How talented is Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.? He’s a quicker version of Derrick Johnson.

Top of the Hill: Have you noticed that Anthony Hill Jr. stands out as the best player on the Texas football team? Seriously, has any Longhorn been more consistent and influential? In my opinion, the top five players are Hill, Quinn Ewers, Kelvin Banks Jr., Isaiah Bond, and Jahdae Barron. What’s impressive is that Hill is just a sophomore, still barely tapping into his potential. I believe he should be considered the front-runner for SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He’s like a quicker version of Derrick Johnson, and that’s high praise. “It’s like a party out there,” he mentioned on Monday. If that’s the case, he’s certainly the one leading it. In Saturday’s victory over OU, he recorded an impressive 11 tackles and 3½ tackles for loss, including two sacks. Currently, he ranks 10th in the SEC for total stops, eighth in sacks, and fourth in tackles for loss, making him the top linebacker in those last two categories. Considering he’s a sophomore, alongside Liona Lefau, who started at middle linebacker against the Sooners, and Colin Simmons, a freshman with four sacks, it’s exciting to think about their potential. The sky isn’t even the limit for them; it’s beyond that.

KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 15: Linebacker Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs gets set on defense against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half on October 15, 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)

Hill also clarified the postgame celebration that garnered significant attention. He shared a photo of a torn Baker Mayfield jersey that a teammate had impaled with a Longhorns flag at midfield after Texas’ 34-3 victory. He mentioned that a random Texas fan had given him the jersey, emphasizing that he meant no disrespect to the former Sooner’s jersey and that he holds “no hate for Baker Mayfield.” In fact, he admitted to being a big fan of his. However, Mayfield responded on Sunday, boasting that he’s still “living rent-free” in the minds of Longhorns fans. That may be true, but OU is definitely paying for it due to their quarterback struggles.

Man-ing Up: Quinn Ewers showed true accountability regarding his unusually average performance, which sends a powerful message to his teammates. When asked about feeling his oblique strain during the OU game, Ewers didn’t shy away from the truth, saying, “It was a little different. But nothing drastic that was throwing me off.” He’s quite the stand-up guy and is expected to perform much better this Saturday against Georgia.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart also had praise for Ewers and the Texas team, describing the Longhorns as “the most complete team we’ve seen or faced this year, and probably in several years.” He noted their strong performances in defense, offense, and special teams, stating that they are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the country. With a great quarterback, solid defense, and an effective scheme, it should be an exciting matchup.

Heck of a Run: Did you know that former Longhorns tight end Geoff Swaim is currently in his 10th season in the NFL? He has recorded 110 career catches while playing for four different teams, including the Cowboys and now the Browns. During his time at Texas, he only made 13 receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown in 2013 and 2014, but he is set to become the most experienced Longhorns tight end in the league. The record for most games played by a Longhorn in the NFL is held by Terry Orr, a former Texas running back, who played in 116 games, including 105 regular-season and 11 playoff games. Swaim has participated in 105 games so far, two of which were playoff games. He recently surpassed Pete Lammons, who played in 104 games, with nine of them in the playoffs for the New York Jets. It’s possible that Gunnar Helm may eventually surpass them all.

Holding Court: SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey correctly pointed out that the referees should have penalized Georgia coach Kirby Smart for unsportsmanlike conduct after he shoved Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren while trying to reach one of his assistants on the sideline. However, Sankey stated that no further action will be taken. In my opinion, he deserves at least a brief suspension—perhaps a half-game— to emphasize that such behavior is unacceptable and taken seriously. I’m not suggesting Smart is the next Woody Hayes, but his actions were irresponsible.

Sankey also mentioned to a group of us at the OU game that he felt the integration of Texas and Oklahoma into the SEC has been “seamless,” with an “all positive” reaction. He expressed understanding regarding concerns over fake injuries, stating, “It needs to stop all across the country,” and added, “I don’t want to see that at all. We need to take that seriously.” I believe it should be treated as a judgment call, similar to pass interference, allowing for video reviews and appropriate penalties. Additionally, the NCAA must change the rule that allows teams like Oregon to intentionally have 12 players on the field to run down the clock, as they did against Ohio State.

Sankey mentioned that he thinks coaches are supportive of reducing the transfer portal window from 45 to 30 days since the highest activity occurs in the first few days before “ramping down significantly.” Regarding the start time for future Texas-OU games, he said the decision will be based on television schedules, but he has heard that fans enjoy a 2:30 p.m. kickoff because it allows for later dinners and more sleep.

His recent meeting with Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti didn’t lead to major announcements about future interleague scheduling or adjustments to the new College Football Playoff until they can ensure that the 12-team playoff functions at a high level of excellence. Similarly, concerning whether to play eight or nine league games after 2025, Sankey noted that there has always been interest in both options. However, he stated that there are no firm positions yet. The SEC requires nine games to maintain its long-standing rivalries, such as Texas vs. OU, Texas A&M, and Arkansas. Nine games are essential.

Hustle Award: Silas Bolden’s hustle play to recover a fumble from running back Quintrevion Wisner just inches from the end zone has received a lot of attention. Coach Steve Sarkisian highlighted this moment in his Monday team meeting as one of his favorite “culture plays,” and he’s spot on, especially since Texas was only leading Oklahoma 7-3 at that moment, with crucial momentum at stake. Sarkisian praised Bolden, stating, “You’re not a guy of his (small) stature physically who has the success you’ve had at this level without a huge heart, immense courage, effort, and resilience.” He emphasized that Bolden embodies maximum effort.

Despite having a reduced role as a receiver, Bolden may be the most selfless player on the team. He made significant contributions against OU, including the fumble recovery and a 55-yard punt return. The Oregon State transfer, who also considered Auburn, Mississippi State, USC, Washington, and Arizona before choosing Texas, played just 13 snaps in the game but was crucial to their success.

When asked who is faster, he or Isaiah Bond, Bolden responded, “Isaiah’s fast. Maybe we’ll race after the season.” On the other hand, Matt Golden didn’t receive the same enthusiastic reception on Monday following his misfired “double pass” to a wide-open Ryan Wingo. Sarkisian lightened the mood by showing a viral video of 50 Cent throwing a wild first pitch at a baseball game, which landed near the on-deck circle. Golden jokingly remarked, “Man, I ain’t no 50 Cent. Man, was it that bad? Yeah, it was bad,” attributing his mishap to his gloves.

Consider This Scenario: Imagine if Texas or Texas A&M wins the SEC in a straight-up rematch. SMU claims the ACC title in its inaugural year, Texas Tech takes the Big 12 crown, Sam Houston wins Conference USA, North Texas secures the AAC championship, and Texas State triumphs in the Sun Belt. If all these teams make the College Football Playoff, Texas could become the epicenter of college football. Of course, not all of this is feasible. However, the Longhorns and Aggies are among only three unbeaten teams in SEC play, alongside LSU. Meanwhile, the Mustangs, who aren’t receiving any revenue from the league office, are one of four undefeated teams in the ACC. The Red Raiders are also thriving at 3-0, with only two other teams in the Big 12 remaining undefeated. The Bearcats stand at 2-0, representing one of four C-USA teams with perfect records.

If both the Longhorns and Aggies make it to Atlanta for the SEC title game, they would likely be locks for the College Football Playoff, with one of them securing a top-four seed. Additionally, SMU and Texas Tech could also be in the top four, earning a bye in the first week of the playoffs. While it’s unlikely that all three Group of Five teams from Texas would make the CFP, there’s a possibility for at least one. This scenario could lead to five teams from the Lone Star State earning spots in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Hey, we can always dream, right?

Enjoy Him Now: Texas’ Trey Johnson has been projected as the 10th overall pick in a 2025 mock NBA draft by Yardbarker. The 6-6 shooting guard is said to be “flying under the radar” but possesses the skills to make a name for himself at Texas. His blend of size and talent could be a significant advantage come draft time. Meanwhile, the Longhorn men’s team is predicted to finish seventh in the SEC preseason poll, while the Texas women’s team is ranked No. 4 in the national preseason basketball Top 25. The downside is that six other SEC teams are also in the rankings.

Scattershooting: I’ve been wondering what happened to Longhorns punter Greg Johnson from Lilburn, Ga. He transferred from Vanderbilt in 2006 after a standout freshman season and might have been the first Georgian on Texas’ roster.

On the Couch: I felt a cringe while watching “The Man with 1,000 Kids,” a Netflix series about Jonathan Meijer, the Dutch sperm donor accused of fathering over 500 children, if not more, and defrauding vulnerable families worldwide. It’s fascinating yet deeply disturbing. I would rate it seven ducks.

Crazy Prediction: Ole Miss will miss the College Football Playoff, and Lane Kiffin will end up taking the head coaching job at Florida.