Calling it now: Texas is going to have the most dangerous return game in the SEC next season and nobody is talking about it. The Longhorns ranked 67th in kick return average last year at 20.1 yards per return but that number is going to flip hard. The new transfer additions in the return game have legitimate 4.3 speed and Sarkisian has been prioritizing field position in spring ball more than any previous offseason.
The punt coverage unit was already solid at 8.2 yards per return allowed which was top 25 nationally. Pair that with a punter who can flip the field consistently and Texas is looking at a hidden yardage advantage that wins 2-3 games a season. Teams that finish in the top 15 of special teams SP+ almost ALWAYS make the playoff.
The kickoff rule changes also favor teams with explosive returners and Texas has two of them fighting for the job this spring. This is the year the Longhorns finally stop leaving points and field position on the table.