5 THINGS TO WATCH

Coming off a disappointing 5-7 season, Texas is looking to rebound in 2022 under second-year coach Steve Sarkisian.

Here are five things to watch with the Longhorns this season:

WILL EWERS HOLD

ONTO THE STARTING JOB?

1 Redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers accomplished his first goal at Texas by winning the starting job. Now he has to hold onto the gig. Redshirt sophomore Hudson Card only retained the starting job through Week 2 last year. And while Card put up a good fight with Ewers this offseason, Sarkisian doesn't want to deal with mid-season quarterback shuffling again. Ewers posted absurd numbers as a five-star prospect at Southlake Carroll before reclassifying and enrolling early at Ohio State last summer. Now, he's in charge of leading an offense with plenty of explosive playmakers and a rebuilt offensive line.

WHO REPLACES DICKER?

2 Don't underestimate how important punter/kicker Cameron Dicker was for Texas last season. He excelled at both jobs, one of the few bright spots during a dismal season. Texas is already set at punter with redshirt freshman Isaac Pearson, who has looked solid enough throughout practice and scrimmages. The real battle is at kicker, where sophomore Bert Auburn and freshman Will Stone are competing.

CAN ANYONE GET TO THE QUARTERBACK?

3 Only one Longhorn recorded more than two sacks last season, and edge defender Ben Davis (2½ sacks) isn't around anymore. That isn't going to cut it this year, and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has moved some pieces around to try to avoid a repeat performance. Senior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown will play more off the edge, adding some power and athleticism to a pass rush that didn't make opposing offensive linemen work too hard a year ago. And sophomore edge defender Barryn Sorrell has been one of the team's most improved players this offseason, working his way into a starting spot opposite fifth-year senior Ovie Oghoufo. Sophomore tackle Byron Murphy II also looms as an X-factor. If he has a breakout season, Texas' defense will be much improved.

IS THE SANDERS HYPE REAL?

4 A five-star signee who played two ways at Denton Ryan, sophomore Ja'Tavion Sanders is easily the most exciting tight end Texas has had in years. And he hasn't even caught a pass yet. Sanders spent his first year on campus learning the tricks of the trade, beefing up and becoming a more effective blocker. At 6-foot-4, 242 pounds, Sanders might be the most athletic player on this team. And he could finally give Texas a dynamic receiving threat at tight end.

WHO ELSE STEPS UP AT RECEIVER?

5 Sophomore Xavier Worthy is already one of the nation's best. Fourth-year wideout Jordan Whittington is an All-Big 12 talent when healthy, which he finally is. But losing Wyoming transfer Isaiah Neyor to a torn ACL cost Texas its third musketeer for the season. Iowa State graduate transfer Tarique Milton isn't on Neyor's level, but he could slide into the role. Sophomore Troy Omeire is trending the right way after two straight season-ending injuries. And redshirt freshman Casey Cain has been one of the biggest surprises of training camp.

But Sarkisian will likely use a number of players in three-receiver sets until one is able to really rise above the pack.