Texas football: 3 unsolved questions for Longhorns following spring practice

While other top-flight programs around the country will begin their campaigns with cuddly matchups against Group of Five or FCS foes, the Longhorns are set to take on the defending national champions on the road. It doesn’t get much tougher. The matchup also serves as a rematch of a College Football Playoff semifinal in January (though the teams should look different, with new starting quarterbacks and a host of players from each program gone to the NFL).

With spring practice now concluded, here are three standout questions for the Longhorns to answer before they meet the Buckeyes on Aug. 30.

As the Texas Longhorns conclude their 2025 spring practices, several pivotal questions remain unanswered, shaping the trajectory of the program as they transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized development over traditional spring games, opting for a more focused approach to prepare the team for the challenges ahead. ([Houston Chronicle][1])

1. Who Will Anchor the Interior Defensive Line?

The departure of key players like Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton has left a significant void in Texas’ defensive front. To address this, the Longhorns have turned to the transfer portal, bringing in talents such as Travis Shaw, Cole Brevard, and Hero Kanu, along with incoming freshman Justus Terry. The challenge lies in integrating these new players into a cohesive unit capable of maintaining the defensive prowess Texas is known for. ([Yardbarker][2])

2. Can the Offensive Line Achieve Cohesion?

With only DJ Campbell returning as a starter, the offensive line faces a critical rebuilding phase. Players like Hayden Conner have been rotated through various positions, including left tackle, to find the optimal lineup. The versatility of players such as Conner, who can adapt to multiple positions, is crucial in establishing a stable and effective offensive line. ([Yardbarker][2], [Longhorns Wire][3])

3. How Will the Quarterback Competition Unfold?

The quarterback position remains a focal point, with both Quinn Ewers and Hudson Card receiving significant first-team reps during spring practices. Ewers has demonstrated impressive arm strength and accuracy, while Card continues to showcase his leadership and consistency. This competition is expected to persist into the fall, with both quarterbacks vying for the starting role. ([Longhorns Wire][3])

As the Longhorns prepare for their inaugural SEC season, these unresolved questions will play a pivotal role in determining the team’s success. The coaching staff’s ability to develop talent, foster cohesion, and make strategic decisions will be critical in navigating the challenges of a more competitive conference.([On3][4])

Who will be Texas football’s backup quarterback behind Arch Manning?
Most college football coaches aim to have at least four scholarship quarterbacks on their roster at any given time.

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The Longhorns were set to enter the 2025 campaign with just three. Then head coach Steve Sarkisian swooped for Troy transfer Matthew Caldwell.

Listed at 6-foot-4, 203 pounds, Caldwell appeared in 10 games for the Trojans last season, starting six. He completed 63.2% of his passes for 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns while throwing eight interceptions. Troy averaged nearly 36 points per game in the final five games of the season once he took over the starting job for good.

Texas will be Caldwell’s fourth collegiate stop. Before Troy, he appeared in 13 games over three seasons at Jacksonville State and Gardner-Webb.

Instantly, Caldwell becomes the most experienced member of the Longhorns’ quarterbacks room. But will that prove enough to supplant Trey Owens and KJ Lacey Jr. for the right to serve as Manning’s primary understudy?

Owens, now a redshirt freshman, joined the Longhorns as a four-star prospect in the 2024 signing class. He attempted four passes in garbage time last season, completing two of them for 19 yards. Lacey, a freshman, was ranked as the No. 155 overall prospect and the No. 14 quarterback in the 2025 class by the 247Sports Composite.

Sarkisian, who has not talked to local media since adding Caldwell, spoke positively about Owens, Lacey and Manning during spring practice.