The Reheat: Saying goodbye to the 2024 Texas football season and team

Ultimately, I didn’t have anything more to say about Ohio State—not enough for a Reheat on that game alone. The loss was painful, the kind of defeat that sticks with you for a while, like a splinter deep in your foot, or my heart. But it wasn’t the kind that ruins a season or plagues the offseason. Thank goodness Texas converted on 4th and 13 in Atlanta. In the Cotton Bowl, if two plays are different, the screen to end the half and the one yard line, the Longhorns are playing for a National Championship on Monday against the Irish. Though any game played on thin margins could be flipped by changing one or two plays. That’s why it matters, that’s why it hurts to lose. 

[BOOKMARK: Check Inside Texas daily for FREE Texas Longhorns content]

The bigger picture cruelty of two similar semi final losses in ‘24 and ‘25 before what would have been winnable National Championship games stings as well. But what hurts the most is saying goodbye to this Texas team. Boyz II Men could have told me that would be hard. 

This team was a special group, a joy to watch and to be a fan of. They provided memories and points of connections for fans that will last generations. My five year old son bawled when the strip sack fumble happened, because it sucks to say goodbye to this team. I hate it too. They were made up of the type of players who make college football the best: players who fought through adversity and maximized their talent, guys who love the university as much or more than the fans do, and super-talented name-takers who are fun as hell to watch.

I wrote my ode to Jahdae Barron earlier this season, but to come back and win the Thorpe Award was beautiful. He’s standing at the foothills of my personal Mount Rushmore. I’m sure he had a role in getting his buddy Andrew Mukuba to Austin too, and for that, he deserves even more praise.

Quinn Ewers wasn’t the type of player I thought he’d be when I first read about him and saw his highlights in 2020. He was much more mortal. But that allowed fans like me to appreciate him way more than I might have if he’d been this awe-inspiring gift from the Football Gods. He could wow you, he could frustrate you, but he would fight, and pretty much always, he won. Quinn said on Friday after the game that “he was so proud to be a Longhorn.” And I know I felt like Terrell Owens talking about Tony Romo on the inside.

Kelvin Banks finished his career much like he began it: as the best offensive lineman I’ve ever seen play for Texas.

Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond inspire truly opposite feelings when it comes to the transfer portal.

“Oh, the transfer portal is so great—it allows you to find guys who should have been here all along.” —Me.

“The portal makes me want to puke.” —Also me.

They’re two players at the same position who started the season in extremely similar fashions, but they couldn’t have ended their time in Austin more differently.

I’m glad Jaydon Blue was able to find redemption in the playoffs. He’s a player I think could be better in the NFL than he was in college because he’ll always be used to his strengths. See you on a fantasy team, JB.

Alfred Collins, Vernon Broughton, Barryn Sorrell, David Gbenda. I remember when they all committed, but I’ll remember even more the times this season they made me jump out of my chair. I didn’t always appreciate Jake Majors and Hayden Conner as much as I should have, but I hope they have long careers in the NFL and space, respectively.

Gunnar Helm wins the award for the player who blew my offseason expectations to smithereens.

Credit to Steve Sarkisian and his staff for continuing to raise the bar. Sark led Texas back to where he got them last year, actually exceeding it by the fact that the Longhorns won two playoff games. Most importantly, Texas proved they belong in the SEC. Though their losses being to Georgia and the Buckeyes does show that his program has one more step up to make to reach the elite of the elite before they can cross the final goal line (too soon?).

Fire The Cannon for: Beating your rivals. Texas beat its three historic rivals in Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Arkansas. I know I will be watching the replay of the victory over Texas A&M in our reunion at Kyle Field for years to come.

Horns Up on Offense (favorite play of the season): Can there be any other choice? It’s 4th and 13.

"Texas must convert 4th-and-13… TO STAY ALIVE! CAN THEY HOOK 'EM?! TOUCHDOWN, MATTHEW GOLDEN!" – Joe Tessitore 🏈🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/a38XeAakMx

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025

Horns Up on Defense (favorite play of the season): Ethan Burke and company’s goal-line stuff of the Aggies at Kyle Field.

ETHAN BURKE WITH THE STOP ❌🛑@eburke4lax pic.twitter.com/gaj2SZcPuN

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 1, 2024

Honorable Mention: Silas Bolden pouncing on the fumble to score a touchdown in Red River.

😱😱😱😱@silasbolden_ pic.twitter.com/DYPlDpzSqF

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 12, 2024

The People’s Champ – Offense: Quintrevion Wisner.

The People’s Champ – Defense: Michael Taaffe.

Bevo’s Bucket for: When a season is so great, you almost remember the few bad moments more than you would have in a season filled with them. This season had a few plays that will be tough to forget, but such is fandom. The fake punt, the would-be pick-six, the second-down toss sweep from the one.

Schadenfreude of the year: Three seasons in Norman, bookended by losing records. The Sooners won’t get out of this era easily. How glorious.

This Piping Hot Take burned the roof of my mouth: How about a way-too-early prediction for 2025? Texas will lose just one game next season, to DJ Lagway and Florida in Gainesville. They’ll beat LSU in the SEC Championship and then defeat Oregon in the National Championship.

Hype Train Level: Who this program is under Sark is obvious. Now it’s time to take it all. With Arch Manning, Anthony Hill, Colin Simmons, and Ryan Wingo coming back—and guys like Trevor Goosby, Jelani McDonald, and members of the #1 overall recruiting class waiting—I’m already foaming at the mouth for next year.