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For a good team like Texas to win the national title, or the SEC title for that matter, some members of the freshman class are going to have to step up and be an impactful part of the team. Last year, saw wide receiver Ryan Wingo and defensive end Colin Simmons make big contributions to the Longhorns run to the college football playoff semifinal in the Cotton Bowl.
The in-coming class was the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation for the 2025 cycle. So there should be some true blue chip prospects ready to challenge for playing time. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian does a good job or giving freshman a chance and working them into the lineup when he thinks they will help.
There are some positions that are more likely to need freshman to chip in. Positions that have a lot of rotation, like defensive line, wide receiver and the defensive backfield, are areas where substitution is needed to keep the everyone fresh. Or, for the defensive backs, adapting personnel to fit changing formations by the opponent.
The early enrollees should have a leg up on the Texas players that are just getting to campus this summer. Each early enrollee had the unique benefit of an entire spring to practice with the team and familiarize themselves with the Texas way.
Here are four early-enrollee freshmen that could have a big impact this year:
1. Justus Terry – DL
It was a huge recruiting coup when the Horns signed Terry. Texas wrestled him away from his home state of Georgia. After signing day, Terry said it was the NIL package that landed him in Austin.
Whatever the case, Terry has been on campus since January and even took part in some bowl practices with the team last season. He should be depth in the interior of the defensive line to start and could easily work his way into a larger role down the stretch.
2. Michael Terry III – WR
Terry III was also a huge late addition to the 2025 class. The five-star played many positions in high school, but Sark wants Terry to master one position on the 40 Acres before branching out. Right now, Terry is taking reps at receiver.
“We’ve really got him honed in on receiver right now. And you see real flashes of the physical ability that he has. When you’re a jack of all trades, like he was in high school, we’re trying to get him to be a master of one first.” – Steve Sarkisian on Michael Terry III
Look for the former Alamo Heights all-purpose back to get some snaps at receiver. If he makes some plays, he’ll get more and more.
3. Jonah Williams – S
Jonah Williams has already had an impact on campus. Williams enrolled early, but he joined the baseball team and worked his way into a starting role for a stretch during the heart of the SEC schedule. Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian told Williams to work with the football team when he could, but to go play baseball this spring.
“I think that starts with Sark, Coach Sark. You know, I’ve coached plenty of football/baseball guys where either the football coach or the assistant football coach, the position coach, is in their ear, putting pressure on them saying, ‘Hey, what are you doing over there? You need to be over here.’ And Sark from Day 1 has been, ‘Oh no man, he’s a baseball player.’ You know, for spring practice we’re going to have to work through some things. But he’s been super supportive and I think that clears Jonah’s mind where he can be all-in as a baseball player. We love having him around and hope that he can help us this year.” – Texas Longhorns baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle
Williams showed off his superior athletic ability and his desire to push his team to a win. He should be getting a lot of snaps in the defensive backfield by mid-season.
4. Jaime Ffrench – WR
Ffrench is another early enrollee at wide receiver. The freshman that got to go through quarterback Arch Manning’s first spring as started was a unique opportunity. While Manning gained some familiarity some some receivers last year, for the most part it is a clean slate. If a freshman becomes a favored target of QB1’s then he’ll get more playing time.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Florida native was highly ranked. From an athletic standpoint, he should be one of the most gifted wide outs on the roster. Ffrench is considered a good route runner with good hands. UT lost two receivers to the NFL Draft, which is another reason Ffrench will have an opportunity.
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