Justus Terry rose from the ground, wagging his finger. By this point in the fourth quarter, it was clear that Texas football would not be leaving Terry’s home state of Georgia with a win last Saturday. 

Terry still took a moment to celebrate his handiwork after dragging Georgia running back Dwight Phillips Jr. to the turf for a 1-yard loss late in the game. Two plays later, he was back in the Bulldogs’ backfield, having defeated his man with a vicious swim move. This time, he stopped Roderick Robinson II for a 5-yard loss. 

Article continues below this ad

A seven-snap sample offered the clearest view yet of Terry’s talent. The former five-star defensive lineman, pried away from the Peach State on National Signing Day last year, finished the game with four tackles and 1½ tackles for loss. 

Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) is tackled during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Niblett (21) is tackled during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian prepares to lead his team out of the tunnel ahead of the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian prepares to lead his team out of the tunnel ahead of the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the sideline during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the sideline during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns kicker Mason Shipley (49) lines up a kick during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns kicker Mason Shipley (49) lines up a kick during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons (1) sacks Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons (1) sacks Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons (1) sacks Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons (1) sacks Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) breaks up a pass intended for Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens (33) during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) breaks up a pass intended for Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens (33) during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia players celebrate a defensive stop during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Georgia players celebrate a defensive stop during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanFormer NFL quarterback Peyton Manning walks the sideline ahead of the Texas Longhorns game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning walks the sideline ahead of the Texas Longhorns game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) drops a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) snaps the ball during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) snaps the ball during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanA pass is thrown over Texas Longhorns receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

A pass is thrown over Texas Longhorns receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia head coach Kirby Smart walks the sideline during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart walks the sideline during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns receiver Parker Livingstone (13) lises control of the ball after a hit during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns receiver Parker Livingstone (13) lises control of the ball after a hit during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanA Texas Longhorns fan reacts to a Georgia touchdown during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

A Texas Longhorns fan reacts to a Georgia touchdown during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) hands the ball off to running Nate Frazier Jr. (3) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) hands the ball off to running Nate Frazier Jr. (3) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by receiver Ryan Wingo (1) during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

The Texas Longhorns celebrate a touchdown by receiver Ryan Wingo (1) during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is sacked during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is sacked during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns receiver Ryan Wingo (1) catches a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Wingo (1) catches a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is sacked during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is sacked during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns receiver Ryan Wingo (1) catches a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns receiver Ryan Wingo (1) catches a pass during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (4) misses a tackle on Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch (1) during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (4) misses a tackle on Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch (1) during the game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the field after the loss to Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the field after the loss to Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) leaves the field after the loss to Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) leaves the field after the loss to Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

“I’m really proud of Justus. He has really come on,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday of the 6-foot-5, 268-pound lineman. “It’s a credit to his work ethic. I think it’s a credit to coach (Kenny) Baker and the work that they’re putting in. I think it was great for Justus.”

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman

Terry was the second-highest-rated prospect in the Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class, but he has not, to this point, been one of the Texas rookies who have carved out a regular place in the rotation. 

Article continues below this ad

ANTHONY HILL JR. LATEST: What Steve Sarkisian said about LB’s status for Texas vs Arkansas

To date, Terry has played just 46 snaps. He has earned 10 or more reps against SEC opposition only once this year. 

Sarkisian said Terry is still working with the Longhorns’ scout team at times throughout the week, and believes that the time he’s spent practicing against the likes of DJ Campbell and Trevor Goosby has helped Terry improve. 

Article continues below this ad

“Here’s a guy who could have just waved the white flag and said, ‘Well, I’ll wait until next year,'” Sarkisian said. “But he’s continued to work at his craft, and he’s getting better. And he’s a guy who is going to continue to earn more playing time.” 

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian on penalty issues 

Sarkisian appeared to take exception to a question Monday about his team’s habit of committing untimely penalties. The Longhorns were penalized nine times for 58 yards in the loss to the Bulldogs. Georgia, by comparison, took just one penalty. 

MORE: How Longhorns’ offensive evolution failed against Georgia

Article continues below this ad

The Texas coach was asked by a reporter why his team has suffered through persistent penalty issues this year.

“Because we’re getting called for penalties,” he said. 

The reporter then followed up, asking if there was a particular reason for that. 

“There’s a variety of them,” Sarkisian said. 

Article continues below this ad

Georgia State is the only team in the country that has taken more penalties so far this season than the Longhorns, who average 8.2 per game. Texas’ opponents are averaging about 34 yards worth of penalties through 10 games while the Longhorns are committing 65.3 yards worth of infractions per game. Sarkisian said that he intends to “drill deep” as he analyzes the penalties his team is committing and whether or not the habits that are causing them can be fixed. 

“I think that’s when you got to make some of the tough decisions,” he said. “…There’s a variety of penalties. What types of penalties are we getting? Can they be rectified? And if they can be rectified and they don’t get rectified, then you got to make some of those tough decisions.”Â