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Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

All content by Payne Williams
Texas’ dance ends in the Elite Eight to the hands of Miami, Jordan Miller

Texas’ dance ends in the Elite Eight to the hands of Miami, Jordan Miller

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor March 26, 2023

No. 2-seed Texas’ run finally came to an end on Sunday in a 88–81 loss to No. 5-seed Miami in the Elite Eight. The loss in Kansas City marks the Longhorns’ first since March 1 and the final game...

The best defense is great offense: Rodney Terry compares early conference loss to upcoming Elite Eight matchup

The best defense is great offense: Rodney Terry compares early conference loss to upcoming Elite Eight matchup

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor March 25, 2023

No. 2-seed Texas is set to face one of the hottest offensive teams in the country in No. 5-seed Miami on Sunday in the Elite Eight, and interim head coach Rodney Terry recalled the Longhorns’ high-scoring...

Sweet Similarities as No. 2-seed Texas looks to past success in 83-71 win over No. 3-seed Xavier

Sweet Similarities as No. 2-seed Texas looks to past success in 83-71 win over No. 3-seed Xavier

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor March 24, 2023

15 years have passed since Texas last appeared in the Sweet 16, and on Friday, the Longhorns saw many flashbacks to the 2008 tournament after their victory over Xavier. Head coach Rick Barnes led No....

Texas takes Big 12 Tournament crown with 20-point victory over Kansas

Texas takes Big 12 Tournament crown with 20-point victory over Kansas

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor March 11, 2023

No. 2-seed Texas won the Big 12 Tournament on Saturday, defeating No. 1-seed Kansas 76-56 in a dominant victory in Kansas City. In what was a near-home environment at the T-Mobile Center, a mere 45...

Disu, Morris lead Texas past Oklahoma State in Big 12 tournament quarterfinals

Disu, Morris lead Texas past Oklahoma State in Big 12 tournament quarterfinals

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor March 10, 2023

No. 2 seed Texas advanced to the Big 12 tournament semifinals after a variety of Longhorns helped defeat No. 7 seed Oklahoma State, 61-47 on Thursday in Kansas City. The win comes on the heels of a...

'These guys never stop working': Texas' seniors leave their mark

‘These guys never stop working’: Texas’ seniors leave their mark

Matthew Caldwell and Payne Williams March 10, 2023

Marcus Carr (G) In his two seasons at Texas, graduate student Marcus Carr has proven himself as one of the program’s top performers. Carr, along with Timmy Allen, is one of four Longhorns to reach...

No. 9 Texas unable to keep up with No. 22 TCU in 73-75 loss

No. 9 Texas unable to keep up with No. 22 TCU in 73-75 loss

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor March 1, 2023

No. 9 Texas failed to earn a piece of the Big 12 regular season title after Wednesday’s 73-75 loss to No. 22 TCU in Fort Worth. The Longhorns couldn’t find their footing from the game’s tip both...

Senior forward Timmy Allen runs downcourt during Texas' game versus Texas Tech on Jan. 14, 2023.

No. 8 Texas projected No. 2-seed in March Madness but ceiling could be higher

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor February 22, 2023

Texas men’s basketball has a chance to enter March Madness with the highest seed it has held since 2008. It’s been 15 years since the Longhorns entered March’s tournament with a 2-seed or higher. However,...

Rice leads No. 6 Texas past Oklahoma, 85-83

Rice leads No. 6 Texas past Oklahoma, 85-83

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor February 18, 2023

No. 6 Texas stamped its series against Oklahoma on Saturday with an 85-83 overtime victory at the Moody Center. “We’ll be in games like this for the rest of the year,” interim head coach Rodney...

No. 5 Texas cruises past West Virginia, 94-60

No. 5 Texas cruises past West Virginia, 94-60

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor February 11, 2023

In No. 5 Texas’ return to the Moody Center on Saturday, the Longhorns completed the sweep against West Virginia with a dominant 94-60 win. “I’ll take the win however I can get it, but it does...

Big 12 men’s basketball will still be competitive with new teams

Big 12 men’s basketball will still be competitive with new teams

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor February 6, 2023

Although the Big 12 continues to prove itself as one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, things may not be easier next season. The conference currently features the most ranked teams...

Second half swarm vaults No. 10 Texas over No. 7 Kansas State, 69-66

Second half swarm vaults No. 10 Texas over No. 7 Kansas State, 69-66

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor February 5, 2023

No. 10 Texas earned a statement win and avoided the sweep on Saturday as it defeated No. 7 Kansas State, 69-66, on the road. “This is one of the best wins I’ve ever been a part of,” interim head...

Bad News, Bears: No. 10 Texas takes down No. 11 Baylor, 76-71

Bad News, Bears: No. 10 Texas takes down No. 11 Baylor, 76-71

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor January 31, 2023

No. 10 Texas secured a bounce-back win on Monday, defeating No. 11 Baylor 76-71 at the Moody Center. The Longhorns win means Texas has yet to lose two games in a row this season. “I was really proud...

No. 10 Texas set to face one of the country’s best defenses Saturday at No. 4 Tennessee

No. 10 Texas set to face one of the country’s best defenses Saturday at No. 4 Tennessee

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor January 26, 2023

No. 10 Texas travels to Knoxville on Saturday to face No. 4 Tennessee in the 10th annual and final SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Texas acting head coach Rodney Terry and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes face each...

No. 10 Texas completes another comeback victory, defeating Texas Tech 72-70

No. 10 Texas completes another comeback victory, defeating Texas Tech 72-70

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor January 15, 2023

No. 10 Texas defeated Texas Tech 72-70, in the Longhorns’ second straight home victory Saturday night. For the second time this week, Texas got off to a slow start offensively and trailed entering...

Texas overcomes 18-point deficit to defeat TCU in a 79-75 home win

Texas overcomes 18-point deficit to defeat TCU in a 79-75 home win

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor January 12, 2023

No. 10 Texas was down 18 points to TCU in the first half, but clawed its way back to nab a  79-75 win on Wednesday night at the Moody Center. TCU head coach Jamie Dixon had one answer when it came...

No. 6 Texas overcomes pressure in 56-46 road win against Oklahoma State

No. 6 Texas overcomes pressure in 56-46 road win against Oklahoma State

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor January 8, 2023

No. 6 Texas earned a much-needed win Saturday, defeating Oklahoma State 56-46 and proving its ability to play smothering defense. Despite the low-scoring matchup and wildly different performance to...

No. 6 Texas unable to find answer to Kansas State’s scoring barrage in 116-103 loss

No. 6 Texas unable to find answer to Kansas State’s scoring barrage in 116-103 loss

Payne Williams, Sports Desk Editor January 4, 2023

No. 6 Texas fell to Kansas State 116-103 Tuesday night at the Moody Center, marking the Longhorns’ first loss of conference play and first defeat since Dec. 6 against Illinois. In Rodney Terry’s...

Despite second-half surge, No. 2 Texas falls to No. 17 Illinois in OT

Despite second-half surge, No. 2 Texas falls to No. 17 Illinois in OT

Payne Williams, Senior sports reporter December 6, 2022

No. 2 Texas dropped its first game of the season in an overtime 78-85 loss against No. 17 Illinois on Tuesday night in New York. The first game of the annual Jimmy V Classic doubleheader — which raises...

Dylan Disu reflects on college journey from Vanderbilt to Texas

Dylan Disu reflects on college journey from Vanderbilt to Texas

Payne Williams, Senior sports reporter November 29, 2022

In his freshman and sophomore seasons at Vanderbilt, forward Dylan Disu was one of the most electric young players in college basketball. Now a senior leader for No. 2 Texas men’s basketball, Disu...

Notes on the Coach - Baylor

Notes on the Coach – Baylor

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter November 21, 2022

Baylor head coach Dave Aranda knows defense and success. Aranda served as defensive coordinator for multiple programs including LSU, Wisconsin, Utah State, Cal Lutheran, Delta State and Hawaii. Not to...

Let's Go Bowling: 2022 Bowl Game Predictions

Let’s Go Bowling: 2022 Bowl Game Predictions

Payne Williams and Evan Vieth November 21, 2022

Bowl game matchups start to take shape as the 2022 college football season wraps up. Although conference championships will play a big role in finalizing matchups, the Daily Texan put together some bowl...

Keys to the Game - Kansas

Keys to the Game – Kansas

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter November 18, 2022

Re-establish the run game Bijan Robinson saw his least productive game of the season last week against TCU. The junior rushed for just 29 yards — marking his lowest rushing yardage of the season and...

Sophomore Tyrese Hunter advances down the court while dribbling during a game against UT El Paso on Nov. 07, 2022. The Longhorns won 72-57.

Tyrese Hunter, defense propel No. 11 Texas basketball to statement win over No. 2 Gonzaga

Payne Williams, Senior sports reporter November 17, 2022

All cylinders fired on Wednesday night for No. 11 Texas men’s basketball in its decisive 93-74 statement victory over No. 2 Gonzaga at the Moody Center. Texas hosted Gonzaga in the two teams’...

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Big 12 Power Rankings – Week 11

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter November 10, 2022

1) TCU No. 4 TCU is the Big 12’s only undefeated team, and the Horned Frogs have serious playoff hopes on the line. While not flashy, TCU proved it can win games behind a dominant rushing attack and...

Sophomore Tyrese Hunter advances down the court while dribbling during a game against UT El Paso on Nov. 07, 2022. The Longhorns won 72-57.

No. 12 Texas’ newcomers led Longhorns past stout UTEP opponent to victory in season opener

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter November 8, 2022

The No. 12 Texas men’s basketball team fought through a turnover-riddled first half on its way to defeating UTEP 72-57 in the team’s season opener on Monday. Playing the first official basketball...

Heisman Watch - Week 10

Heisman Watch – Week 10

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter November 4, 2022

Hendon Hooker Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker continues his dominant season in the SEC. The senior is coming off his second-consecutive three-touchdown performance in last week’s 44-7 win over then-No....

Head-to-Head History: Oklahoma State

Head-to-Head History: Oklahoma State

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter October 20, 2022

No. 20 Texas enters this weekend as the favorite in its matchup against No. 11 Oklahoma State. While the Cowboys ran the table in the 2010s, the Longhorns boast a 26-10 all-time record against their Stillwater...

Veteran Longhorns learn from youth, provide leadership on men’s basketball roster

Veteran Longhorns learn from youth, provide leadership on men’s basketball roster

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter October 18, 2022

Despite Chris Beard fulfilling his first season as head coach, last year’s men’s basketball team was defined by seniority and experience throughout the roster. But with Beard bringing in several...

Heisman Watch - Week 7

Heisman Watch – Week 7

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter October 14, 2022

CJ Stroud CJ Stroud sits in the driver’s seat of both the nation’s most potent offense and the Heisman race halfway into the regular season. The junior leads the nation with 24 passing touchdowns...

Longhorn Lookback: Texas looks to prevent late game collapse

Longhorn Lookback: Texas looks to prevent late game collapse

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter October 7, 2022

Texas faces Oklahoma on Saturday, marking the two rivals’ 118th meeting and the first of the century where both teams enter unranked. The Red River Rivalry hasn’t featured both the Longhorns and Sooners...

West Virginia: Opponents to Watch

West Virginia: Opponents to Watch

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter September 30, 2022

Texas looks to bounce back Saturday as West Virginia comes to town for each team’s second test in the Big 12. Both squads are also looking for their first win in conference play after the Longhorns’...

Week 4: Keys to the Game

Week 4: Keys to the Game

Payne Williams, Sports reporter September 22, 2022

Texas dives into Big 12 conference play Saturday as the team travels to Lubbock to face Texas Tech. The game also marks the Longhorns’ first game of the season without a seemingly elemental home crowd. Texas...

Notes on the Coach: Jeff Traylor

Notes on the Coach: Jeff Traylor

Payne Williams, Sports reporter September 15, 2022

UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor returns to his collegiate coaching roots in his Texas homecoming.  Since he left UT-Austin at the end of the 2016, he’s left a mark on the Roadrunners and other marquee...

Historical dominance, short-term woes addressed Saturday as Texas hosts No. 1 Alabama

Historical dominance, short-term woes addressed Saturday as Texas hosts No. 1 Alabama

Payne Williams, Sports reporter September 8, 2022

A chance for redemption awaits the Longhorns this Saturday as No. 1 Alabama visits DKR, the two teams’ first meeting in over a decade. The game also marks the first time Texas has hosted Alabama in Austin...

Get to know the newest Longhorns football transfers

Get to know the newest Longhorns football transfers

Payne Williams, Sports reporter September 1, 2022

Head coach Steve Sarkisian hit the transfer portal hard this offseason. As Texas seeks to bounce back from a 5-7 finish, here are five transfers who are sure to make an immediate impact. Quinn Ewers The...

Sarkisian pushes back against depth chart controversy, stresses need for further competition

Sarkisian pushes back against depth chart controversy, stresses need for further competition

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter September 1, 2022

In an apparent break from tradition, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian chose Monday not to release an official depth chart for Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Monroe. The decision, while not unheard...

With injuries and lack of depth along offensive line, freshmen expected to play key roles

With injuries and lack of depth along offensive line, freshmen expected to play key roles

Payne Williams, Senior Sports Reporter August 25, 2022

For the Orange-White game in April, the Longhorns had nine available scholarship offensive linemen. Of the 18 currently listed on Texas’ roster, half are freshmen or redshirt freshmen. Even in fall...

Longhorns in NFL Week 11

Longhorns in NFL Week 11

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 18, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the November 23 Double Coverage flipbook. Marquise Goodwin On what seemed to be a game-winning touchdown, Chicago Bears wide receiver Marquise...

Longhorns in the NFL Week 10

Longhorns in the NFL Week 10

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 18, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the November 19 Double Coverage flipbook. D’onta Foreman D’Onta Foreman contributed on the ground and through the air during the Tennessee...

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Longhorns showed up in big moments in Week 9 of NFL action

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 17, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the November 12 Double Coverage flipbook. Colt McCoy Texas legend and Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Colt McCoy took full advantage of...

Former Longhorns shined on the defensive side of the ball in Week 8 of NFL action

Former Longhorns shined on the defensive side of the ball in Week 8 of NFL action

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 17, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the November 5 Double Coverage flipbook. Adrian Phillips Adrian Phillips helped secure the New England Patriots a tight upset victory over the...

Longhorns in the NFL: Week 7

Longhorns in the NFL: Week 7

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 16, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the October 29 Double Coverage flipbook. Trey Hopkins At the forefront of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line, Trey Hopkins helped pave...

Former Longhorns shine in the trenches in Week 5 of NFL action

Former Longhorns shine in the trenches in Week 5 of NFL action

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 16, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the October 15 Double Coverage flipbook. Quandre Diggs Quandre Diggs made his presence evident in the Seattle Seahawks’ secondary on Thursday...

Longhorn Lookback: Recording the Red River

Longhorn Lookback: Recording the Red River

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 16, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the October 8 Double Coverage flipbook. The Longhorns head to Dallas this weekend to face No. 6 Oklahoma in one of the most beloved rivalries in...

From Masters to top of amateurs, golf blood runs deep in Coody family

From Masters to top of amateurs, golf blood runs deep in Coody family

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 15, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the November 12 flipbook.  Pierceson and Parker Coody are some of the nation’s best golfers, and they have the genes to prove it.  The twins’...

Longhorns in the NFL: Tucker makes history and other things in Week 3

Longhorns in the NFL: Tucker makes history and other things in Week 3

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 14, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the October 1 Double Coverage flipbook. Texas football alums showed up and showed out Sunday across the league. For longstanding Texas fans, Longhorns...

Texas overcomes slow shooting start to take down Jackson State, 78-64

Texas overcomes slow shooting start to take down Jackson State, 78-64

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter December 2, 2021

The Longhorns showed up aggressive in a Wednesday night win over Jackson State. No. 15 Texas’ swarming style was initially a mixed bag but fell eventually in the team’s favor after the Longhorns’...

Longhorns in the NFL

Longhorns in the NFL

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter October 25, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the September 24 Double Coverage flipbook. Week 2 of the NFL season featured a handful of Longhorns who shined on both sides of the ball, putting...

Mike Bloomgren: Rice’s offensively-minded point man looks to disrupt Texas

Mike Bloomgren: Rice’s offensively-minded point man looks to disrupt Texas

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter October 21, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the September 17 Double Coverage flipbook. Rice hopes to secure its first win of the season under head coach Mike Bloomgren’s fourth season leading...

Texas basketball: by the minutes

Texas basketball: by the minutes

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter October 15, 2021

Chris Beard hit the ground running and constructed a high caliber team that consists mostly of transfers.  After Texas basketball lost four starters to the NBA draft, Beard went and recruited six of the...

Pierceson Coody, Mason Nome shine as No. 5 Texas men’s golf takes home first Big 12 Match Play title

Pierceson Coody, Mason Nome shine as No. 5 Texas men’s golf takes home first Big 12 Match Play title

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter October 15, 2021

Pierceson Coody and Mason Nome highlighted Texas’ performance en route to its championship victory over Texas Tech to put a stamp on the fall season. The No. 5 Longhorns men’s golf team took first...

Texas faces off against Big 12 rivals and other top contenders in Fort Worth

Texas faces off against Big 12 rivals and other top contenders in Fort Worth

Payne Williams October 6, 2021

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared as part of the October 1 flipbook. A proven Texas roster with high expectations looks towards elite status and a top finish at the upcoming Colonial Collegiate...

Texas men’s golf ties for 7th at the Colonial Collegiate Invitational

Texas men’s golf ties for 7th at the Colonial Collegiate Invitational

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter October 5, 2021
Big 12 foes Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and TCU all edged out  Texas, but the Longhorns weren’t without impressive performances.
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No step lost in Longhorns’ Carrollton golf season debut

Payne Williams, Sports Reporter September 17, 2021

The Texas men’s golf team showed promise in its first invitational of the season. The No. 5 Longhorns took second in the Maridoe Collegiate Invitational in Carrollton. Fifteen teams competed in the...

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