Entering the 2023-24 season, Texas football faces much scrutiny over the program’s future since headliner Bijan Robinson joined the NFL. A team that finished 8-5 overall (6-3 in the Big 12) last season, the Longhorns now look to rebound from what some may have considered an underwhelming season. With Robinson’s departure, head coach Steve Sarkisian’s third season at the Forty Acres will have Longhorn fans hopeful for new faces who can make an immediate impact.

Adonai Mitchell

Simply known as AD, Adonai Mitchell is a 2022 College Football Playoff National Champion. A Missouri City native, Mitchell transferred to Texas to be closer to home. Last season, a high ankle sprain barred the outside receiver for most of the season. Mitchell then competed in Georgia’s final six games, playing a massive role in the College Football Playoff with a touchdown against Ohio State and TCU. Coming in at 6 feet, 4 inches, Mitchell’s frame and catch radius will surely catapult Texas to one of the nation’s top receiving corps as he joins Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington.

Anthony Hill

A Denton, Texas native, Anthony Hill is bound to have an instant role in a vastly improved Texas defense. The Denton-Ryan High School linebacker concluded his senior season as a five-star recruit, committing to Texas last December. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s defensive schemes allow players to thrive in specific roles relative to their strengths. Two of Hill’s greatest strengths are his outstanding athleticism and pass-rush ability. These skills are precisely what Steve Sarkisian appreciated from his front seven this spring. 

“I think we have some good packages now where we can get people on the field in certain combinations, and they can be very disruptive,” Sarkisian said. “I think our linebackers are good rushers as well.” 

While he is not yet an official starter, Hill is primed to have consistent playing time as a freshman.

Jalen Catalon

Another Texas native, Jalen Catalon, was brought in through the transfer portal. Originally from Mansfield, the safety is a redshirt senior who transferred from Arkansas. Catalan’s redshirt freshman season (2020) was his best, garnering him All-SEC first-team honors (AP) with 99 total tackles, three interceptions and four passes broken up. But Catalon’s transfer comes with an injury history. Since that 2020 season, Catalon has had consecutive season-ending injuries, playing just seven games in the past two seasons. Catalon would be a much-needed addition to a Texas defensive backroom if healthy. 

Texas will open its 2023-24 season at home against Rice on Sep. 2, where these new, impactful players can show they have what it takes to be a Longhorn amid Texas’ final Big 12 season.