The Longhorn Republic

The Texas Longhorns continue their preparation for kickoff, completing their first week of practice with a full-team scrimmage. According to head coach Steve Sarkisian, the defense played up to the moment while the offense is still finding its footing. He's been clear that the quarterback position isn't settled - both quarterbacks not living up to the standards the coaching staff sets for the offense to be successful. That being said, the offensive struggles may also be attributed to the success of the defense - specifically the defensive line.

For the second year in a row, the Longhorns are implementing a new defensive system and Pete Kwiatkowski's system requires hybrid roles for two of the four linebackers. This gives his teams the ability to keep opponents off-balance, never knowing who will be rushing the passer or dropping back into coverage. The defensive staff inherited one of the best inside linebackers in the conference with DeMarvion Overshown returning this year - capping off his first year playing the position with an all-Big 12 selection and earning bowl MVP honors.

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The Texas Longhorns' kickoff rapidly approaches as we enter into the last few weeks of our season previews, landing on the Kansas Jayhawks.- who once again are a program in transition. Les Miles was relieved of duty following allegations stemming from his time with the LSU Tigers. Lance Leipold steps into the role inheriting a team that was unable to put one in the win column a year ago, needing to find a new quarterback and consistency at their skill positions.

What are some of the strengths of the Jayhawks and where can we look to get contributions from around the team? Who will win out of the three-man quarterback competition? We welcome in Andy Mitts, host of the Rock Chalk Talk podcast to help us break down the expectations of the 2021 Jayhawks and get his thoughts on conference realignment.

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The Texas Longhorns have officially started fall practice.

After what felt like a long and dramatic offseason for everything but the football, the Longhorns have officially kicked off the 2021 football season and are preparing for the kickoff in a few short weeks. Casey Thompson and Hudson Card are battling it out at the quarterback spot, while young talent shines at the wide receiver spot. The coaching staff will now spend the next few weeks finalizing installing their new systems before turning their focus to the kickoff.

We turn our specific focus to the defensive line, looking at the established players along the interior, as well as the questions Texas has along the edges. They attacked the portal heavily in the offseason, but need to ensure they have consistent contributors in the offense-driven conference.

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We are just 30 days away from the Texas Longhorns starting the season and we are entering the final third of our season preview episodes. Next up are the Iowa State Cyclones, who are coming off what is easily the most successful season in recent history and just the second nine-win season in school history. They bring a ton of skill and talent on the offensive side of the ball - including last year’s leading rusher in Breece Hall. Alongside him in the backfield is long-time quarterback Brock Purdy, who finished his season No. 2 in the conference in passing yards a year ago.

Head coach Matt Campbell decided to stay in Ames for another year - reportedly turning down eight-figure NFL offers - to run it back with the Cyclones, so what does he expect from his team in 2021? Can the Cyclones repeat their performance from a year ago and find their way back to Dallas for the Big 12 championship game?

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The Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners have officially accepted an invitation to join the SEC.

In a whirlwind week, both schools informed the Big 12 they would not renew their grant of rights, petitioned the SEC for an invite, were invited via a unanimous decision and accepted an invite. All within five days. Now that the dust has settled, for now, the legal battles and political jockeying begins by other schools and members of the Texas Senate to ask questions of Texas at the very least. Texas and Oklahoma have both said they intend to let the Grant of Rights expire on its own, but it seems far more likely that both schools depart sooner rather than later.

In spite of all of the non-sports action, there is football to be played in just a few weeks, so we continue our season preview series and highlight the offensive line. Texas returns several players who have seen a ton of play, but could use some help with consistency - something Kyle Flood should look to fix early. The Longhorns also benefit from a young anchor in the middle of the line in Jake Majors and an up-and-comer on the ouside in Andrej Karic.

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In spite of the current drama with the SEC, the Texas Longhorns have at least one more season to play in the Big 12, which means our conference preview series continues. One of the teams that is currently trying to figure out what their fate is - both on the field and off the field - are the Baylor Bears, who are coming off of a season of struggle in 2020.

New head coach Dave Aranda was put in the unenviable position of trying to implement new systems on both sides of the ball after losing the entirety of spring practice due to COVID-19 closures. They struggled with consistency on both sides of the ball, starting with Charlie Brewer - who took the opportunity to transfer to the Utah Utes in the offseason. How will offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes turn that unit around, in an effort to take some pressure off of the defense in the process?

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The Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners have officially declared their intentions to leave the Big 12, paving the way for an application to the SEC. The timeline is unclear, but it seems like it will be sooner rather than later. What happens to the other schools and what do we think will be the impact for Texas?

We also dive in on the wide receiver group, where Texas has a ton of talent but needs to find proven targets and weapons as Steve Sarkisian takes over for the Longhorns. Who do we expect to break out and be big contributors in 2021?

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A bombshell dropped Wednesday thanks to reports of the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners are exploring options to leave the Big 12 and join the SEC in the relatively immediate future. What does this mean for the future of college football, for the Longhorns and for our long-time rivalries?

We also welcome in Nick Harris of 247Sports to help us unpack the massive recruiting weekend from Chris Beard, after landing the top player in the transfer portal and a top player in the 2022 class.

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As we rapidly approach football season, three Texas Longhorns made their way to Dallas for Big 12 media days, Bijan Robinson, Keondre Coburn and new head coach Steve Sarkisian. What did they share with the media and what are our thoughts on the non-controversy of the Big 12's taunting rules?

We also welcome in Micah Allen of Cowboys Ride for Free to help us preview the Oklahoma State Cowboys' for our 2021 season preview series.

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We've reached one of the biggest weeks on the Texas Longhorns' 2021 schedule, the Red River Showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners, who are easily one of the top teams in college football heading into the season.

We dive in on how defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has turned around what was once one of the worst units in the country, as well as what are fair expectations for both the team and Heisman candidate Spencer Rattler.

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