ITYT: Texas begins prep for the Sugar Bowl while managing the portal, recruiting

Joe Cook and Eric Nahlin talk about the implications of Maalik Murphy joining the transfer portal, Texas going back to the practice field, and recruiting updates on the portal and high school prospects in the most recent episode of Inside the Program on the Inside Texas YouTube channel.

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0:00–6:38: Eric and Joe start off by discussing how Texas coaches are handling a demanding schedule that includes high school official visits, recruiting and departures through the portal, and bowl preparation. One of those significant portal exits is Maalik Murphy, who Eric and Joe observe couldn’t have made it work for either party to have him stay for bowl practices and go through his recruitment process. Murphy is the “ultimate team player,” according to Eric, who also said that “he has to do what’s best for him.” Arch Manning is currently the backup quarterback due to Murphy’s departure, and Eric discusses his strengths, which include athleticism, decision-making, and a natural feel, as the former No. 1 overall prospect.

Prior to the Sugar Bowl, the Longhorns resumed practice from 6:38 to 14:21. Prior to their game against the Huskies, the Longhorns will hold two media-only practices in New Orleans. They held their first practice on Friday in Austin. As a sign of his team’s confidence, Eric points out that they are focusing more on strategies and techniques than physicality right now, which is reminiscent of the Longhorns’ decision to forgo tackles in the practices before their game against Texas Tech. Joe compares these early practices to a second training camp, saying that Washington won’t get much attention until later in December. Derek Williams is one player Eric likes to have consistent practice routines. Joe discusses how you don’t.

14:21–22:51: There’s a discussion about the best portal recruits after that. Houston wide receiver transfer Matthew Golden, whose name Longhorns fans should be familiar with after he managed to score two touchdowns against Texas in October, is in a great position to join Texas. According to Eric, he would hold a role akin to the one that Xavier Worthy held during the previous campaign. The two then discuss safety Andrew Mukuba of Clemson, who may be considering going back home following an impressive prep career at Austin’s LBJ High School. Joe and Eric discuss their fitness, rivals for their services, and other bits of information related to portal recruiting, such as Texas joining the fray for a transfer EDGE from Tennessee alongside Ole Miss, Alabama, and other schools.