{"id":392313,"date":"2026-07-30T18:16:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T18:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/392313\/"},"modified":"2026-07-30T18:16:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T18:16:10","slug":"which-texas-freshman-has-the-clearest-path-to-becoming-an-all-american","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/392313\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Texas Freshman Has the Clearest Path to Becoming an All-American?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If the Texas Longhorns make a run to the national championship this season, it’ll be on the strength of their upperclassmen<\/a>. Quarterback Arch Manning and safety Jelani McDonald are in year four, edge rusher Colin Simmons is in year three, and practically every major transfer has a similar experience level.<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, though, there may be at least one freshman who helps define the narrative as well. There could even be an All-American on the roster by the time the All-Americans are named in December.<\/p>\n

Here are the likeliest All-American freshmen on both sides of the ball this fall, though there is one who has a clear edge:<\/p>\n

Jermaine Bishop Jr., WR\"Jermaine<\/p>\n

Jermaine Bishop could be a surprisingly common Arch Manning target | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Jermaine Bishop Jr. comes to the Forty Acres as a 5-star phenom out of Willis who had over 5,000 total scrimmage yards, 60-plus touchdowns, and 15 career interceptions throughout his high school career in Region II, District 13-6A football. <\/p>\n

Bishop, a two-way star in the Houston metro, is serving as an emergency defensive back for Will Muschamp’s defense, though he is, first and foremost, a receiver. As Steve Sarkisian pointed out, former Heisman winner DeVonta Smith served the same role on the Alabama Crimson Tide’s defense<\/a> when Sark was in Tuscaloosa.<\/p>\n

Does that mean Bishop will be a Heisman winner, too? Well, before he has any Travis Hunter-like ambitions, Bishop is going to need to beat out an unbelievably stacked receiving corps for snaps this coming season.<\/p>\n

There’s been no indication Bishop will be a factor in the return game with Ryan Niblett likely taking back a bulk of the returns. Still, he could do that too.<\/p>\n

With everything Bishop could do, there’s still so much competition ahead of him. Bishop probably could be an All-American with the right number of snaps, but don’t expect it so soon for him. One freshman will have that high snap-count, though.<\/p>\n

Tyler Atkinson, LB\"Will<\/p>\n

Will Muschamp knows how to develop linebackers | USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

Four-star Grayson (GA) linebacker Tyler Atkinson enters a perfect situation in Austin with Anthony Hill Jr. and Liona Lefau out of the picture. Atkinson is an elite off-ball LB who goes sideline to sideline, but also excels getting into the backfield. <\/p>\n

First-year defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has been handed a tantalizing raw talent who had 39.5 sacks and 113 quarterback hurries over 51 varsity games in GHSA’s 6A, Region 4 football division.<\/p>\n

Atkinson has a few things to overcome, with Ty’Anthony Smith and Rasheem Biles getting priority over him in a defense that heavily features the nickel position. Still, Atkinson’s much better in zone coverage than man coverage anyway, so Muschamp might be able to scheme around Atkinson’s “weakness.”<\/p>\n

Atkinson should have no problem keeping up with running backs downfield. He should get the opportunity to crash the party plenty in pass-rushing sets. The runway may be clear for Atkinson to be a difference-maker when plays break down.<\/p>\n

If he takes advantage of those golden opportunities enough times and produces a few memorable moments over the 12 regular season weekends, Atkinson could be an All-American nominee who few saw coming.<\/p>\n

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