In a major move to solidify their recruiting class and build a championship-contending team, the Texas Longhorns have officially signed two highly coveted players for the 2024 season. Both recruits are expected to play crucial roles for the Longhorns in the coming years and bring added firepower to the roster, further strengthening the team’s quest for a return to national prominence under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
The Signings: A Dynamic Quarterback and a Defensive Game-Changer
The University of Texas has made headlines by securing commitments from Jaxon Harris, a 5-star quarterback, and Travis Mitchell, a dominant 4-star defensive lineman. These two signings have already set the Texas football community buzzing, as both players are poised to make an immediate impact.
Jaxon Harris: The Future at Quarterback?
Jaxon Harris, one of the most highly rated quarterbacks in the 2024 class, is the crown jewel of Texas’ recruiting haul. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 210 pounds, Harris is known for his combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength. He played his high school ball at Dallas Prep Academy, where he threw for over 4,000 yards and 45 touchdowns in his senior season, leading his team to a state championship.
Harris has been compared to some of the most successful quarterbacks to come through Texas, and his signing brings immediate excitement to the program. With a cannon for an arm and the ability to make throws from any platform, Harris has the tools to thrive in Sarkisian’s up-tempo, pass-heavy system.
But it’s not just his physical skills that have the Longhorns excited—Harris is a natural leader with a deep understanding of the game. Scouts rave about his football IQ, his ability to read defenses, and his poise in the pocket. While the Longhorns have Quinn Ewers as their current starting quarterback, Harris provides the team with a future star who can potentially take the reins when the time is right.
With Ewers likely entering the NFL Draft after the 2024 season, Harris’ arrival couldn’t come at a better time. Texas fans are already envisioning him as the next face of the program, potentially leading them to a new era of success.
Travis Mitchell: A Defensive Force to Be Reckoned With
In addition to Harris, the Longhorns also secured a major defensive signing in Travis Mitchell, a 6’4″, 280-pound defensive lineman out of Houston Memorial High School. Mitchell has been a disruptive force on the defensive line for years, racking up double-digit sacks and consistently finding ways to collapse the pocket. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him an ideal fit for Texas’ defensive front.
What sets Mitchell apart from many of his peers is his high motor and relentless work ethic. Coaches have praised his ability to not only stop the run but also to rush the passer effectively, making him a dual threat on the defensive line. He has been compared to former Longhorns like Malcolm Roach and Breckyn Hager, players who were able to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
Mitchell’s signing bolsters a Texas defense that has made great strides under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, but still needs more playmakers up front to compete with the likes of Alabama and Georgia. With Mitchell’s ability to generate pressure and disrupt opposing offenses, the Longhorns are set to have one of the most formidable defensive lines in the Big 12.
What These Signings Mean for Texas Football
These two signings signify much more than just the addition of talented players to the roster. They highlight Steve Sarkisian’s continued success in recruiting top-tier talent to Texas. After a few up-and-down seasons, Sarkisian is beginning to put together a well-rounded roster capable of competing for championships.
With the arrival of Harris, the Longhorns now have a future quarterback who can run Sarkisian’s offense with efficiency and precision, something that the program has lacked since Sam Ehlinger left for the NFL. If Harris develops as expected, Texas could have the kind of dynamic signal-caller who can lead them to College Football Playoff contention in the near future.
On the defensive side, Mitchell is exactly the kind of player Texas needs to build a dominant front seven. With the Big 12 transitioning toward more pass-heavy offenses, having a player like Mitchell who can wreak havoc in the backfield will be essential in slowing down some of the league’s top quarterbacks. Together with rising stars on the defensive line, Mitchell’s addition strengthens Texas’ ability to compete against the top teams in the nation.
The Road Ahead: Texas’ Championship Window Opens Wider
As the 2024 season looms, the Longhorns’ title aspirations continue to rise, especially with the Big 12 Championship and potential College Football Playoff berths in their sights. The combination of a talented quarterback like Quinn Ewers, rising stars like Bijan Robinson (currently in the NFL), and the influx of elite recruits like Harris and Mitchell places Texas firmly in the conversation as a future national contender.
While the 2023 season may be about solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the country, these recent signings point to an even brighter future. With Jaxon Harris ready to take over at quarterback and Travis Mitchell anchoring the defense, the Texas Longhorns are laying the foundation for what could be a dynasty in the making.
With a 2024 season that promises plenty of excitement and promise, the Longhorns are undoubtedly on the rise—and these two new signings are just the beginning of what could be a dominant era of Texas football.
