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Can the Texas O-line build on a solid day at Ohio State?

by: Justin Nash10 hours ago
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Connor Stroh (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Over the last few years the offensive line hasn’t been the dominant force Steve Sarkisian has needed in the run game. With a similar offensive line and declining running back talent on roster, the advanced rushing statistics trended south each year. Now the offensive line after a tough matchup versus Ohio State has shown an ability to perform at a level that may be the best play Sarkisian has seen at Texas. But can it get better?

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While saying Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter aren’t as talented as some previous backs seems like a horrible thing to say, it really isn’t that crazy when you consider each of the lead running backs in Jonathon Brooks and Bijan Robinson were both valued highly by the NFL. Robinson went extremely high in the draft to the Falcons at pick No. 8 and Brooks was taken at No. 46 despite being projected to miss most of if not all of his rookie campaign.

Texas fans were downright spoiled for a few years, but it’s Texas and that’s how it should be.

Each year since 2021 there has been a clear downward trend in the advanced rushing statistics, particularly ones that try to focus on offensive line play. Two of those stats are Line Yards and Stuff Rate. With one data point in 2025, the trend looks different.

Week one versus what may be the toughest opponent Texas faces all year long was a great sign that the Longhorns’ offensive line play is performing well above the 2021 season. While that may seem like hyperbole, consider that these stats likely look better with with Robinson or Brooks.

Texas was missing Baxter in 2024 and maybe he is the reason for the boost in stats, but with Wisner taking bulk of the carries in 2024, this seems to be an undeniable improvement in offensive line play after last year.

They were also providing a clean pocket most of the time for Arch Manning, so it’s not a scenario where this 2025 line is lacking in the passing game. All that will be left is for Wisner or Baxter to take advantage of some decent lanes opened up by this offensive line. If not, maybe a name like Christian Clark will come into play.

Despite a concern about a lack of experience, Texas is back up to the top of the pack among the NCAA in advanced OL stats. Time will tell if they can consistently provide this level of play, and if they can we have some good times coming.

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