Episode Details

Opening & Sponsorship

• Welcome to episode 95 of Texas Longhorns Live.
• Sponsored/presented by FanDuel (Voice of College Football).
• FanDuel odds at the time: Texas at +700 to win the 2026 national championship (behind Ohio State at +550; previously Texas/Notre Dame were co-favorites). Hosts debated if Texas deserved better/equal odds to Ohio State.

S&P+ Rankings Discussion (Bill Connelly/ESPN)

• Big Ten has stronger top-end talent (Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, etc.) recently, while SEC has better overall depth.
• Hosts agreed the gap at the absolute top between conferences isn't as massive as portrayed.
• SP+ initial 2026 projections (approximate from discussion): Ohio State #1, then Oregon/Indiana, with Texas around #4–6 (Georgia also high in SEC). Hosts felt Texas should rank higher (top 3–4) and questioned the large gap between Ohio State and the next teams.
• Key factors in SP+: returning production (Texas elite, especially offense), recent history, recruiting/transfers, coaching changes.
• Takeaway: Top 5–6 teams (Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia, Indiana, Texas) feel tightly bunched; small differences could shift dramatically by fall. Hosts suggested using such power ratings to inform future non-conference scheduling for better balance.

New Roster Additions

• Paris Patterson (OL transfer, SMU via Arkansas): 6'5", 323 lbs, multi-time transfer with two years eligibility left. Limited snaps at SMU (21 offensive, 5 pass-blocking in recent season) but solid in small sample. High-school four-star with size/athleticism ("big lump of clay").
  • Hosts viewed it as potentially depth insurance or a high-ceiling developmental piece under Kyle Flood. Concern: Late addition (weeks into spring) might signal interior OL depth/competition worries (e.g., Dylan Sikorski, Devin Coleman, Nicholas Robertson not fully stepping up yet; Laurence Seymour recently declared eligible).
  • Optimistic take: Flyer on raw talent that could contribute in 2027+ if not needed immediately. Pessimistic: If he plays meaningful snaps in 2026, OL depth might be thinner than hoped.
• Jackson Cook (2027 OL recruit, Westlake HS): 3-star interior lineman (guard/tackle versatility), physical/"nasty" player with good motor, length, and run-game attitude. Needs to add weight (~290 lbs now).
  • Hosts praised Westlake pipeline and Cook's fit for adding "nastiness" and road-grading ability the offense has sometimes lacked. Likely redshirt/developmental (not day-one starter). Positive for 2027 class building (alongside Easton Royal, etc.). Early offer strategy helps retention.
• Broader context: OL remains a watch area (starters look strong, but depth and consistency questioned). Spring game will be key for evaluating backups and pressure allowed.

Spring Practice Intel

• Steve Sarkeesian comments:
  • Colin Simmons (EDGE): Sark has to "keep him from ruining practice" by dominating too much—seen as high praise for his disruptive ability, not an OL indictment.
  • Justin Cryer (LB, transfer): Standing out early; could provide valuable depth/rotation snaps.
  • Derrek Cooper (freshman RB): Emerging quickly; already in top-three mix with Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. Addresses need for power/backfield depth.
• Positive vibes on linebacker depth (Biles, Smith, Atkinson, Spence, Cryer) and RB room upgrades.
• Lingering concerns: Offensive line (no strong public Sark praise yet; new bodies suggest fluidity). Depth questions if injuries hit LB/OL.
• Overall: Encouraging individual standouts, but full picture (especia