Inside Texas Football Workouts: Key Summer Developments, Player Standouts, and Emerging Leaders Ahead of Longhorns’ Anticipated 2025 SEC Campaign
The Texas Longhorns’ transition into full-fledged SEC competition isn’t just a shift in conference alignment—it’s a seismic cultural and competitive transformation. With every practice, lift, sprint, and film session this summer, the Longhorns are laying the groundwork for a season of immense pressure and massive opportunity. Behind the scenes, summer workouts have revealed a treasure trove of insights—position battles intensifying, newcomers flashing elite potential, and returning veterans stepping fully into leadership roles. From Arch Manning’s steady maturation to defensive tweaks and under-the-radar risers, this summer is shaping the identity of a program aiming for nothing less than an SEC title in year one.
Perhaps the biggest development from summer workouts has been the clear emergence of Arch Manning as the alpha in the quarterback room. No longer just the heir apparent, Manning has embraced his role as a tone-setter in drills, weight sessions, and 7-on-7 scrimmages. Players and staff alike have praised his command of the huddle, his composure under simulated pressure, and his noticeable physical gains. Arch has bulked up nearly 10 pounds of muscle since January, bringing added zip to his throws and more durability as a runner. Observers noted that his timing with receivers, particularly Johntay Cook and Isaiah Bond, is sharper than ever—a product of hours spent on routes, chemistry, and film study.
It’s not just Manning’s arm that has caught attention. His voice—previously quiet in team settings—now resonates in the locker room and weight room. Teammates describe him as “more vocal,” “more confident,” and “fully in command.” While there’s still competition at quarterback, especially with Maalik Murphy’s impressive raw talent and Trey Owens looking like a long-term option, there’s little doubt in the building that Manning’s time is now.
At wide receiver, Johntay Cook has drawn the loudest buzz. The sophomore wideout is turning heads with his explosiveness, precision in route running, and relentless work ethic. He’s been nearly unguardable in 7-on-7 drills, regularly cooking defensive backs with his footwork and deceptive speed. Coaches believe Cook is poised for a breakout season, especially with Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell now in the NFL. Alongside him, Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond has adapted seamlessly to the Texas system. Bond brings SEC-tested speed and toughness, and his chemistry with Manning has developed quicker than many anticipated.
True freshman Ryan Wingo, one of the crown jewels of the 2024 recruiting class, is also flashing. While still refining his playbook knowledge, Wingo’s size, physicality, and catch radius have already earned him second-team reps in team sessions. Veteran coaches say he “just moves different,” and he’s expected to have a rotational role at minimum this fall.
In the backfield, CJ Baxter Jr. continues to build on a solid freshman year. He’s slimmed down slightly for more burst and has been working tirelessly on his pass protection and receiving skills. Texas plans to expand his role in the passing game, potentially using him out wide or in two-back sets alongside Jaydon Blue, who has added upper-body strength and looks more explosive in short-area drills. The staff is high on true freshman Christian Clark as well, who’s already being compared favorably to early-career Bijan Robinson for his vision and balance.
The offensive line, one of the team’s most crucial units, is being led by All-American left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., whose focus this offseason has been sharpening hand technique and increasing lateral quickness. Coaches rave about his consistency and leadership. Banks has taken several younger linemen under his wing, including early enrollee Max Anderson, who has impressed with his physical maturity and willingness to absorb coaching.
Another lineman making waves is DJ Campbell, who’s finally putting everything together. After an up-and-down start to his college career, Campbell has reshaped his body and become one of the most aggressive interior linemen on the team. His battles in drills with defensive tackle Alfred Collins have become a daily spectacle during workouts.
Speaking of Collins, the senior defensive lineman is one of the biggest stories of the summer on defense. Collins has transformed physically, dropping bad weight and adding muscle to become quicker and more explosive off the snap. Coaches are banking on him to be a disruptive force on the interior, and early signs suggest he’s ready for the challenge. His motor is noticeably higher than in previous offseasons, and he’s mentoring younger linemen like Sydir Mitchell and freshman Zandrick Gamble.
On the edge, the pass rush rotation is taking shape. Ethan Burke is progressing well, adding more finesse to his already powerful rush style. But it’s freshman Colin Simmons who is generating the most excitement. Simmons has been electric in short-burst agility drills and has shown advanced bend and balance for his age. While the staff plans to bring him along carefully, there’s growing belief he’ll see the field early, especially in obvious passing situations.
At linebacker, Anthony Hill continues to be the vocal and physical centerpiece. His leadership during summer workouts has been instrumental in raising the standard on defense. Hill has been shadowing tight ends and backs in coverage drills and has improved his ability to read and react to misdirection plays. Next to him, David Gbenda is stepping into a full-time role and has looked fluid and fast in space, two areas where he previously struggled.
The secondary is one of the deepest position groups, and it’s showing in competitive summer sessions. Terrance Brooks is now firmly entrenched as CB1, and his play has been both consistent and physical. Malik Muhammad is close behind, showing elite closing speed and sharper technique. Safety Kitan Crawford has taken his leadership responsibilities seriously, running post-practice film breakdowns and mentoring younger DBs like Derek Williams Jr. and Warren Roberson, both of whom are making strong pushes for rotational roles.
Freshman safety Xavier Filsaime has been described as a “quiet assassin”—he doesn’t talk much, but he hits like a truck and always seems to be in the right place. Defensive backs coach Blake Gideon has been impressed with his IQ and feel for the game, especially in two-high safety alignments.
Special teams work, while less glamorous, has not been overlooked. Bert Auburn is locked in at kicker and has been laser-accurate from 40-50 yards throughout summer sessions. Punter Ryan Sanborn remains steady, but freshman Luke Palko has been pushing him in distance drills. In the return game, Bond and Wingo are getting extended looks, giving Texas a chance to add explosive elements to their special teams.
Conditioning has been a major emphasis this summer under new strength coach Torre Becton, who has focused heavily on core strength, explosion, and flexibility. The entire roster appears leaner and more fluid in movement drills, with far fewer soft-tissue injuries than this time last year—a promising sign heading into fall camp.
Perhaps the biggest overarching takeaway from summer workouts isn’t about any single player—it’s about the culture shift. Multiple staff members have remarked that this is the most player-driven offseason they’ve seen under Steve Sarkisian. Leadership isn’t just coming from seniors. Young stars like Hill, Cook, and Manning are all taking personal accountability, pushing teammates, and setting the tone.
The internal competition is also as fierce as it’s ever been. No position feels safe, and that’s by design. Sarkisian wants every player to feel the urgency of playing in the SEC. Summer workout standouts may not guarantee starting spots, but they certainly shape the pecking order heading into fall camp. Those who show up every day with purpose are the ones who will see the field first come September.
As the heat of the Texas summer gives way to fall camp, the momentum built during these workouts will carry forward. Every sprint, every rep, and every ounce of sweat is being invested in a single goal: to prove that Texas not only belongs in the SEC—but is ready to dominate it.
