped off by random Twitter accounts. What's, what's the protocol on that? Has the, has the Vogel legal team be. Been hard at work over the last few weeks or, or what? Either way, good to see you, my man. Appreciate you taking the time.
[00:43]
B
No, I appreciate you having me. I gotta have a, a lawyer on retainer, it appears just when it comes to all of this, you know, copyright and stuff. But no, it's been good and it's even better that there's something to talk about and post about that folks care about. Finally into the football swing. I'm excited.
[00:58]
A
Yeah, you've been out there in the Austin heat, obviously sweating through it with the team, with the boys. So I want to dive right into it, of course, because again, cj, you are boots on the ground there in Austin at fall camp and you in on Texas football. Everybody there does a great job covering the Longhorns. Let's start offensively. I mean, the clip that took the Internet by storm over the last week or so, certainly when it was released, was the one handed catch from Cam Coleman in natural two or three weeks out from Kickoff Energy, where we can smell the bacon but we can't quite taste the food yet. As hyped as everyone was about the catch, we go to, well, who threw the football? It was a duck. Was it tipped what it's like? I think we're kind of missing the point here, guys. Sark went as far as to compare Cam Coleman to Julio Jones. C.J. i mean this, this is the hype is again building and building and building. I, I do want to ask you immediately two things, thoughts on Cam Coleman and how he's impressed and the rest of the transfer portal guys. And C.J. who threw that football? What. What's the story on this, on this throw?
[02:00]
B
Well, look, I haven't seen anything more than what Texas has put out. And of course that catch was unbelievable. It's one of those things that you you see the acrobatics and you kind of stop in your own tracks like, okay, wait, I got to see this again. I would assume if Cam Coleman was on the field and judging by the other players on the field at the time, that Arch Manning was the one with the that group. Now, was that ball tipped, was it not? I'll let all the other guys on the Internet dissecting every frame of video for their own judgment to be made. But, but look, that's one of a few highlight real plays that came Coleman's made. And I think the biggest thing so far that folks around the program, guys that I've talked to have mentioned about Coleman is he's more than just a big body, right? He's more than just, you know, a 50, 50. Lob the ball up there and he'll make a play, right? He can make plays with the ball in his hands, right? He is a guy that his route running is probably a little bit more ahead than what you would expect given. Well, he didn't or wasn't asked to do a whole lot at Auburn, right? It was goes posts and stops. Now he's able to kind of showcase more of his route tree. Something that he mentioned in the spring was something that drew him to Texas is, hey, I'm going to be running actual routes with an actual quarterback that can get me the football right now. It sounds like it's paying off.
[03:21]
A
C.J. i want to zero in on Arch Manning, obviously. This time last year, I think he was drinking water out of a fire hose, was coming into his first season with all these crazy hype and expectations and, you know, you had game number one looming against Ohio State. I would imagine again, you're there in person. I, I would imagine the energy and his demeanor and a lot of things are different for him in a good way. Have you been able to pick up on any of that? Just watching him out at camp, getting to talk to him, obviously with the media availability, like what? How much different is this year's version of Arch Manning at fall camp different from last year?
[03:55]
B
Well, I think it's a quarterback that's been through it, right? Obviously the lows of last year were pretty low. But then you go watch that second half of the year where he beat what played four top 20 teams, went 3 and 1, had an 18 to 2 touchdown interception ratio, and you saw a guy that had fun, right? Played loose, played towards his talent and the skill sets around him, right? Texas still didn't run the football effectively, but Arch did, right? He would scramble, he would lower his shoulder at times on third and fourth and short or the goal line. He became basically the entirety of the offense. And so I think it was a quarterback that grew into his own. Now this year you have more talent around you, right? The expectation is that your running game is improved. Now you have three, potentially four or five wide receivers that Texas feels like could really give them an edge in the passing game. So the overall thing for Arch is when he is able to play football in the pocket. I think he's a very good quarterback. But don't lose sight of what also made you a dangerous quarterback a year ago, which is the legs, but which is the scrambling, the off script ability to scramble around, extend plays and find guys down the field. Right now there's a lot of, a lot of expectations. Chris, you know this, I know this. Folks outside of Austin all know it as well. The expectations for Arch Manning are sky high. So far it sounds like he's going to be a guy that lives up to those expectations, but we'll see.
[05:18]
A
CJ I mentioned Cam Coleman. Obviously he's just one of, of many newcomers on the offensive side. What Texas did in the portal, certainly to flip the run back room and flip the rushing attack, you also, it's Texas, you add in a very talented freshman class. Just talk about the newcomers in particular. Again, you went into detail about Cam Coleman, but some of the others that from when you've watched have jumped out to you at fall camp.
[05:41]
B
Yeah, I'll start at wide receiver because again, watching Arch Manning throw football in practices, it's very hard to look away. A couple of names that are really starting to stand out right now. Freshman Jermaine Bishop out of Willis. I mean he's as talented as they come with the ball in his hands. I, I can't say enough good things about him. He is such an athlete that during the summer Texas said, hey, we don't really need you at wide receiver right now. How about you go get some reps at corner and then we'll flip it back around and look, he's going to be an impact guy for the Longhorns this fall. Sterling Burkhalter is another and I know his numbers at Wake Forest don't jump off the page, but Sark mentioned him in the spring as someone that really took to the offense early upon arriving. He, he had a very similar style of offense, similar scheme at Wake Forest a year ago. Now it sounds like he's catching up to Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley, someone that again, Texas is Very high on behind the scenes. And of course the running backs. How could you not be excited about two first team all conference running backs? Hollywood Smothers from NC State, Raleigh Brown from Arizona State. Both of those guys had over 40 targets in the passing game a year ago. So again, the versatility and the creativity of what Sark should be able to do with all of these weapons should only help the quarterback or help what could be an offensive line that you don't know yet is going to be an elite piece.
[07:03]
A
Yeah, C.J. i wanted to ask you about that because that, that was the thing. The biggest thing I would argue that held Texas back last year was obviously the offensive line woes lack of running game. I think that's what caused in part archman in the struggle and, and changes and additions I should say have been made to shore that up. I mean certainly again at the additions of relief Brown, Hollywood Smothers huge in their own right. Who you added the running back room. But how difficult is it for you to. Because I'm sure everybody wants to ask you, does the offensive line look better? How does the offensive line look? How difficult is it to answer that question knowing that you're going up against your own guys, Right? So on every single play, somebody wins a rep and it's like you, you can look at it one of two ways, right? If the O line's whipping the D line, great. But does it mean the D line is, is suspect or vice versa? And then from what you've seen, do you feel like there have been those encouraging signs that maybe you were looking for going in that, hey, this offensive line's taking steps in the right direction.
[08:02]
B
Yeah. Around this time a year ago, we heard a lot about the defensive line winning. You know, the, the live run periods, scrimmages said, okay, yeah, Texas just continuing the tradition of Byron Murphy and the Vondre Sweat and Alfred Collins and Vernon brought. And you're like, yeah, that's par for the course. And then you get to the games, you're like, oh, this is, this is bad. Like there's a miscalculation along the way that, you know, prevented Texas from having a running attack for most of the year. So that's what you got to juggle with in fall camp. Look, there's a couple of things right now with this unit. Of course Texas needs to figure it out on at that left guard. And boy, when they do, I will be the happiest man that you ever talk to, Chris, because I don't want to talk about left guard. Ever again for as long as I cover college football, given how last year in this off season has gone. But the point being, there's what, four, maybe five guys that are in contention for a left guard spot? And a year ago that was not the case. So whether or not Texas figures it out right now at left guard, they at least have bodies with playing experience again, something they did not have a year ago that should be able to readily correct it now. Jaden Chapman was the first left guard out practice number one. He got a little bit dinged up. So it's been Dylan Sikorski played 440 snaps at Oregon State a year ago. Lawrence Seymour has been filtering in with the first team. Of course, that's kind of the. The anticipated left guard for Texas going into 2026. He's been getting first team reps with Sikorski and of course, Cole Hudson, who's back in college football after seeing time with the Cowboys and the Browns and training camp. He was a, you know, a piece of the puzzle a year ago for Texas at left guard. Let's see how he can push that competition. But right now, if I had to put my money where my mouth was and predict who would be the left guard for Texas, I would say Lawrence Seymour.
[09:53]
A
C.J. to the other side of the football. Defensively, I mean, I think Texas is going to be a juggernaut. It feels like led by guys like Colin Simmons and so many others across the at all three levels, Texas should be one of the best defenses in the sec. The big addition, though, over the off season, Will Muschamp is back in Austin as defensive coordinator. We, we've seen some clips here and there. It's good to see Coach Boone back on the field, yelling at the guys and, and being his usual self. Just talk about being around him. The conversations y' all been able to have and obviously being at practices. The early impact of having Coach Boone back on the sidelines in Austin.
[10:29]
B
Well, you hear him before you ever see him, and I would think many who have ever covered him before or gone to a practice where he was in attendance, you would probably say the same thing. But that's obviously a little bit different from what Texas has been expected to see at practice under Steve Sarkeesian. Right. Pete Krakowski was not a very vocal guy. You know, he was very much a technician. You get him on the whiteboard. X's and O's is where he makes his bread. Now, I think Will Muschamp was very much in line with that. But you're going to hear about it, right. There's a different standard in terms of the level of coaching on the field right now. It's very much more in your face. You know, you're going to get coached very hard, but you're going to be loved up very hard. We heard that from Jelani McDonald earlier in the week. Just in the sense that there's a different demand out of Wilmot's champ. And of course that fire, that passion I think is something that Texas certainly liked. I go back to last year. Texas got smoked in the swamp, Texas got bullied in Athens and you look over on those sidelines and well, it didn't look like a team that was ready to go 60 minutes in a brawl. Right. So I think having a guy like Mosschamp will help them in that regard. But we'll see. Right now things are pointing in the right direction. I'll say.
[11:43]
A
C.J. i mentioned a household name that is Colin Simmons on the defensive side. Talk to me about some of the others. I know, I know there's some position battles going on. There's some guys, I mean all across the defense and I know you're really excited about, but who are some of the maybe the unsung heroes of this defense at this point you think will make a big impact. And maybe, maybe, let's say folks outside of Austin, maybe even in Austin aren't as familiar with those names.
[12:06]
B
Yeah, look, if Colin Simmons is player number one on this Texas defense, the early reports and I would even argue go watch the tape. At Pitt a year ago, linebacker Rashin Biles is probably number two. And it's not by a a distant margin anymore. Not as much as you would think given how accomplished Colin Simmons has been in his two years at Texas. But I everybody I talk to in Austin about Rasheed Biles just raves about him. He is a Havoc creator. He is someone that will be unleashed in Wilmot's champs defense. Whether that's off the edge, whether that's up the middle, whether that's just playing pure middle linebacker off ball. That's a guy that finds ways to make plays on the football or impacting the game, the defense in a winning fashion. I'm really excited for him in this defense. Additionally, look for justice Terry. He was a five star kid coming out of Georgia a couple of years ago. Pick Texas over Kirby Smart in the Georgia Bulldogs. You don't see many five star guys do that out of the state of Georgia. He's taken the next step, added 22 pounds to his frame from a year ago. If Texas can get an interior pass rush to go along with a Colin Simmons, a Lance Jackson, a Zeno Umio Zulu on the outside, that would be greatly beneficial. And then of course, on the outside, the one name I have to mention is Bo Masco. Coming in from Rutgers, he was an all Big Ten honorable mention a year ago, but it's Rutgers, right? You know, what was he actually doing that made him that special? Look, ever since he stepped foot on campus, he's been kind of pegged as that cornerback number one for Texas. It's been a consistent theme of a guy playing the football being sticky in coverage. He's not the biggest, but he sticks in coverage. And boy, hands on the football is all Texas can ask for. And what is expected to be more man coverage with Wilma
[13:52]
A
C.J. you guys had a great article over on Texas football about the 10 most impressive physical developments on the Texas roster. That leads me into this question in regards to your biggest takeaways or what's jumped out to you. Has it been the improved physicality of this group? Has it been speed, size, sheer amount of talent? Like, has there been anything that's just like, jumped out to you that maybe you didn't even expect going in?
[14:17]
B
Yeah, I think depth is one. And it might sound like a broken record, right. Texas has had deep, talented teams in years past, but there's always been a position or two that you look at and say, I don't know, right? I don't know about that left guard, offensive line spot. Last two years was probably, I don't know about the running back spot. Given some injuries, Safety at the moment is probably that one concern. But there are six bodies at least that they could filter through to find an answer. But more than that, physicality, I think it was pretty clear after, after the game in Athens, Tyson Scott whooped in the physicality department and Kirby Smart made comments afterward that folks and Austin printed out, hung up on their billboards, you know, showed their position room and said, hey, if we want to achieve anything in this league or in this country, this cannot be the message from opposing rival coaches after we play them. So physicality is one. Sarkeesian mentioned it. He said, look, it's only been five practices so far, but it's been a more physical five practices this year than what we've seen in previous years. So if that's something that Texas can actually live up to, is both sides of the trenches playing at a level of a Georgia offensive line or an Oklahoma defensive line, well, that would be again, another step in the right direction. But you got to see that continuously.
[15:36]
A
CJ you tweeted recently, I think within the last day or so about teams that classify as championship or bust. And you included of course the Texas Longhorns in that and I would agree with you, I think at minimum getting to that game but certainly winning that game. I think that's the expectation for this season. With you mentioned to elite quarterback game changing skill, talent, experience, talent in the trenches, coaching continuity, etc, very hard to tell in fall camp. Like you don't know what you don't know until they actually take the field and they go hit somebody else. But when you look at this group, do you see a group that that validifies your opinion on them? That is this is and should be championship or bust?
[16:20]
B
Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. That should be the expectation this year for the Texas Longhorns. And I say that because look you have a fourth year quarterback Manning on the last name two first team all conference running backs. Ryan Wingo was all sec. Cam Coleman is one of the top two or three wide receivers. Emmett Mosley is another. Like the talent is everywhere. You have over 5,800 career snaps on an offensive line that yes isn't the same as a year ago. But I would argue that's a very beneficial for Texas that it is not the same as a year ago. You have very solid pieces on the defense, obviously Colin Simmons, Rashin Bowles, Jelani McDonald. I mentioned Bo Masco. I believe you have an all conference level player at every single level. Now it's about finding the depth that goes along with each of those positions, especially in the back end. But talent won't be why Texas fails in 2026. There there is enough talent on this team to beat every team in the country. But again we've seen previously talented Texas teams come up just a little short. So what is going to take Texas to the next level? For me it's offensive play calling and two it's the quarterback showing continuous con consistency with the play behind center.
[17:34]
A
Only time will tell if Texas can meet those expectations. Our main man CJ Vogel on Texas football. They'll be on the beat. Hey, it's a great time to follow them. Big scrimmage upcoming this weekend from what I was able to gather from the timeline. CJ so tis the season kickoff is just around the corner my friend. Keep up the great work. Always appreciate you taking the time. Let folks know again in case they've been living under a rock or they're unfamiliar where they can find all of Yalls great work.
[17:58]
B
Yeah, absolutely. We're over@ontexasfootball.com Daily updates, practice recruiting, team intel, injuries, whatever you need to know, we got it all. And I'm over on Twitter @cjvogel. Underscore OTF.
[18:10]
A
CJ, you're the man. Let's definitely do it again soon.
[18:12]
B
Absolutely, Chris. Appreciate you, Sam.

Summary5 min read

SEC Unfiltered – "INTEL/UPDATES From Texas Football Fall Camp | Chewing Clock EXTRA"
Episode Date: August 13, 2026
Guests: CJ Vogel (On Texas Football) with Host Chris (SEC Unfiltered)

Overview

This deep-dive Chewing Clock EXTRA episode brings in CJ Vogel of On Texas Football for an in-depth breakdown of Texas Football Fall Camp as the Longhorns’ SEC campaign nears. With on-the-ground reports from Austin, the conversation covers critical position battles, transfers, standouts on offense and defense, Will Muschamp’s return as defensive coordinator, and why expectations have never been higher. Best for Texas fans seeking genuine camp intel and reasons for renewed optimism in 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Viral Fall Camp Moments & Cam Coleman Hype

(00:58-03:20)

The show opens by referencing the viral one-handed catch by Cam Coleman, quickly sparking comparisons to Julio Jones.
CJ Vogel: Highlights that Cam Coleman is “more than just a big body” and impresses not only by contested catches but by his advanced route running:

"He is a guy that his route running is probably a little bit more ahead than what you would expect... Now he's able to kind of showcase more of his route tree." (02:00)
The throw itself became a talking point, with Vogel suggesting it was likely Arch Manning throwing but not wanting to over-analyze.

2. Arch Manning’s Maturation

(03:20-05:17)

Last year was a baptism by fire for Arch; this year, he looks poised and confident.
CJ Vogel notes growth in both performance and leadership:

"The overall thing for Arch is when he is able to play football in the pocket, I think he's a very good quarterback. But don't lose sight of what also made you a dangerous quarterback a year ago, which is the legs, the scrambling, the off script ability..." (04:34)
Emphasizes Manning’s performance last season against ranked opponents and his role as the offense’s centerpiece.

3. Standout Transfers, Freshmen, and Offensive Depth

(05:17-07:02)

Vogel identifies key offensive newcomers:
- Jermaine Bishop (Freshman WR): Praised for athleticism and versatility.
- Sterling Burkhalter (Transfer WR, Wake Forest): Fast learner, gaining ground in fall camp.
- Ryan Wingo & Emmett Mosley (WRs): Wingo already all-SEC; both highly regarded.
- Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State) RBs: Both bring versatile skillsets and pass-catching ability.
Vogel expects a “creative” and dynamic Texas offense with enhanced weaponry.

4. Offensive Line Battles & Progress

(07:02-09:52)

Biggest camp storyline is shoring up the offensive line, especially left guard:
- Numerous players vying for the role: Jaden Chapman, Dylan Sikorski (Oregon State transfer), Lawrence Seymour (likely favorite), Cole Hudson (back from NFL training camps).
On judging O-line performance in camp:

"On every single play, somebody wins a rep... If the O line's whipping the D line, great. But does it mean the D line is, is suspect or vice versa?" (07:40)
Vogel’s prediction: Lawrence Seymour as starting left guard.

5. Defensive Outlook & Will Muschamp’s Influence

(09:52-11:42)

Will Muschamp returns as defensive coordinator, bringing intensity and energy.
CJ Vogel contrasts him with predecessor Pete Kwiatkowski:

“You hear him before you ever see him... There's a different standard in terms of the level of coaching on the field right now. It's very much more in your face.” (10:28)
Muschamp’s approach expected to increase toughness and accountability, planning to address last season’s physicality concerns, especially against elite SEC opponents.

6. Defensive Standouts – Stars & Unsung Heroes

(11:42-13:51)

Colin Simmons (DE/LB) is the defensive centerpiece.
Rashin Biles (LB, Pitt transfer):

"Everybody I talk to in Austin about Rashin Biles just raves about him. He is a Havoc creator. He is someone that will be unleashed in Will Muschamp’s defense." (12:05)
Other notable names:
- Justice Terry (DL, Georgia transfer): Added size and expected to boost the interior pass rush.
- Bo Masco (Corner, Rutgers transfer): Pegged as Texas’ CB1, lauded for coverage skills and stickiness.

7. Team-Wide Physical Development & Depth

(13:51-15:35)

Depth stands out as stronger than previous years at nearly every position except possibly safety.
After being “whooped in the physicality department” by Georgia in Athens last year, Texas prioritized improvement in the trenches:

"Sarkeesian mentioned... it's been a more physical five practices this year than what we've seen in previous years." (14:38)

8. “Championship or Bust” Expectations for 2026

(15:35-17:33)

Vogel and Chris agree: with a fourth-year QB, elite skill talent, and experienced trenches, “championship or bust” is the legitimate expectation.
CJ Vogel:

"Talent won't be why Texas fails in 2026. There is enough talent on this team to beat every team in the country... For me it's offensive play calling and... consistency with the play behind center." (16:19)
Remaining X-factors: offensive playcalling and steady quarterbacking.

Notable Quotes

“He is a guy that his route running is probably a little bit more ahead than what you would expect... The biggest thing is he's more than just a 50/50 guy.”
— CJ Vogel on Cam Coleman (02:00)
“The overall thing for Arch is... don’t lose sight of what also made you a dangerous quarterback, which is the legs, the scrambling, the off-script ability."
— CJ Vogel on Arch Manning’s evolution (04:34)
“You hear [Muschamp] before you ever see him... There's a different standard in terms of the level of coaching on the field right now."
— CJ Vogel on Will Muschamp (10:28)
"Everybody I talk to in Austin about Rashin Biles just raves about him. He is a Havoc creator."
— CJ Vogel on Rashin Biles (12:05)
“Talent won’t be why Texas fails in 2026. There is enough talent on this team to beat every team in the country.”
— CJ Vogel on championship or bust (16:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:58 – Viral Cam Coleman catch, receiver hype
03:20 – Arch Manning’s development, comparison to last year
05:17 – Offensive newcomers: WRs and RBs
07:02 – Offensive line battles, left guard preview
09:52 – Defensive update, Will Muschamp’s impact
11:42 – Defensive standouts and depth, Rashin Biles and more
13:51 – Physicality, depth, offseason improvements
15:35 – Championship or bust? Season expectations

Conclusion

CJ Vogel’s detailed, “boots on the ground” perspective paints a picture of a Texas program bursting with skill, depth, and a fresh edge of physicality and intensity, especially defensively under Will Muschamp. With high-stakes expectations, fans are right to dream big—but the real test comes when they line up against SEC powers. For daily updates, visit OnTexasFootball.com or follow @cjvogel_otf on Twitter.

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Transcript22 lines

[00:00]
A
Kick off just around the corner in Austin, Texas. Another season of Texas football is upon us. Helping us break it all down and tell us everything happening from fall camp down in Austin, some of the latest updates. Good friend of mine, friend of the show, one of the best in the business, C.J. vogel of ON Texas Football. He joins me once again. CJ Appreciate you taking the time for it, my friend. How have things been? I wanted to start by asking you this. What, what's the. You became very popular, even more popular than you are the last couple weeks when you know your work is so good it's getting ripped off by random Twitter accounts. What's, what's the protocol on that? Has the, has the Vogel legal team be. Been hard at work over the last few weeks or, or what? Either way, good to see you, my man. Appreciate you taking the time.
[00:43]
B
No, I appreciate you having me. I gotta have a, a lawyer on retainer, it appears just when it comes to all of this, you know, copyright and stuff. But no, it's been good and it's even better that there's something to talk about and post about that folks care about. Finally into the football swing. I'm excited.
[00:58]
A
Yeah, you've been out there in the Austin heat, obviously sweating through it with the team, with the boys. So I want to dive right into it, of course, because again, cj, you are boots on the ground there in Austin at fall camp and you in on Texas football. Everybody there does a great job covering the Longhorns. Let's start offensively. I mean, the clip that took the Internet by storm over the last week or so, certainly when it was released, was the one handed catch from Cam Coleman in natural two or three weeks out from Kickoff Energy, where we can smell the bacon but we can't quite taste the food yet. As hyped as everyone was about the catch, we go to, well, who threw the football? It was a duck. Was it tipped what it's like? I think we're kind of missing the point here, guys. Sark went as far as to compare Cam Coleman to Julio Jones. C.J. i mean this, this is the hype is again building and building and building. I, I do want to ask you immediately two things, thoughts on Cam Coleman and how he's impressed and the rest of the transfer portal guys. And C.J. who threw that football? What. What's the story on this, on this throw?
[02:00]
B
Well, look, I haven't seen anything more than what Texas has put out. And of course that catch was unbelievable. It's one of those things that you you see the acrobatics and you kind of stop in your own tracks like, okay, wait, I got to see this again. I would assume if Cam Coleman was on the field and judging by the other players on the field at the time, that Arch Manning was the one with the that group. Now, was that ball tipped, was it not? I'll let all the other guys on the Internet dissecting every frame of video for their own judgment to be made. But, but look, that's one of a few highlight real plays that came Coleman's made. And I think the biggest thing so far that folks around the program, guys that I've talked to have mentioned about Coleman is he's more than just a big body, right? He's more than just, you know, a 50, 50. Lob the ball up there and he'll make a play, right? He can make plays with the ball in his hands, right? He is a guy that his route running is probably a little bit more ahead than what you would expect given. Well, he didn't or wasn't asked to do a whole lot at Auburn, right? It was goes posts and stops. Now he's able to kind of showcase more of his route tree. Something that he mentioned in the spring was something that drew him to Texas is, hey, I'm going to be running actual routes with an actual quarterback that can get me the football right now. It sounds like it's paying off.
[03:21]
A
C.J. i want to zero in on Arch Manning, obviously. This time last year, I think he was drinking water out of a fire hose, was coming into his first season with all these crazy hype and expectations and, you know, you had game number one looming against Ohio State. I would imagine again, you're there in person. I, I would imagine the energy and his demeanor and a lot of things are different for him in a good way. Have you been able to pick up on any of that? Just watching him out at camp, getting to talk to him, obviously with the media availability, like what? How much different is this year's version of Arch Manning at fall camp different from last year?
[03:55]
B
Well, I think it's a quarterback that's been through it, right? Obviously the lows of last year were pretty low. But then you go watch that second half of the year where he beat what played four top 20 teams, went 3 and 1, had an 18 to 2 touchdown interception ratio, and you saw a guy that had fun, right? Played loose, played towards his talent and the skill sets around him, right? Texas still didn't run the football effectively, but Arch did, right? He would scramble, he would lower his shoulder at times on third and fourth and short or the goal line. He became basically the entirety of the offense. And so I think it was a quarterback that grew into his own. Now this year you have more talent around you, right? The expectation is that your running game is improved. Now you have three, potentially four or five wide receivers that Texas feels like could really give them an edge in the passing game. So the overall thing for Arch is when he is able to play football in the pocket. I think he's a very good quarterback. But don't lose sight of what also made you a dangerous quarterback a year ago, which is the legs, but which is the scrambling, the off script ability to scramble around, extend plays and find guys down the field. Right now there's a lot of, a lot of expectations. Chris, you know this, I know this. Folks outside of Austin all know it as well. The expectations for Arch Manning are sky high. So far it sounds like he's going to be a guy that lives up to those expectations, but we'll see.
[05:18]
A
CJ I mentioned Cam Coleman. Obviously he's just one of, of many newcomers on the offensive side. What Texas did in the portal, certainly to flip the run back room and flip the rushing attack, you also, it's Texas, you add in a very talented freshman class. Just talk about the newcomers in particular. Again, you went into detail about Cam Coleman, but some of the others that from when you've watched have jumped out to you at fall camp.
[05:41]
B
Yeah, I'll start at wide receiver because again, watching Arch Manning throw football in practices, it's very hard to look away. A couple of names that are really starting to stand out right now. Freshman Jermaine Bishop out of Willis. I mean he's as talented as they come with the ball in his hands. I, I can't say enough good things about him. He is such an athlete that during the summer Texas said, hey, we don't really need you at wide receiver right now. How about you go get some reps at corner and then we'll flip it back around and look, he's going to be an impact guy for the Longhorns this fall. Sterling Burkhalter is another and I know his numbers at Wake Forest don't jump off the page, but Sark mentioned him in the spring as someone that really took to the offense early upon arriving. He, he had a very similar style of offense, similar scheme at Wake Forest a year ago. Now it sounds like he's catching up to Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley, someone that again, Texas is Very high on behind the scenes. And of course the running backs. How could you not be excited about two first team all conference running backs? Hollywood Smothers from NC State, Raleigh Brown from Arizona State. Both of those guys had over 40 targets in the passing game a year ago. So again, the versatility and the creativity of what Sark should be able to do with all of these weapons should only help the quarterback or help what could be an offensive line that you don't know yet is going to be an elite piece.
[07:03]
A
Yeah, C.J. i wanted to ask you about that because that, that was the thing. The biggest thing I would argue that held Texas back last year was obviously the offensive line woes lack of running game. I think that's what caused in part archman in the struggle and, and changes and additions I should say have been made to shore that up. I mean certainly again at the additions of relief Brown, Hollywood Smothers huge in their own right. Who you added the running back room. But how difficult is it for you to. Because I'm sure everybody wants to ask you, does the offensive line look better? How does the offensive line look? How difficult is it to answer that question knowing that you're going up against your own guys, Right? So on every single play, somebody wins a rep and it's like you, you can look at it one of two ways, right? If the O line's whipping the D line, great. But does it mean the D line is, is suspect or vice versa? And then from what you've seen, do you feel like there have been those encouraging signs that maybe you were looking for going in that, hey, this offensive line's taking steps in the right direction.
[08:02]
B
Yeah. Around this time a year ago, we heard a lot about the defensive line winning. You know, the, the live run periods, scrimmages said, okay, yeah, Texas just continuing the tradition of Byron Murphy and the Vondre Sweat and Alfred Collins and Vernon brought. And you're like, yeah, that's par for the course. And then you get to the games, you're like, oh, this is, this is bad. Like there's a miscalculation along the way that, you know, prevented Texas from having a running attack for most of the year. So that's what you got to juggle with in fall camp. Look, there's a couple of things right now with this unit. Of course Texas needs to figure it out on at that left guard. And boy, when they do, I will be the happiest man that you ever talk to, Chris, because I don't want to talk about left guard. Ever again for as long as I cover college football, given how last year in this off season has gone. But the point being, there's what, four, maybe five guys that are in contention for a left guard spot? And a year ago that was not the case. So whether or not Texas figures it out right now at left guard, they at least have bodies with playing experience again, something they did not have a year ago that should be able to readily correct it now. Jaden Chapman was the first left guard out practice number one. He got a little bit dinged up. So it's been Dylan Sikorski played 440 snaps at Oregon State a year ago. Lawrence Seymour has been filtering in with the first team. Of course, that's kind of the. The anticipated left guard for Texas going into 2026. He's been getting first team reps with Sikorski and of course, Cole Hudson, who's back in college football after seeing time with the Cowboys and the Browns and training camp. He was a, you know, a piece of the puzzle a year ago for Texas at left guard. Let's see how he can push that competition. But right now, if I had to put my money where my mouth was and predict who would be the left guard for Texas, I would say Lawrence Seymour.
[09:53]
A
C.J. to the other side of the football. Defensively, I mean, I think Texas is going to be a juggernaut. It feels like led by guys like Colin Simmons and so many others across the at all three levels, Texas should be one of the best defenses in the sec. The big addition, though, over the off season, Will Muschamp is back in Austin as defensive coordinator. We, we've seen some clips here and there. It's good to see Coach Boone back on the field, yelling at the guys and, and being his usual self. Just talk about being around him. The conversations y' all been able to have and obviously being at practices. The early impact of having Coach Boone back on the sidelines in Austin.
[10:29]
B
Well, you hear him before you ever see him, and I would think many who have ever covered him before or gone to a practice where he was in attendance, you would probably say the same thing. But that's obviously a little bit different from what Texas has been expected to see at practice under Steve Sarkeesian. Right. Pete Krakowski was not a very vocal guy. You know, he was very much a technician. You get him on the whiteboard. X's and O's is where he makes his bread. Now, I think Will Muschamp was very much in line with that. But you're going to hear about it, right. There's a different standard in terms of the level of coaching on the field right now. It's very much more in your face. You know, you're going to get coached very hard, but you're going to be loved up very hard. We heard that from Jelani McDonald earlier in the week. Just in the sense that there's a different demand out of Wilmot's champ. And of course that fire, that passion I think is something that Texas certainly liked. I go back to last year. Texas got smoked in the swamp, Texas got bullied in Athens and you look over on those sidelines and well, it didn't look like a team that was ready to go 60 minutes in a brawl. Right. So I think having a guy like Mosschamp will help them in that regard. But we'll see. Right now things are pointing in the right direction. I'll say.
[11:43]
A
C.J. i mentioned a household name that is Colin Simmons on the defensive side. Talk to me about some of the others. I know, I know there's some position battles going on. There's some guys, I mean all across the defense and I know you're really excited about, but who are some of the maybe the unsung heroes of this defense at this point you think will make a big impact. And maybe, maybe, let's say folks outside of Austin, maybe even in Austin aren't as familiar with those names.
[12:06]
B
Yeah, look, if Colin Simmons is player number one on this Texas defense, the early reports and I would even argue go watch the tape. At Pitt a year ago, linebacker Rashin Biles is probably number two. And it's not by a a distant margin anymore. Not as much as you would think given how accomplished Colin Simmons has been in his two years at Texas. But I everybody I talk to in Austin about Rasheed Biles just raves about him. He is a Havoc creator. He is someone that will be unleashed in Wilmot's champs defense. Whether that's off the edge, whether that's up the middle, whether that's just playing pure middle linebacker off ball. That's a guy that finds ways to make plays on the football or impacting the game, the defense in a winning fashion. I'm really excited for him in this defense. Additionally, look for justice Terry. He was a five star kid coming out of Georgia a couple of years ago. Pick Texas over Kirby Smart in the Georgia Bulldogs. You don't see many five star guys do that out of the state of Georgia. He's taken the next step, added 22 pounds to his frame from a year ago. If Texas can get an interior pass rush to go along with a Colin Simmons, a Lance Jackson, a Zeno Umio Zulu on the outside, that would be greatly beneficial. And then of course, on the outside, the one name I have to mention is Bo Masco. Coming in from Rutgers, he was an all Big Ten honorable mention a year ago, but it's Rutgers, right? You know, what was he actually doing that made him that special? Look, ever since he stepped foot on campus, he's been kind of pegged as that cornerback number one for Texas. It's been a consistent theme of a guy playing the football being sticky in coverage. He's not the biggest, but he sticks in coverage. And boy, hands on the football is all Texas can ask for. And what is expected to be more man coverage with Wilma
[13:52]
A
C.J. you guys had a great article over on Texas football about the 10 most impressive physical developments on the Texas roster. That leads me into this question in regards to your biggest takeaways or what's jumped out to you. Has it been the improved physicality of this group? Has it been speed, size, sheer amount of talent? Like, has there been anything that's just like, jumped out to you that maybe you didn't even expect going in?
[14:17]
B
Yeah, I think depth is one. And it might sound like a broken record, right. Texas has had deep, talented teams in years past, but there's always been a position or two that you look at and say, I don't know, right? I don't know about that left guard, offensive line spot. Last two years was probably, I don't know about the running back spot. Given some injuries, Safety at the moment is probably that one concern. But there are six bodies at least that they could filter through to find an answer. But more than that, physicality, I think it was pretty clear after, after the game in Athens, Tyson Scott whooped in the physicality department and Kirby Smart made comments afterward that folks and Austin printed out, hung up on their billboards, you know, showed their position room and said, hey, if we want to achieve anything in this league or in this country, this cannot be the message from opposing rival coaches after we play them. So physicality is one. Sarkeesian mentioned it. He said, look, it's only been five practices so far, but it's been a more physical five practices this year than what we've seen in previous years. So if that's something that Texas can actually live up to, is both sides of the trenches playing at a level of a Georgia offensive line or an Oklahoma defensive line, well, that would be again, another step in the right direction. But you got to see that continuously.
[15:36]
A
CJ you tweeted recently, I think within the last day or so about teams that classify as championship or bust. And you included of course the Texas Longhorns in that and I would agree with you, I think at minimum getting to that game but certainly winning that game. I think that's the expectation for this season. With you mentioned to elite quarterback game changing skill, talent, experience, talent in the trenches, coaching continuity, etc, very hard to tell in fall camp. Like you don't know what you don't know until they actually take the field and they go hit somebody else. But when you look at this group, do you see a group that that validifies your opinion on them? That is this is and should be championship or bust?
[16:20]
B
Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. That should be the expectation this year for the Texas Longhorns. And I say that because look you have a fourth year quarterback Manning on the last name two first team all conference running backs. Ryan Wingo was all sec. Cam Coleman is one of the top two or three wide receivers. Emmett Mosley is another. Like the talent is everywhere. You have over 5,800 career snaps on an offensive line that yes isn't the same as a year ago. But I would argue that's a very beneficial for Texas that it is not the same as a year ago. You have very solid pieces on the defense, obviously Colin Simmons, Rashin Bowles, Jelani McDonald. I mentioned Bo Masco. I believe you have an all conference level player at every single level. Now it's about finding the depth that goes along with each of those positions, especially in the back end. But talent won't be why Texas fails in 2026. There there is enough talent on this team to beat every team in the country. But again we've seen previously talented Texas teams come up just a little short. So what is going to take Texas to the next level? For me it's offensive play calling and two it's the quarterback showing continuous con consistency with the play behind center.
[17:34]
A
Only time will tell if Texas can meet those expectations. Our main man CJ Vogel on Texas football. They'll be on the beat. Hey, it's a great time to follow them. Big scrimmage upcoming this weekend from what I was able to gather from the timeline. CJ so tis the season kickoff is just around the corner my friend. Keep up the great work. Always appreciate you taking the time. Let folks know again in case they've been living under a rock or they're unfamiliar where they can find all of Yalls great work.
[17:58]
B
Yeah, absolutely. We're over@ontexasfootball.com Daily updates, practice recruiting, team intel, injuries, whatever you need to know, we got it all. And I'm over on Twitter @cjvogel. Underscore OTF.
[18:10]
A
CJ, you're the man. Let's definitely do it again soon.
[18:12]
B
Absolutely, Chris. Appreciate you, Sam.