Texas Longhorns Football Roster Countdown Revisits Key Offensive Players Previously Overlooked in Earlier Editions Before 2025 Season Kickoff
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the annual Texas Longhorns roster countdown has become a favorite ritual among fans. It’s a deep dive into the makeup of the team, typically counting down from the highest to lowest numbers on the roster, with analysis, expectations, and key projections. But like any long-running feature, things occasionally slip through the cracks. In this case, several offensive players—due to transfers, late arrivals, redshirt status, or simply being overshadowed by bigger names—missed out on their proper spotlight in earlier editions.
Now, as Steve Sarkisian’s squad gears up for its first full SEC campaign, it’s the perfect time to go back and give these previously missed offensive contributors the attention they deserve. Whether they’re under-the-radar talents, redshirt freshmen poised to break out, or late additions to the roster, each of these players could play a significant role in Texas’s pursuit of another College Football Playoff berth.
Savion Red is a name Longhorn fans know, but one who may have been overlooked amid the loaded Texas wide receiver room. Red is entering his junior year, and while he hasn’t broken out statistically just yet, his hybrid ability has drawn comparisons to former Texas do-it-all stars like Jordan Shipley and Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
Red has spent time at both wide receiver and running back, showcasing his versatility in Sarkisian’s system. While Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jordan Whittington drew the bulk of targets last season, Red found his role as a gadget player in motion packages and misdirection sets. Now, with Worthy and Mitchell gone to the NFL, Red has a legitimate shot to earn more touches and be a consistent contributor. His work ethic and football IQ have earned rave reviews from the staff.
Offensive line depth is often overlooked, especially among fans, but Connor Robertson could be one of the most important names for Texas in 2025. A redshirt sophomore, Robertson has flown under the radar due to the high-profile play of starters like Kelvin Banks Jr. and Jake Majors. However, Robertson’s development behind the scenes has not gone unnoticed.
He’s expected to compete for the starting center job or rotate in at guard, giving Texas flexibility on the interior line. Known for his toughness, intelligence, and communication skills, Robertson is precisely the kind of player who might not show up in headlines but helps hold a championship team together.
With Ja’Tavion Sanders having declared for the NFL Draft, there’s a vacancy at the tight end position—and sophomore Will Randle could be a surprise candidate to fill it. Randle, a former high school teammate of Arch Manning at Isidore Newman (LA), spent his freshman season developing his body and refining his blocking techniques.
While Gunner Helm is expected to begin the year as TE1, Randle brings a more fluid receiving threat and better route-running ability than most realize. In a Sarkisian offense that loves to utilize tight ends in the seam and off play-action, Randle’s growth could be critical. His chemistry with Manning—should Manning win the QB battle—might also play into his favor when it comes to targets.
One of the more dynamic players from the 2023 recruiting class, Tre Wisner saw limited action as a true freshman but showed flashes in mop-up duty and special teams. Now entering his sophomore season, Wisner’s name deserves more attention than it’s received so far.
With Jonathan Brooks gone to the NFL and CJ Baxter taking the lead role, there’s room for a complementary back to emerge. Wisner has top-end speed and is dangerous in space, making him a perfect fit for third-down and change-of-pace situations. If Texas leans more into two-back sets or wants to utilize speed mismatches, Wisner is a prime candidate to benefit.
Dajon Harrison is one of the more mysterious names on the roster—talented, quick, but still waiting for his breakout. Harrison has been buried on the depth chart behind a slew of elite wideouts, but 2025 might be his best opportunity yet to make noise.
With increased rotations expected and a wider receiver competition in fall camp, Harrison could emerge as a reliable slot option or a weapon in motion-heavy looks. He has game-breaking speed and was a standout at Hutto High School before coming to Texas. If he puts it together in camp, he could force his way into the receiver rotation and even contribute on special teams.
Offensive lineman Andre Cojoe is another forgotten name in the 2025 roster countdown, but he’s quietly one of the most promising developmental linemen on the team. At 6-foot-6 and over 330 pounds, Cojoe is a physical specimen who has benefited from two years in Texas’s strength and conditioning program.
While not yet a starter, Cojoe is considered a key reserve at tackle and could be pressed into action if injuries strike. With SEC defensive lines presenting a weekly challenge, having a player like Cojoe ready to step in is essential. His long-term upside could eventually lead him into the starting lineup, but 2025 may be the year he takes on a sixth-man role.
Yes, Johntay Cook II is well-known, but surprisingly, he was under-emphasized in early countdown features. After an explosive spring and continued growth over the summer, Cook has the makings of a breakout star. He enters 2025 with sky-high expectations as the presumed WR1 following the departure of Worthy and Mitchell.
Cook combines blazing speed with crisp route running and reliable hands. His ability to stretch the field vertically makes him a nightmare for opposing secondaries. The coaching staff has raved about his maturity and attention to detail, and it’s widely expected that he will be one of the most targeted receivers this fall—possibly even emerging as one of the best in the SEC.
With most of the quarterback attention focused on Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, true freshman Max Thompson has flown under the radar. The Canadian import enrolled early and impressed during spring practice with his arm strength and poise. While he’s likely to redshirt, Thompson is a name worth remembering.
He provides insurance behind Ewers and Manning and has the tools to be developed into a future starter or quality backup. In a world where QB depth is fragile due to transfers and injuries, having someone like Thompson in the pipeline matters.
Another member of the talented 2023 wide receiver haul, Ryan Niblett has elite speed and agility. He was one of the most electric high school athletes in Texas and could play a factor in special teams while carving out a niche in the slot.
Niblett has added weight and refined his footwork during the offseason. With more reps and live action, his big-play potential could become a valuable asset, especially in wide-open formations that stress defenses horizontally.
While often recognized for his experience, Christian Jones was not given the attention he fully deserves in the earlier countdowns. As a returning starter with years of experience at tackle, he brings leadership, stability, and a veteran presence to a young but talented offensive line.
Jones is expected to play a critical role in mentoring younger linemen while anchoring the right side of the line. His ability to handle elite edge rushers will be tested week in and week out in the SEC, and how he performs could determine the ceiling of Texas’s offense overall.
These overlooked players highlight the incredible depth Texas football boasts heading into the 2025 season. Steve Sarkisian has assembled a roster filled with high-ceiling talent, and while stars like Quinn Ewers, CJ Baxter, and Johntay Cook will naturally draw the headlines, it’s often the previously under-the-radar contributors who swing games and define seasons.
As the team continues preseason workouts and prepares for a grueling SEC schedule, the focus will be on staying healthy, staying deep, and staying prepared. And that includes making sure fans and analysts alike recognize that this Longhorn roster goes far deeper than just the top 25 names.
In the end, the 2025 Texas Longhorns could be one of the most complete and competitive teams in the country—but only if every player, from five-star stars to unheralded role players, is ready when their number is called.
