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Texas at The Voice of College Football

Texas at The Voice of College Football

By: The Voice of College Football Network
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Welcome to Texas at The Voice of College Football Network, your home for In-depth discussion, debate, & analysis on all things Texas. We have you covered from offseason all the way to game day. Join us as we embark on another season!Hook 'Em!For business inquiries please contact: Markrogerstv@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.The Voice of College Football Network Football Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Texas Longhorns LIVE 95
    Apr 1 2026
    Opening & Sponsorship Welcome to episode 95 of Texas Longhorns Live.Sponsored/presented by FanDuel (Voice of College Football).FanDuel odds at the time: Texas at +700 to win the 2026 national championship (behind Ohio State at +550; previously Texas/Notre Dame were co-favorites). Hosts debated if Texas deserved better/equal odds to Ohio State. S&P+ Rankings Discussion (Bill Connelly/ESPN) Big Ten has stronger top-end talent (Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, etc.) recently, while SEC has better overall depth.Hosts agreed the gap at the absolute top between conferences isn't as massive as portrayed.SP+ initial 2026 projections (approximate from discussion): Ohio State #1, then Oregon/Indiana, with Texas around #4–6 (Georgia also high in SEC). Hosts felt Texas should rank higher (top 3–4) and questioned the large gap between Ohio State and the next teams.Key factors in SP+: returning production (Texas elite, especially offense), recent history, recruiting/transfers, coaching changes.Takeaway: Top 5–6 teams (Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia, Indiana, Texas) feel tightly bunched; small differences could shift dramatically by fall. Hosts suggested using such power ratings to inform future non-conference scheduling for better balance. New Roster Additions Paris Patterson (OL transfer, SMU via Arkansas): 6'5", 323 lbs, multi-time transfer with two years eligibility left. Limited snaps at SMU (21 offensive, 5 pass-blocking in recent season) but solid in small sample. High-school four-star with size/athleticism ("big lump of clay"). Hosts viewed it as potentially depth insurance or a high-ceiling developmental piece under Kyle Flood. Concern: Late addition (weeks into spring) might signal interior OL depth/competition worries (e.g., Dylan Sikorski, Devin Coleman, Nicholas Robertson not fully stepping up yet; Laurence Seymour recently declared eligible).Optimistic take: Flyer on raw talent that could contribute in 2027+ if not needed immediately. Pessimistic: If he plays meaningful snaps in 2026, OL depth might be thinner than hoped. Jackson Cook (2027 OL recruit, Westlake HS): 3-star interior lineman (guard/tackle versatility), physical/"nasty" player with good motor, length, and run-game attitude. Needs to add weight (~290 lbs now). Hosts praised Westlake pipeline and Cook's fit for adding "nastiness" and road-grading ability the offense has sometimes lacked. Likely redshirt/developmental (not day-one starter). Positive for 2027 class building (alongside Easton Royal, etc.). Early offer strategy helps retention. Broader context: OL remains a watch area (starters look strong, but depth and consistency questioned). Spring game will be key for evaluating backups and pressure allowed. Spring Practice Intel Steve Sarkeesian comments: Colin Simmons (EDGE): Sark has to "keep him from ruining practice" by dominating too much—seen as high praise for his disruptive ability, not an OL indictment.Justin Cryer (LB, transfer): Standing out early; could provide valuable depth/rotation snaps.Derrek Cooper (freshman RB): Emerging quickly; already in top-three mix with Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. Addresses need for power/backfield depth. Positive vibes on linebacker depth (Biles, Smith, Atkinson, Spence, Cryer) and RB room upgrades.Lingering concerns: Offensive line (no strong public Sark praise yet; new bodies suggest fluidity). Depth questions if injuries hit LB/OL.Overall: Encouraging individual standouts, but full picture (especially OL cohesion) won't clarify until later (summer/fall camp for some transfers/freshmen). What Constitutes Success in 2026? Broad goals: Win total over 9.5; make CFP; ideally reach SEC title game/final four.Hosts' takes: Matthew Miller: Must reach the national championship game (all-in roster moves, portal activity, and talent upgrades demand it). Losing there is still success. Defense (under new DC Will Muschamp) cannot regress. Minimum three first-round NFL Draft picks (Arch Manning, Colin Simmons, Cam Coleman as baseline; others like Goosby/Wingo/Biles could add more). Relatively healthy team expected.Thomas Bresee: High expectations due to elite roster (best Sark has had—Arch at QB, top talent at skill positions, OL, EDGE). Not strictly "title or bust" (football variance is real—bounces, injuries, etc.), but missing a deep run with this group would feel like a missed window. No more excuses; execute on margins (run game, time of possession, turnovers). Depth at certain spots (OL, LB) is the main question mark. Consensus: This feels like Sark's best shot. Strong roster build + coaching changes (e.g., Muschamp) must yield results. National title ideal but not the only measure of success; falling short of final four or major regression would disappoint given the talent. Closing Calls to like/subscribe, check FanDuel, follow on audio platforms and new/revamped X account (polls/content).Standard sign-off: "Hook 'em!" The episode balanced optimism about Texas' talent (...
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    44 mins
  • Top 5 Biggest Additions For Texas This Offseason / Texas Longhorns LIVE 94
    Mar 25 2026
    Quick Open & Betting Note Hosts welcomed viewers, asked for likes/subscribes, and noted the Tuesday broadcast.Sponsored by FanDuel: Texas getting 6.5 points vs. Purdue (down from 7.5). Both hosts believe Texas has a real shot due to improved tournament defense, especially if they can slow down Purdue's elite scorers (A.J. DeBansa/Grammy-EK) and force tough decisions on Braden Smith. Position Battles to Watch This Spring Discussed several key competitions heading into the 2026 season: Cornerback: Biggest open starter battle. Likely a rotation/combination involving Bo Mask, Grayson Littleton, Cade Phillips, Kobe Black, Warren Roberson, and Wardell Mack. Questions on alignment (e.g., big nickel/star spot in Will Muschamp's defense) and whether safeties or Jelani McDonald factor in.Running Back: Competition between Relique Brown (explosive, receiving/pass-pro focus) and Hollywood Smothers (better between tackles, power runner). Expect split snaps/carries with Smothers leaning toward more ground work and Brown shining in red zone/third downs. Both run outside zone well.Defensive Line Interior (Nose Tackle/Defensive Tackle): Fluid based on formation and weight goals. Candidates include Zion Williams (LSU transfer), Josiah Sharma, Ian Jafard (needs to drop ~15-20 lbs to ~360), Alex Janium, Rod Watson, and Hero Cano. Depth is strong; production expected regardless of exact starters.Offensive Line Depth: Questions behind the projected starters (Lawrence Seymour now cleared). Jaden Chapman, Dylan Corsi, Jordan Coleman, Andre Kojo (if healthy—potential swing lineman), and incoming Nicholas Robertson could rise. Long season (up to 17 games) demands quality depth.Linebacker & Other Depth: Justin Cryer, Kosiak-Paula, Rocky Cummings, etc. Many rooms have elite top-end talent but need depth pieces to step up for a grueling SEC schedule. General theme: Texas has elite top-line talent across most units (except maybe OL). Depth battles and spring/summer standouts will determine sustainability. Wide Receiver Room Discussion Hosts debated if Texas has the best WR room in the country (or top 3-5).Starting trio (Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo, Emmitt Mosley) praised as potentially the nation's best: Coleman (vertical threat), Wingo (YAC/horizontal), Mosley (connector/slots).Depth adds: Kalik Lockett (injured for spring but WR4), Sterling Burkhalter (Wake Forest transfer), Daylon McCutcheon, Jermaine Bishop (dynamic playmaker), Ryan Niblett.Other contenders mentioned: Oregon, Ohio State, LSU, Clemson, Notre Dame, Indiana, A&M, Florida.Consensus: Texas is elite (at worst top 5-8; realistically 1-3). NIL has spread talent, making debates more common. If including tight ends/pass-catchers, Texas/Oregon rise further. Should Texas Have a Top 5 Offense in 2026? Reviewed recent top-5 scoring offenses (mix of Power 4 and Group of 5 surprises).Hosts agree Texas should be top 10 (ideally top 5) in points per game or efficiency metrics with Arch Manning, elite skill talent (Coleman, Wingo, Mosley, RBs, etc.), and improved OL.Emphasis on efficiency over raw points (control clock, run game, avoid red-zone/short-yardage issues). Defense expected to be elite, so sustainable wins (e.g., 34-10) matter more than shootouts.Big year for Steve Sarkeesian's play-calling: Talent demands production; failure to hit top-10 efficiency could spark questions about him relinquishing calls or long-term fit.Need to develop an "elite trait" (short-yardage, red zone, explosives, etc.) that the team can hang its hat on. Top 5 Biggest Offseason Additions (Players + Coaches) Hosts ranked their personal top 5 (order varies slightly between them). Additions include transfers, freshmen, and staff changes. Matthew Miller's Top 5 (approximate from discussion): Blake Gideon (coaching staff) – Bridges front 7 and secondary for Will Muschamp; adds aggression and cohesion (fixes past issues like soft coverage in wrong situations).Melvin Ciani (OL transfer from Wake Forest) – Upgrades RT, allows Brandon Baker to move inside to guard; makes pass protection elite.Will Muschamp (DC) – Brings intensity, aggression, and scheme fit for SEC; more attacking mindset.Cam Coleman (WR transfer) – Shuts down one side of the field; creates space for everyone else.Rasheem Biles (LB transfer) or similar freshman impact (e.g., Tyler Atkinson) – Replaces Anthony Hill's production with ball skills and athleticism. Thomas Bresee's Top 5 (approximate): Will Muschamp – Most valuable for scheme, intensity, and maximizing elite defensive talent.Melvin Ciani – Transforms OL outlook.Rasheem Biles – Answers linebacker questions; potential All-American.Cam Coleman – Game-changer for spacing and offense.Tyler Atkinson (freshman LB) – Instincts, physicality, and nose for the ball make him a potential day-one difference-maker. Honorable Mentions: Mark Stoops (coaching?), running back duo (Relique Brown/Hollywood Smothers), Lawrence Seymour, Jermaine Bishop Jr., etc. Closing & Viewer ...
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    53 mins
  • Over Or Under 9.5 Wins / Texas Longhorns LIVE 92
    Mar 17 2026
    Opening & Sponsor Show intro: 93rd edition of Texas Longhorns Live.Brought to you by FanDuel / Voice of College Football.Call to action: Like and subscribe. Texas Basketball Quick Hit Texas earns NCAA Tournament bid (First Four in Dayton).Facing North Carolina State (rematch of earlier Maui win: 102–97).Current line: Texas -1.5 on FanDuel.Hosts view: Fair line; high-scoring affair expected (both teams poor defensively, strong offensively).Key: Texas needs good 3-point defense to advance (potential matchup vs. BYU next).Miller: Personally frustrated by Texas hoops but will watch/root. Offensive Position Group Rankings (Top to Bottom) Hosts largely agree on the top 3 groups (order debated), with bigger gaps after. Wide Receiver (Tommy's #1; Matthew's #2) Far and away elite starting trio: Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo, Emmitt Mosley Jr.Potentially best starting three in country (debated vs. depth at LSU).Bullish on: Khaliq Lockett (next step), Jermaine Bishop (huge praise, including from Dez Bryant), Daylen McCutcheon (strong backup), Ryan Niblett, Sterling Burkhalter (depth/situational).Rebuilt well via portal (Coleman, Bishop key additions). Quarterback (Matthew's #1; Tommy's #2) Arch Manning expected top-3 (possibly #1) QB nationally.Strong trio: Arch, KJ Lacy (bullish, early camp intel positive), D'Abel (very promising, potentially one of Sark's best).MJ Morris: Athletic backup, not expected to see heavy time unless needed. Running Back (Both #3) Highest ceiling potential if maximized.Key: Hollywood Smothers & Relique Brown (remarkable athletes, need clean blocking/lanes; ~195 lbs → not power backs).Derek Cooper: Freshman with massive upside (possible first/second-round talent if he hits).James Simon: Trusted depth; valuable in workload distribution (potential 16–17 games).Scheme fit: Important for Sark's 12 personnel, run game, play-action. 4/5. Offensive Line vs. Tight End (debatable 4/5 flip) OL (Matthew leans 4): High ceiling if Lawrence Seymour eligible (depth concern otherwise); Dylan Sikorski not yet ready.TE (Tommy leans 4): Higher floor; bullish on group (Nick Townsend receiving threat, Michael Masunas/Spencer Shannon blocking, all potential mid-round talents).Consensus: TE safer; OL riskier with injury/inexperience. Defensive Position Group Rankings Interior DL / Defensive Tackle (Both #1) Elite top trio: Hero Kanu, Justice Terry, Alex January.Depth: Ian Jaffard (needs to slim down), Josiah Sharma (super bullish, potential breakout), Maraud Watson, James Johnson.Kenny Baker scheme fit → strong all-around unit. 2/3. Edge / Defensive Ends (Matthew #2; Tommy #3) Colin Simmons: Arguably best defensive player in country.Lance Jackson, Colton Vasek (health/weight questions), Smith the Rogue (traits but needs bulk).Justice Terry versatile; Jamarion Carlton intriguing. 2/3. Cornerback (Tommy #2; Matthew #3) Most underrated group.Bo Mascoe (Rutgers transfer): Potential All-SEC level (huge spring intel).Cade Phillips, Grayson Littleton, Kobe Black, Warren Roberson, Wardell Mack.Questions: Penalties, consistency → but strong coaching. Safety (Both #4) Jelani McDonald: Elite, potential first-rounder; versatility key.Questions: Xavier Fils-Aimé (young mistakes?), Derek Williams (post-injury bounce-back?), depth (Jonah Williams future?).High ceiling if pieces hit. Linebacker (Both #5 / weakest overall) Talented but thin/relying on youth & health.Rasheem Biles: Freak, first-round talent.Tyler Atkinson: Elite projection (possibly better than Anthony Hill long-term).Ty Anthony Smith, Brad Spence (hybrid/edge fit).Scheme around thinness possible (DB-heavy packages, hybrids like McDonald/Spence). Win Total Discussion (FanDuel) Texas: 9.5 (no SEC team higher; Georgia also 9.5; Alabama/LSU 8.5).Hosts: Fair line given SEC + Ohio State.Expect over (under would be major concern for Sark).Other rivals: Oklahoma over 7.5; A&M under 8.5; Arkansas under 4.5.Big picture: SEC/Big Ten totals suppressed (9.5 max common); harder to hit 10+ wins. Spring Practice Early Intel Jermaine Bishop Jr.: Massive praise (Dez Bryant hype); explosive/flash potential → force-feed early (like Malachi Toliver usage).Arch Manning: Sidelined (no spring game timetable); positive vibes overall.KJ Lacy: Valuable reps; building chemistry/leadership.Other notes: Team looks physically massive (Ian Jaffard huge but needs to trim; Lance Jackson, Tyler Atkinson, etc.).Injuries/openings: Ryan Wingo, Emmitt Mosley, Trevor Goosby (expected back); creates chances for youth (Kalik Lockett, Jordan Coleman at LT, Derek Williams return). Closing Hook 'Em sign-off.Weekly show (Mondays 8 PM ET).Available on major podcast platforms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    58 mins
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