Two New Texas Longhorns Wide Receivers Could Quickly Become Game-Changers as 2025 Season Hype Continues to Build in Austin
The University of Texas football program is entering the 2025 season with high expectations, thanks to a combination of returning stars, an elite coaching staff, and a top-tier recruiting class that includes several promising playmakers. Among the newcomers generating the most buzz are two standout pass-catchers—true freshman wide receiver Dakorien Moore and transfer tight end Elijah Arroyo. These two additions could play pivotal roles in what’s shaping up to be one of the most explosive offenses in the Big 12, if not the country. As the Longhorns aim to make a statement in their second year under the SEC banner, all eyes will be on these dynamic athletes who bring different skill sets but a shared potential to take Texas to the next level.
Dakorien Moore, a five-star receiver from Duncanville, Texas, is arguably the crown jewel of the Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class. Widely considered one of the top wideouts in the nation, Moore flipped his commitment from LSU to Texas in a move that sent shockwaves through college football recruiting circles. The 6-foot, 180-pound receiver combines elite speed, precise route-running, and a level of maturity that’s rare for a player fresh out of high school. He dominated at the Under Armour All-America Game and has turned heads during summer workouts with his polish and work ethic.
Moore is expected to see the field early and often, and his skill set makes him a candidate for both outside and slot duties. He has an uncanny ability to create separation, which will make him a favorite target for returning quarterback Quinn Ewers, or potentially Arch Manning if the coaching staff decides to pass the torch this season. Moore also brings a level of versatility that allows him to contribute in the return game, giving special teams coordinator Jeff Banks another weapon to deploy.
Coaches and teammates have praised Moore for his football IQ and ability to absorb the playbook quickly. According to reports from summer practices, Moore has already begun developing chemistry with the quarterbacks and has made several highlight-reel plays that demonstrate his elite athleticism. One observer noted that Moore “moves like a seasoned pro” and that his presence could open up the field for the rest of Texas’s offensive weapons. That includes returning stars like Xavier Worthy and Johntay Cook II, who will benefit from defenses needing to account for Moore’s speed and quickness.
While Moore is the flashy newcomer, tight end Elijah Arroyo brings a different kind of intrigue to the Texas offense. A Miami (FL) transfer, Arroyo arrives in Austin as a seasoned veteran with three years of collegiate experience. Injuries hampered his time with the Hurricanes, but when healthy, Arroyo showcased elite potential as a receiving tight end. At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Arroyo offers a big, athletic target over the middle who can exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His physicality and route-running make him an ideal fit for head coach Steve Sarkisian’s system, which heavily incorporates tight ends in both the passing and running games.
Arroyo’s transfer was seen as a low-risk, high-reward move by the Texas staff. They’re betting that with a clean bill of health and a fresh start, Arroyo can finally fulfill the promise he showed coming out of high school as a four-star recruit. His presence gives the Longhorns a true dual-threat tight end who can both block in the run game and stretch the field vertically. That versatility should pay immediate dividends, especially given Sarkisian’s history of featuring tight ends prominently in his offensive schemes dating back to his days at Alabama and USC.
One of the biggest storylines entering the season will be how Sarkisian and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood integrate Arroyo and Moore into an already potent offensive attack. Texas returns multiple skill-position players with starting experience, but the ceiling of this unit could be defined by how quickly these two newcomers acclimate to the college game—or in Arroyo’s case, the SEC. With Ewers’ deep-ball accuracy and command of the offense continuing to improve, the Longhorns have the potential to light up scoreboards every Saturday. Arroyo’s size in the red zone and Moore’s ability to break open plays downfield give Texas the kind of balance that can stress defenses from sideline to sideline and from the line of scrimmage to 40 yards downfield.
Moore’s integration could also represent a changing of the guard at the receiver position. With Xavier Worthy now in the NFL and Adonai Mitchell expected to follow soon, Texas needs new stars to emerge. Cook is one possibility, but Moore might be the most naturally gifted receiver on the roster. In high school, he routinely faced double coverage and still posted eye-popping numbers. His acceleration off the line and ability to adjust to the ball mid-flight are traits that often separate good college receivers from great ones. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Moore finish the year as Texas’s leading receiver in terms of yardage or touchdowns.
Arroyo, meanwhile, has a chance to become a safety blanket for Ewers in high-pressure situations. On third downs and in the red zone, tight ends often play a crucial role, and Arroyo’s size and strong hands make him an ideal target. Texas used a committee approach at tight end last season, but Arroyo’s arrival could allow the Longhorns to consolidate that role and create more consistency. With defenses having to account for Texas’s speed on the outside, Arroyo could feast on underneath routes and seam patterns.
Both players also bring an intangible quality that championship teams often need—confidence. Moore has been described as “fearless” by those around the program, while Arroyo carries a chip on his shoulder from his time at Miami, where he never truly got to showcase his full potential. That hunger and drive could prove to be the X-factor in close games or hostile road environments. Texas has been building toward a breakthrough season for years, and the addition of players who not only have elite talent but also mental toughness could be what finally puts them over the top.
Another overlooked aspect of their arrival is the competitive fire it brings to the locker room. Texas’s wide receiver and tight end rooms are already loaded with talent, and the presence of Moore and Arroyo forces everyone to raise their level. Iron sharpens iron, as the saying goes, and if practice reports are any indication, these two newcomers are already pushing veterans to improve. That kind of internal competition can only benefit a program with College Football Playoff aspirations.
It’s also worth noting how these two could impact recruiting and player development moving forward. Moore is the kind of high-profile recruit that can attract other elite players simply by choosing Texas. His decision to play in Austin over LSU or Ohio State shows that the Longhorn brand still carries significant weight in the recruiting world. If he lives up to the hype, Moore could be the first in a wave of offensive stars who view Texas as a destination for NFL preparation. Arroyo, on the other hand, represents a successful use of the transfer portal—a reminder that Texas can attract talent not only from high school but also from other top-tier programs. If Arroyo has a strong year and lands on NFL draft boards, it will only further validate the program’s ability to develop transfers into pros.
Ultimately, the 2025 season could be defined by the impact of these two players. In a league as competitive as the SEC, explosive playmakers and reliable targets are essential. Texas has recruited exceptionally well, but the real test will be whether these newcomers can translate potential into production. Moore’s highlight-reel potential and Arroyo’s veteran savvy make them two of the most intriguing storylines in Austin this fall.
Fans should prepare to hear their names often this season. Whether it’s Moore catching a 60-yard bomb or Arroyo dragging defenders across the first-down marker, these two are poised to make their presence felt in a major way. Texas may be entering a new era in the SEC, but with talent like this, the Longhorns are not just trying to keep up—they’re aiming to dominate.
