10 preseason questions for Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns ahead of 2024 season

Texas' inaugural campaign in the SEC has already been the subject of massive media interest and scrutiny. The Longhorns, of course, reached the College Football Playoff in their last pre-SEC campaign. But now, the move is complete, and here are 10 preseason questions about the Longhorns.

10 preseason questions for Texas Longhorns

Texas QB Quinn Ewers is a settled star, but how will he split time with Arch Manning in 2024? (Photo credit: IMAGN)

#1. Are they ready for the SEC grind?

This is the most immediate and significant question. Texas hasn't faced week-in and week-out opposition like this in the Big 12. That said, with Vandy, Mississippi State and Arkansas on their SEC schedule, it's not like Texas is playing the NFC West next year.

#2. Will Arch Manning play?

Most teams are wondering about QB1. Quinn Ewers gives Texas the luxury of pondering Manning and when and how much he will play. It seems unlikely that he wouldn't see some significant clock, but at the same time, it'll be hard to keep Ewers off the field for more than blowouts and occasional series opportunities.

#3. What will the RB rotation be like?

A year ago, even with Jonathon Brooks, Texas split carries between Brooks (187 rushes), CJ Baxter (138) and Jaydon Blue (65). Of course, Brooks is gone. Baxter and Blue will have roles, but so might star freshman candidate Jerrick Gibson. It will be interesting to see how carries and time are split.

#4. Who will be WR1?

Texas has a ton of wide receiver talent, but it's far from clear who will be the top target. A year ago, Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell were a terrific tandem. Both are gone and now, who is the guy to target on a key third down? It could be Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond or Oregon State transfer Silas Bolden. Ryan Wingo? Matthew Golden? Johntay Cook II? Possibilities are many. Answers are few.

#5. How are the new defensive linemen?

There's not much turnover in Texas' defense, but they are plugging in some new defensive linemen up front. Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke are back, and UTSA transfer Trey Moore is a standout. Prospect Colin Simmons is good, and a couple of veteran options at tackle should be solid. Much like receivers, plenty of guys, but who will emerge?

#6. Who's the new punter?

It's not a glamorous topic, but Ryan Sanborn finished up. Freshman Michael Kern might be the guy or Ian Ratliff. Texas' special teams are generally excellent, but this spot is something of an unknown heading into the season.

#7. Are they ready for Georgia?

The game that might tell the tale of Texas' first SEC season will be only their sixth matchup ever with Georgia. It is a home game for Texas, which bodes well, even if they're likely to be a home underdog for just the second time in Sarkisian's four seasons. This is an out-of-the-kitchen, into-the-skillet kind of matchup for the Longhorns.

#8. How will the Michigan game go?

An earlier indicator of UT's season will be Week 2 at Michigan. That's a daunting road task and should provide a significant glimpse of early-season progress. Of course, given the amount of turnover in Michigan's program, this game isn't a certain guarantee of progress. But it could be a meaningful signpost.

#9. Can the Longhorns reach 10 regular season wins?

A 10-2 season should get Texas comfortably into the CFP. For that matter, 9-3 might well do it, but 10 wins is a solid goal. Frankly, Texas shouldn't be challenged in the majority of its games. Somewhere between seven and nine teams on Texas' schedule frankly look like easy wins.

If that number is closer to nine and Texas does okay in the other games, they'll be fine. The problem area is if that number is more like seven and Texas doesn't play as well in the competitive games.

#10. How deep in the CFP could Texas go?

A season ago, reaching the playoffs was a big deal. But now that the particular bloom is off the flower, goals have to be higher in 2024. A season ago, Texas played two nationally elite teams and went 1-1. It'll take more quality wins to go deeper into the playoffs.

What are you wondering about or expecting from Texas in 2024? Share your issues and thoughts below in our comments section!