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Texas football roster countdown: Nos. 44-40

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook07/21/25josephcook89
Travis Shaw
Travis Shaw (Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)

It’s not so far away, is it? Texas is just 40 days from the beginning of the 2025 CFB season, where the Longhorns will head to Columbus, Ohio, to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in week 1. In preparation, we’re checking in on every Longhorn grouped by jersey number.

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Up next, Nos. 44-40.

Here’s Nos. 99-89. 

Here’s Nos. 88-77.

Here’s Nos. 76-60.

Here’s Nos. 59-55.

Here’s Nos. 54-50.

Here are defensive players added to the updated roster.

Here are offensive players added to the updated roster.

Here’s Nos. 49-45.

No. 44 – Travis Shaw

Shaw was one of three defensive tackle additions made in the first portal window following the 2024 season, and he brought with him the most fanfare at least as far as looking back on recruiting rankings. A five-star according to multiple services, Shaw hasn’t quite lived up to that billing. Some of that has to do with weight problems, some of it has to do with injury problems.

Shaw is going to be a part of the Longhorns’ defensive tackle rotation, but the question is how big of a factor will he be? Shaw will need to show that motor and health issues are behind him, but if he does there’s a clearly defined role that players like him have succeeded in at Texas. His best season as a Tar Heel was last year. If the positive trend line continues, it’ll be another nice feather in Kenny Baker‘s cap and it’ll mean Texas has a starting quality SEC defensive tackle.

No. 43 – Eric Garza

A second-year walk-on from Southlake Carroll, Garza has not yet appeared in a game for Texas.

No. 42 – Tate Haver

Lance St. Louis’ backup at long snapper, Haver saw action in two games last season versus UTSA and ULM. He is the stepson of Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead.

No. 41 – Ziky Umeozulu

Umeozulu is the little brother of Neto Umeozulu and the twin brother of Zina Umeozulu. He did not appear in a game in 2024.

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No. 40 – Lance Jackson

Jackson finished the cycle as On3’s No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 EDGE in the 2025 class. A two-way star at Pleasant Grove, Jackson is a picture-perfect fit for the Jack role in Pete Kwiatkowski‘s defense.

How much will Jackson play? There are players like Ethan Burke, Colton Vasek, and Zina Umeozulu ahead of him. But Jackson’s physical talent is unique. He’ll likely be a part of Texas’ third wave of defenders, but don’t be surprised if Jackson makes more and more waves as the season goes on. No need to redshirt Jackson, he won’t be here four years anyway.

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