Longhorn Blockade: Two OL on Outland Watchlist
Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker have been named to the Football Writers Association of America’s preseason watchlist for the Outland Trophy, recognizing the nation’s top lineman. The pair anchors a Texas offensive front with growing momentum, following in the footsteps of Longhorn legends Scott Appleton (1963), Tommy Nobis (1965), Brad Shearer (1977), T’Vondre Sweat (2023) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (2024). With a history of standout performers and recent back-to-back wins for Texas linemen, Goosby and Baker are poised to continue the program’s rich tradition under coach Steve Sarkisian’s guidance.
Welcome to Texas football, where linemen get more hype than a blockbuster movie—but with less screen time. Sure, Goosby and Baker are on the Outland watchlist, proving that the real MVPs are the folks you never see on highlight reels. Who needs flashy quarterbacks when you can have two guys whose best break is opening holes and shutting down blitzes? Expect ESPN specials soon on “The Art of Not Getting Noticed,” starring these unsung heroes. At this rate, the trophy could come with a free invisibility cloak—perfect for linemen who’d rather crush your soul quietly than pose for touchdown dances.
Texas’s Defensive Duo Earns Nagurski Nod
Colin Simmons and Rasheem Biles have been added to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watchlist, honoring college football’s top defensive player. Simmons, a sophomore pass rusher, led the SEC last season with 12 sacks after a breakout freshman year. Biles, a transfer from Pittsburgh, recorded 101 tackles in 2025 and brings veteran leadership to a Longhorn defense hungry for playoff redemption. With high expectations mounting in Austin, this tandem could be the backbone that finally pushes Texas back into the College Football Playoff conversation.
In today’s episode of “Congrats, You’re on a Watchlist,” Simmons and Biles join the elite club of athletes who get praised before a single game is played. It’s the preseason—where dreams are made, promises are inflated, and coaches remind everyone they’ve “never been more ready.” Sure, they crushed opponents last year, but let’s hand out trophies now and save everyone the suspense. After all, why wait until November when you can celebrate future victories with cappuccinos and hashtagged hype? Here’s hoping the Longhorn defense keeps racking up sacks and tackles—if only to justify all the preseason fanfare.
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