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Tre Johnson: Empty Gyms to the NBA Draft

Written by Brian Tosti on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL, TEXAS SPORTS.

It’s hard to miss Tre Johnson on the court.

I remember the first time I saw him in summer 2022. I was doing NBA Player
Development interning and there was a kid who was already in the gym in doing ball handling as
we were coming in. Everything he did was precise. He didn’t make a mistake. I continued to
watch him do the same moves over and over, instantly intrigued.
I was appointed to rebound for him the duration of the workout. He missed no more than five
shots total from all over the floor. Floaters, jumpers, off the dribble, finishes, the whole nine
yards. I was even more shocked when I was told he was about to be a junior in high school.
Amongst guys who are now pros, Tre stood out even then. The Lake Highlands gym was hot, the
floor slick with sweat.

It didn’t matter.

We were able to see this past season that when Tre Johnson is locked in, there is not much
you can do to stop him. His rookie year at Texas did not disappoint. The 6-6 guard was the
leading scorer of the Longhorns with 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, he
glimpsed some of the reasons why he is a lock to be a lottery pick in this upcoming draft. He hit
47 percent on field goals, 38 on three-pointers and 86 percent on free throws, all of the time
attracting the most hard core defenders on the perimeter, game after game.
He did not just score in bulk, he scored in variety. Johnson has always been able to find
space, reach his positions, and shoot at a rhythm, despite playing against top SEC defenses. It
could be a step back jumper late in the shot clock or an off-the-bounce floater over an opposing
shot-blocker in the lane, but he showed that he had a complete offense arsenal. What worked in
his favor perhaps most importantly with scouts is that he could play on the ball, as well as off of
it. He exhibited play-making ability when Texas employed him as a point guard in crunch-time
moments.

Going into the 2026 NBA Draft, Johnson has been constantly slated as a top 5 selection, with
some even projecting him to go to the NBA as the No. 2 overall pick. His poise, footwork, and
mature feel of the game is praised by NBA scouts. He has been compared to Devin Booker and
Jayson Tatum since high school, two players that score very easily, and his freshman season with
the Texas Longhorns did nothing to quell that comparison. What sets Johnson apart isn’t just his
skill—it’s his approach. He’s business-like in his preparation, meticulous in his training, and
unbothered by the spotlight.

If his college debut was any indication, Tre’ Johnson isn’t just ready for the NBA—he’s ready to
make an impact the moment he arrives.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.

The Top 5 Challenges Facing Coach Steve Sarkisian

Written by Thomas L. Seltzer on . Posted in UT FOOTBALL.

The Top 5 Challenges Facing Coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns as they embark on the 2025 season:

1. Rebuilding the Offensive Line
Challenge: Replace four NFL-bound starters.

Last year’s line saw Kelvin Banks Jr., Cam Williams, Hayden Conner, and Jake Majors drafted or signed by NFL teams. While Sarkisian and coach Kyle Flood used the portal and recruited well, the group lacks live-game chemistry. Sark warned of growing pains despite development.
This season’s performance in Week 1 at Ohio State will be telling.

2. Navigating NIL & Revenue Politics

Challenge: Balancing transparency, budget, and compliance.

Texas projects a $35 million football payroll under new NCAA-House NIL settlement rules—yet Coach Sark has publicly challenged inflated rumors of a $40 million NIL budget

He advocates an NFL-style cap-and-control while pushing for antitrust-protections for school-sponsored NIL

Managing athletes’ market expectations while staying compliant is a tightrope walk.

3. X-Factors: Depth & Leadership Transition

Challenge: Replacing departed leadership and filling new roles.
The team lost key leaders from the 2023–24 runs. Emerging figures like Arch Manning, Wisner, Hill Jr., and Taaffe must fill that leadership void.

Meanwhile, depth concerns linger—especially on the defensive line, offensive line, and tight end spots.

4. Cultural Consistency

Challenge: Sustaining ‘Culture Wednesdays’ synergy amid roster shifts.
Sark overhauled UT’s culture early in his tenure with initiatives like “Culture Wednesdays” to foster unity.

But mid-season departures like Johntay Cook II raised concerns.

The coach must keep team cohesion and identity strong through potential growing pains and injuries.

5. Expectations & National Title Pressure

Challenge: Delivering on elite expectations.

After back-to-back CFP semifinal runs, the dominant question is: “Can Sark finally capture Texas’ first national championship under his watch?”

With a brutal opening at Ohio State and SEC rematch against Georgia, this season is pivotal.

In Summary

Coach Sark is steering a championship-caliber team—but navigating high-risk waters:

Reforming the offensive trenches.
Staying ahead in the NIL game.
Fostering leadership in a new locker room, and maintaining cultural momentum

And ultimately, meeting national expectations is the biggest challenge Coach Sark will face in 2025!

Success hinges on minimizing growing pains, integrating fresh leaders, and delivering clutch wins in major spots. Sark’s blueprint is bold, but this
season’s outcomes will ultimately
define its legacy.

The first test will be Ohio State Aug 30th!

The Wave of Name, Image, and Likeness

Written by Amaria Fields on . Posted in NCAA.

The wave of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has completely altered the nature of
high school recruiting and no program has been more active in taking advantage of this
shift than the UT-Austin. The recruiting process has now become dubious in terms of
focusing more on the aspect of the business opportunity as opposed to focusing more on
coaching stacs, facilities, and tradition. As UT Austin has embraced this new reality, it has
developed among the most sophisticated NIL support systems in college sports. The
university has its system of support with in-house NIL departments, legal facilities, and

branding education, which allows recruits to be confident that they can develop as an
athlete and a personal brand.

Playing time is no longer the only factor that recruits view when considering
schools, but the ability to create an NIL value as well has become a factor in play. UT
provides the money to match entry-level professional wages with deep-pocketed donor
collectives and organized funds, such as Texas One Fund and Horns With Heart. Such
groups make it clear to recruits that to be a Longhorn is more than playing on the field it is
about creating a business. This has raised the state of Texas in the national recruiting wars,
particularly in football and basketball when NIL can take in the range of six or seven figures
before a player takes a single minute of college play.

The pitch from Texas to high school athletes now includes not just tradition, but
opportunity: a chance to partner with global brands, appear in national media campaigns,
and build long-term wealth. Some athletes arrive on campus with existing NIL deals and
are immediately slotted into curated marketing strategies tailored to their personal stories
and goals. Even official visits have become NIL showcases, featuring luxury cars, private
dinners, and social media exposure—all to give prospects a glimpse of the lifestyle and
business network they can access at UT.

For UT, the NIL era is not a disruption—it’s an extension of its brand. The university’s
size, location, alumni network, and reputation already made it a recruiting giant. Now, with
NIL reshaping the game, Texas is proving it can lead not just in sports performance, but in
building athlete entrepreneurs. As NIL continues to evolve, UT Austin remains at the
forefront, treating high school recruitment not just as a pathway to trophies, but as a
gateway to long-term success for the athletes themselves.

 

Amaria Fields – Covers sports for Texas Sports Monthly and Hook Em News. She played at Boston College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and Is a McKinney North alum where she hold several offensive records and scored over 1,900 career points. Ms. Fields also worked in NBA Player Development and with both the Mavericks and Celtics organizations.

Longhorn Football Preview: 2025

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in UT FOOTBALL.

As the Texas baseball team tries to fight its way back to Omaha, Longhorn football fans might feel a little like Yogi Berra as they count down the days until the 2025 season opener on Sept. 5. With another quarterback battle underway and a litany of questions still lingering following Steve Sarksian’s first year at the helm, it certainly feels like deja vu all over again on the 40 Acres.

Texas got off to a solid start in 2024 with a 38-18 thrashing of Louisiana-Lafayette, but a 40-21 drubbing at the hands of Arkansas quickly brought the Longhorns back to Earth. Following wins against in-state opponents Rice, Texas Tech and TCU, though, Sarkisian’s team gave away an early 21-point lead during a crushing 55-48 loss to Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.Texas never recovered and lost five more games in a row, including an embarrassing 57-56 overtime setback at home to Kansas, before grinding out a 22-17 win against Kansas State in its season finale to finish with an uninspiring overall record of 5-7.

The Longhorns will have to show much more mental toughness versus a demanding Big 12 schedule in 2022, as well as strengthen both sides of the line of scrimmage. Texas had just one All-Big 12 selection along the offensive or defensive line in 2021, and that was OT Derek Kerstetter, who is now with the Buffalo Bills.At least while QBs Hudson Card — the hometown kid — and Quinn Ewers — the prodigal son — battle it out for starting reps, the Horns can rest easy knowing that all-conference running back Bijan Robinson is due back for his junior year after breaking out for 1,127 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in addition to 26 catches out of the backfield for 295 yards and another four scores.

Texas is also set to bring back sophomore wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who hauled in 62 passes for 981 yards and 12 TDs last season to lead the team in all three of those categories. In doing so, Worthy became the first Longhorn since Colt McCoy in 2006 to be named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.Senior running back Roschon Johnson is also set to return and can help take some of the carries off Robinson’s crowded plate, especially in short-yardage situations.

On defense, senior DT Keondre Coburn is expected to anchor the D-line, and versatile senior LB DeMarvion Overshown will be back on the weak side.In the secondary, the program once known as “DBU” will look to rebuild with CBs D’Shawn Jamison, Terrance Brooks and Ohio State transfer Ryan Watts. The safety roles will have to be occupied by newcomers, as Texas graduated three experienced performers last season.

The Longhorns are hoping the addition of former TCU defensive guru Gary Patterson will help their defense return to the form it showed when Texas was chasing national championships instead of Alamo Bowl berths.On special teams, the Longhorns will also need to find a new placekicker, although hopes of immediately finding the next Cameron Dicker or Justin Tucker are probably too optimistic. The clock is officially ticking down until kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 3 when the Longhorns welcome Louisiana-Monroe to Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for their 2022 season debut.

Texas Baseball: The Longhorns’ Storied History in Omaha

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in College Baseball, TEXAS SPORTS.

The Kings of College World Series Appearances

When it comes to making the pilgrimage to Omaha, Nebraska, no college baseball program does it better — or more often — than the Texas Longhorns.

The Longhorns hold the distinction of being the all-time leader in College World Series (CWS) appearances, and their legacy in Omaha is unmatched. From early dominance to modern consistency, the Burnt Orange and White is a fixture at college baseball’s biggest stage.

How Many Appearances?

As of 2024, Texas Baseball has made 38 appearances in the College World Series, the most of any program in NCAA history.

A Breakdown of Appearances

Decade CWS Appearances
1950s 6
1960s 5
1970s 5
1980s 6
1990s 5
2000s 5
2010s 3
2020s (so far) 3 (through 2024)
Photo: UT Athletics

Championship Success

  • National Championships: 6
    (1949, 1950, 1975, 1983, 2002, 2005)

  • Runner-Up Finishes: 6

The Longhorns have not only been frequent visitors to Omaha but also regular contenders for the national crown.

Legendary Coaches

Much of Texas Baseball’s Omaha success is tied to coaching icons:

  • Bibb Falk

  • Cliff Gustafson (22 CWS appearances, 2 national titles)

  • Augie Garrido (5 CWS appearances with Texas, 2 national titles)

  • David Pierce (multiple CWS appearances since 2018)

These leaders helped build a standard of excellence that defines the program to this day.

 

Texas and Omaha: A Special Bond

For Texas fans, trips to Omaha have become a cherished tradition. The sea of burnt orange that fills Charles Schwab Field (formerly Rosenblatt Stadium) is a testament to the deep connection between the Longhorns and the CWS.

UT’s ability to reload and return to Omaha — through different coaches, different players, and changing eras of college baseball — speaks to the program’s strength and national stature.

The Road Ahead

Under David Pierce’s leadership and with a new wave of talented players coming through Disch-Falk Field, Texas is poised to continue adding to its record-setting CWS total in the years ahead.

As Longhorn fans say every June:

“Omaha belongs to Texas.”

Thompson Trumps Card after Rice win

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

Is it Casey Thompson’s time, or will hometown product Hudson Card be the first signal caller to throw a pass during the Steve Sarkisian era?

That question has been on the forefront of Longhorns fans’ minds ever since Sark arrived on the 40 Acres to take over a program that has once again fallen stale — this time under the watch of purported savior Tom Herman. 

Thompson, a 6-1, 195-pound redshirt junior from Oklahoma City, appears to have the inside track due to his maturity level and eye-popping performance in the 2021 Alamo Bowl. After Sam Ehlinger was forced to leave the game with a shoulder injury, Thompson stole the spotlight and went 8 of 10 passing for 170 yards and four touchdowns as Texas romped to a 55-23 win over former Big 12 foe Colorado. 

A strong case for Card can be presented as well, though. The 6-2, 195-pound redshirt freshman from Lake Travis was a high school All-American that has the accuracy and timing necessary to bring the Longhorns’ passing game to life and convert key third downs.

During the annual Orange-White spring game, it was Thompson that got reps with Texas’ first-string skill players, but Card had arguably the better showing, which provided even more mystery to the position battle as the season draws closer.

Don’t expect Sark and his staff to rush to a decision. The competition will likely fuel both players and will also give the Longhorns a backup who’s instantly capable of stepping in should injury or ineffectiveness force a QB switch.

“I think we’ve got two frontline guys to start the process,” Sarkisian said of Thompson and Card. “I do like the maturity of [Thompson]. I like what he brought in the bowl game — you got a pretty good feel. We’ve obviously dug into a lot of practice tape. I like the skill set of Hudson Card. I think he’s a really talented player, and you see that when you dig into the tape.”

Photo UT Athletics

Thompson and Card each have solid mobility, but Thompson looks to be the more durable ballcarrier if he chooses to pull the pigskin down and take off downfield. That could provide an edge for Thompson as the Longhorns’ passing game rebuilds around wide receivers Josh Moore, Jordan Whittington and Troy Omiere and tight ends Cade Brewer and Jared Wiley.

A dual-threat player under center would also draw more eyes from opposing defenders and potentially make sophomore running back Bijan Robinson even more dangerous out of the backfield.

Both QBs will look to transition to Sarkisian’s run-pass option style attack that prioritizes quick hands and accuracy. The intangibles — like competitive drive and leadership — will also be tested as the Longhorns search for their new field general prior to Sept. 4’s season opener at DKR against Louisiana-Lafayette.

But even when a decision is made on who will be taking the first snaps of 2021, different questions will just replace the old ones — how much confidence does Sarkisian’s staff have in its starter, and if things go awry, how soon would a potential change be made?

In reality, the battle between Thompson and Card was decided after the Arkansas loss amd the winner of the job enjoying success is Casey Thompson. The eyes of Texas will be upon both players even though CT looks to remain a starter moving in this weeks home game versus Tech. Coach Sark hopes that the two QBs can prove both are the right one to help bring the Longhorns back to national prominence.

Baylor Bears win Title over Gonzaga:

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

Baylor’s magical run throughout the 2020-21 season ended up looking a lot like Matthew Mayer’s signature hairstyle — business in the front, party in the back.

The Bears paved the way for their championship season with hard work, discipline and attention to detail — but following an 86-70 win over Gonzaga in the national championship game, it was finally time to let loose.

Mayer’s mullet was just one of many memorable symbols along Baylor’s ride to glory in Indianapolis. The former Westlake standout transformed into a vital part of head coach Scott Drew’s bench and showcased his soft touch from beyond the arc in addition to his on-court IQ.

With the Bears’ front-court stacked with talented guards, Mayer carved out a role as a reliable scorer who remained ready to dive into the dirty work whenever necessary. The junior averaged 8.1 points per game this season while also adding 112 rebounds and 36 steals.

The former Chaparral shot 39.5% from beyond the 3-point arc, allowing him to be a deadly screener in the pick-and-pop game.

Mayer got an early taste of high-level basketball while playing for head coach Robert Lucero at Westlake. His teammates included current Longhorn Brock Cunningham and UTEP’s Keonte Kennedy, who transferred from Xavier. Mayer had plenty of offers, including from the University of Texas, but the 6-foot-8 small forward found a home in Waco and began honing his skills under Drew, who is undoubtedly one of the top college coaches in the nation.

Mayer was a contributor almost immediately off the bench and averaged 4.6 points per game as a true freshman. In his sophomore campaign, Mayer put in 4.8 points per contest.

His role expanded dramatically this season as the Bears overcame a COVID-19 break to turn on the afterburners in the final few weeks. After Baylor fell to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament, Baylor reeled off six straight wins on the country’s biggest stage to capture the program’s first-ever national championship.

Mayer was an instrumental part of the ride, which ended with an eye-opening performance against the previously-unbeaten Bulldogs of the West Coast Conference. Chalk up another win for the Lone Star State.

Texas Longhorns 2020 Preview

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

In terms of up follow-up performances, the Longhorns’ 2019 campaign was a flop compared to the Hollywood blockbuster ending provided by the Sugar Bowl win to cap the 2018 season.

Texas suffered through a rash of injuries on the defensive side of the ball and at times just plain couldn’t stop anybody. The offense was left to try and play catch-up most times and quarterback Sam Ehlinger was unable to pull off enough Houdini-esque escapes to help the Longhorns turn in another 10-win season.

Instead, Texas fell to 8-5, but a dominant showing against Utah in the Alamo Bowl offered a glimpse of the possibilities in store for 2020.

Head coach Tom Herman is looking to reload and make big waves in his fourth year on the 40 Acres, but for the season to be successful, there are several keys on both sides of the ball.

OFFENSE

The Longhorns are led by Ehlinger, who has enough experience, toughness and competitive will to give Texas a shot to win every time out. More on the senior signal caller later.

Up front, the offensive line is anchored by left tackle Sam Cosmi, who is considered a lock to be a first round NFL draft pick in 2021. Senior Derek Kerstetter will be back as well and may make the move to center, although he was graded as the nation’s top returning pass blocker following his 2019 season opposite Cosmi at right tackle.

The running game features the toughness of Keaontay Ingram and the intrigue of freshman Bijan Robinson. Roschon Johnson, who moved from quarterback to running back last season, will provide depth and versatility as well.

With Collin Johnson and workhouse Devin Duvernay now training for their first NFL seasons, the wide receiving corps will need an overhaul. Luckily, Brennan Eagles and Jake Smith return, as does Joshua Moore. Former Cuero standout Jordan Whittington is also present and could become an instant star, while transfer Tarik Black brings maturity to the WR room.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: It all starts with the running game for the Longhorns. In 2019, the Longhorns were 0-4 when rushing for less than 150 yards. In Herman’s tenure, Texas is a perfect 9-0 when rushing for more than 200 yards in a game.

DEFENSE

Texas struggled mightily on defense last season and were lit up by more than a few explosive Big 12 offenses. Heck, even Kansas racked up 569 yards and 48 points against the Horns.

A strategic change will take place in 2020 as Texas goes from a 3-4 to a 4-3 look. The Longhorns return nine starters on defense and look to have a very formidable front four featuring Joseph Ossai (DE/LB), Keondre Coburn (DT) and Ta’Quon Graham (DT). Defensive end Marqez Bimage opted out of the 2020 season and likely left a vacancy for sophomore Moro Ojomo to step into this fall.

At linebacker, Juwan Mitchell is back after deciding to stay in Austin. DeMarvion Overshown is also back practicing with the team after a hiatus during which he advocated for changes within the university.

The secondary is absolutely loaded with talent thanks to the return of safeties Caden Sterns, B.J. Foster and Chris Brown. Cornerbacks Jalen Green, D’Shawn Jamison, Josh Thompson and Kenyatta Watson II are all back after seeing a strong amount of playing time last year.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR: The dismal 2019 defense allowed a total of 5,609 yards and were routinely burned in the air. The Longhorns gave up 6.1 yards per play last season and 7.9 per pass. An added element of pressure up front will be needed to make life much more uncomfortable for opposing QBs, who were afforded far too much time to scan the field in 2019.

SAMMY HEISMAN?

All of the stars seem aligned for a truly special season from Austin’s own Sam Ehlinger.

The former Westlake Chaparral has always had the ability to pull the ball down and run with his own signature blend of quickness and power. As a passer, though, Ehlinger has put in the time and has been able to improve his completion rate every year as a starter.

In 2019, Ehlinger completed over 65% of his throws and accounted for 4,326 total yards and 39 TDs.

The senior’s leadership and drive can’t be measured by statistics, but they’re two big reasons why Ehlinger has already earned a spot on Longhorns history. In 2020, he has a chance to cement his legacy even further if he’s able to become only the third Texas player to hoist the Heisman trophy.

However, it’s too early to tell Ricky and Earl to make room in their exclusive fraternity just yet.

Michigan graduate Tarik Black lands in Texas after transfer.

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

Michigan Wolverine wide receiver Tarik Black stated this week on his Instagram that he is transferring to Texas for the fall. The former Wolverine made the decision to move on from Ann Arbor following a three-year career as a Wolverine.

A former four-star recruit out of Ceshire (CT) Cheshire Academy, Black was a part of Jim Harbaugh’s 2017 class at Michigan. The former U.S. Army All-American chose Michigan over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Mississippi State and several others. The wide receiver room in Austin was stacked over the last few years, but departures from Lil’Jordan Humphrey and 2020 draftees Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay left Texas young at the position.

Texas typically used big-bodied wide receivers like Black at the “X” position where their size provides a chain moving target for the quarterback on the outside. Collin Johnson served in that role for years in this offense, and Brennan Eagles has spent some time lined up there as well. It’s unclear how Texas offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich plans to use Black moving forward, but his presence as a veteran wide receiver should help to elevate a talented but young wide receiver room.

Reported by Horns247.com

NFL Alumnus Jon Kitna Back Having Impact on High School Student-Athletes

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NFL FOOTBALL.

When Cowboys owner Jerry Jones brought in a new coaching staff last January, the team’s outgoing quarterbacks coach Jon Kitna did not have to travel far for his next job.

Kitna, 47, was named Athletic Coordinator & Head Coach at Burleson High School located outside Ft. Worth. It’s not as unusual a  career change as it might appear.

Kitna played quarterback for four teams during a 16-year NFL career (1997-2011, 2013).  After his playing career, he began coaching at his alma mater Lincoln High School in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington.

He moved his young family to Texas in 2015 and continued coaching on the high school level in Waxahachie. In 2018, he took another high school coaching position in Phoenix before then-head coach Jason Garrett recruited him to the Cowboys to work with Zak Prescott last season. Garrett now is the Giants offensive coordinator and Kitna has resumed his high school head coaching career.

“I can’t think of a better environment for a young man than to play high school ball in a program run by Jon”, says Garrett. “He has brought out the best in those around him at every level he has coached. The significant impact he will have on his student-athletes at Burleson will be felt for the rest of their lives.” 

Kitna’s return to high school coaching  will be an opportunity to work on the field with his two teenage sons. QB Jalen will be a senior at Burleson this fall and already has been recruited by colleges from Oregon State to Yale. J.T. is a younger 14-year old son who also will  enroll and play at the school.

“One of the things I missed last year with the Cowboys was coaching Jalen,” says the elder Kitna, “but I am super excited about being able to finish coaching him this fall and then J.T. who’s coming up behind him.” 

We at NFL Alumni wish the entire Kitna family (including mom Jennifer) much success and good health in their exciting new environment.