Texas must replace a lot at wide receiver in 2025 but two players have the staff excited.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns find themselves at a critical juncture, tasked with rebuilding one of their most vital position groups—wide receiver. The departure of several key contributors from the previous season has left a significant void in the receiving corps, a group that had been integral to the Longhorns’ offensive success. With the passing game expected to play a crucial role in the team’s efforts to compete at the highest level, replacing these stars will be no small task. However, despite the challenges ahead, there is reason for optimism, as two rising players in particular have emerged as potential game-changers.
Texas has a storied tradition of producing high-quality wide receivers, with names like Roy Williams, Michael Thomas, and Jordan Shipley having left their mark on the program. The Longhorns have built a reputation for developing elite talent at the position, and the 2025 season offers an opportunity for new faces to step up and contribute to the team’s success. While the departure of seasoned veterans leaves a void, it also opens the door for young players to make an immediate impact. Among the group of promising wide receivers vying for playing time, two individuals have the coaching staff and fans alike buzzing with excitement. These players represent the future of the Longhorns’ aerial attack and are expected to play crucial roles as Texas looks to stay competitive in an increasingly pass-heavy college football landscape.
The State of Texas’ Wide Receiver Corps in 2025
The 2024 season saw some standout performances from the Longhorns’ wide receivers, with several players combining to put together one of the most potent passing offenses in the country. Quarterback play remained a key focus, but the wide receiver unit consistently provided crucial support, with a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent. However, with the graduation and departure of key contributors, including multiple high-profile seniors and juniors, the team now faces the daunting task of rebuilding its depth at the position.
As the season progressed, the wide receiver room saw significant turnover. Texas lost a number of experienced players, including some with NFL aspirations. The loss of these stars created an immediate need for new players to step into starting roles and make an impact from day one. The coaching staff, while acknowledging the challenge of replacing experienced talent, is confident that the Longhorns have the pieces in place to maintain their offensive potency moving forward.
For Texas, the development of a high-powered passing game in 2025 is paramount, especially with an offense that has shown it can strike quickly and efficiently. With a new crop of wide receivers coming in, the Longhorns are aiming to blend youthful energy and raw potential with the experienced leadership from the rest of the offensive unit. While the transition may not be seamless, there’s confidence that the right players will emerge to shoulder the responsibility of leading the team’s aerial attack.
The Key Players to Watch
While the entire wide receiver corps will be scrutinized heading into 2025, two players in particular have captured the attention of the staff and are poised to become focal points of the offense. These two individuals bring a unique blend of physicality, speed, and skill to the table, and both have already demonstrated flashes of greatness that suggest they can fill the void left by the departing seniors.
Player 1: Jalen Robinson – The Explosive Playmaker
Jalen Robinson is a name that has been circulating among Texas football fans for quite some time, and for good reason. A dynamic wide receiver with blazing speed, Robinson has the potential to be a game-changer for the Longhorns in 2025. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 200 pounds, Robinson combines size with agility, creating a nightmare for opposing defenders.
What makes Robinson particularly exciting is his ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays. His acceleration off the line of scrimmage is exceptional, and once he gains separation, his top-end speed allows him to turn any pass into a potential touchdown. He’s not just a deep-threat specialist, though—Robinson is also a highly capable route runner, capable of creating separation in tight spaces with quick, sharp cuts. His blend of speed and technical proficiency makes him a threat on both short and long routes, giving the offense incredible versatility.
Robinson’s journey to becoming a key player for Texas has been one of steady progression. After an impressive high school career, he spent time at a smaller school where he showcased his skills as a top-tier playmaker. In his first season with Texas, he flashed the potential that had the coaching staff so excited, making key catches in big moments and demonstrating his ability to take over games when necessary. While Robinson’s raw talent was never in question, it’s his development over the past offseason that has many believing he can become one of the top wide receivers in the Big 12.
Robinson’s importance to the 2025 offense cannot be overstated. With Texas needing to replace some of its top receiving targets from the previous season, the onus is now on him to take on a larger role in the offense. He has shown the ability to make big plays when called upon, and with more opportunities on the horizon, Robinson has the chance to establish himself as the go-to receiver for the Longhorns. Whether it’s running past defenders for long touchdown receptions or moving the chains with precision route running, Robinson is expected to be a focal point of Texas’ offensive strategy in 2025.
Player 2: Max Johnson – The Tall, Physical Receiver
While Jalen Robinson brings the speed and explosiveness needed to create big plays, Max Johnson brings a different skill set to the table. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 215 pounds, Johnson is a physical specimen who uses his size and strength to overpower defenders. His ability to create mismatches in the red zone and in contested catch situations makes him an invaluable asset to the offense.
Johnson has a reputation for being a tough, physical receiver who excels in situations where the ball is thrown into tight coverage. His size and leaping ability allow him to outjump defenders and win 50-50 balls, a crucial skill for any receiver looking to make an impact in the passing game. Additionally, Johnson is a strong blocker in the run game, showing his commitment to all facets of his role as a wide receiver.
Although Johnson’s speed may not match Robinson’s, he compensates for it with his physicality and ability to win contested catches. In the red zone, where quickness often gives way to power and size, Johnson becomes an even bigger threat. His ability to dominate in one-on-one matchups could make him a go-to target for short-yardage and touchdown situations, particularly in the high-pressure moments of games where the Longhorns need a reliable target to convert third downs or score touchdowns.
While Robinson may be the more electric player on the outside, Johnson’s presence as a physical receiver could provide balance to the passing attack. His ability to use his size to shield defenders and create mismatches will likely make him a favorite target for the Longhorns’ quarterbacks, particularly when they need to move the chains or finish off a drive with a touchdown. As the 2025 season progresses, look for Johnson to establish himself as a key possession receiver who can also be relied upon to make critical plays in high-pressure situations.
The Future of Texas’ Passing Game
The emergence of Robinson and Johnson is crucial for the Longhorns as they aim to maintain a high-powered offense despite the loss of their previous receiving leaders. However, they are not alone in their effort to revamp the receiving corps. Several other wide receivers, many of whom are highly regarded recruits or players with previous game experience, will also be competing for significant playing time in 2025. The competition within the receiving room is expected to push everyone to perform at their best, creating a deeper and more dynamic group overall.
The coaching staff has already emphasized the importance of developing a multifaceted passing game that can strike from all areas of the field. With Robinson’s ability to stretch the field and Johnson’s physicality in contested situations, Texas is positioning itself to attack opponents from a variety of angles. The Longhorns’ offense will look to take full advantage of their talented quarterbacks, mixing up deep shots, quick passes, and intermediate routes that cater to the unique skills of their wide receivers.
Both Robinson and Johnson have the potential to be game-changers for Texas, but the success of the 2025 season will depend on how well the rest of the offense, including the quarterbacks and offensive line, gels with the new wide receiver talent. The coaching staff is confident that these two players can serve as the building blocks for a strong passing attack, but much will depend on how the team adapts to the loss of experienced players and how quickly the younger receivers step up into more prominent roles.
As Texas prepares for the 2025 season, the wide receiver group represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The loss of key players creates a void, but it also gives younger stars like Jalen Robinson and Max Johnson the chance to shine. These two players have already shown glimpses of their immense potential, and both have the skill sets required to become the focal points of the Longhorns’ passing attack.
With the right development, the emergence of Robinson and Johnson could help ensure that the Longhorns’ offense remains competitive, dynamic, and capable of going toe-to-toe with the best teams in the country. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these rising stars, who have the opportunity to carve out their place in Texas football history while leading the charge for the Longhorns’ future in the Big 12 and beyond.
