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The Brendan Sorsby controversy impacted this quarterback room, ending with the Cincinnati transfer not being able to take the field this year. The room now features Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis, who was productive in 18 appearances. Lloyd Jones III is a redshirt freshman, and Will Hammond is returning from an ACL injury. Francis could start early on, but Hammond could eventually take over.
The running back room returns production in Cameron Dickey (All-Big 12), J’Koby Williams, and Quinten Joyner. Joyner missed last season with an injury but was productive prior to that. Dickey rushed for nearly 1,200 yards last season, while Williams is also a strong receiver.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Coy Eakin, Micah Hudson, and tight end Terrance Carter Jr. (All-Big 12). The additions of Jalen Jones (Alabama State), Kenny Johnson (Pittsburgh), Malcolm Simmons (Auburn), Donte Lee Jr. (Liberty), and true freshman Chase Campbell will all get opportunities.
The offensive line room returns experience in Sheridan Wilson, Hunter Zambrano, Jacob Ponton, Daniel Sill, and Howard Sampson (All-Big 12). The addition of Jordan Church (Louisville) provides one more starter. Expect redshirt freshmen to provide plenty of depth across the board.
The defensive line room returns some experience in Ansel Nedore, Jayden Cofield, and AJ Holmes Jr. (All-Big 12). The additions of Jamond Mathis (Kent State), Trye White (San Diego State), Jojo Johnson (Oregon State), Bryce Butler (Washington), Mateen Ibirogba (Wake Forest), Julien Lavensure (Akron), Adam Trick (Miami OH, All-MAC), and Amarie Fleming (D2 Allen) will all see action for this unit.
The linebacker room returns production in Ben Roberts (All-Big 12) and Brock Golwas. The additions of Corey Platt Jr. (Houston) and Austin Romaine (Kansas State, All-Big 12) are massive. Romaine and Roberts will play really well together, and Platt can get to the quarterback.
The secondary returns experience in John Curry, Miguel Dingle, Brice Pollock (All-Big 12), Amier Boyd, Peyton Morgan, and Brenden Jordan. The additions of Jordan Rogers (D2 Pittsburgh State) and Davin Martin (UTSA) provide quality depth for this unit.
Kicker Stone Harrington (All-Big 12) returns. He made a 58-yard field goal against Utah and was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist last season. The punting duties should belong to UCLA transfer Will Karoll.
Top to bottom, this is the best roster in the Big 12. Joey McGuire and company have truly built something in Lubbock. With that said, there are still questions. Number one being the quarterback position. The defense will take a small step back with all the NFL talent that departed, but they will still be good on that side of the ball.
