Jermaine Bishop faces an uphill battle for playing time in his freshman season at Texas. The Longhorns have loaded up at receiver with returning starters and transfer additions.
Burnt Orange Nation’s Wescott Eberts expects Bishop to see limited action this fall. Auburn transfer Cam Coleman committed through the portal. Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V return as the top targets.
The depth chart runs deep ahead of the freshman.
“Despite all the hype surrounding Bishop now as summer approaches, the reality is that significant playing time is going to be hard to come by — Sarkisian and wide receivers coach Chris Jackson have employed short rotations at the position during their time in Austin and the top-level talent at the position is elite, including Wingo, Mosley, and Cam Coleman. Even veterans like Wake Forest transfer Sebastian Berkhalter and Daylan McCutcheon are still likely ahead of Bishop on the depth chart.”
Bishop generated buzz during spring practice in Central Texas. Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant gave him a major endorsement.
“I want to go on record and say Jermaine Bishop will be Texas Longhorns #1 WR. The eye test doesn’t lie. He’s oozing with confidence..I can tell by the way he carries himself. He already runs routes like a pro. Legit playmaker.. I’m looking forward to watching him perform this year.”
Bryant wrote that in March on social media.
The numbers work against Bishop early on. Head coach Steve Sarkisian typically uses shorter rotations at receiver.
Bishop could see action in blowout wins. Late-game snaps might help showcase his skills alongside quarterback Arch Manning.
The Willis product put up 4,382 receiving yards across three high school seasons. He switched from cornerback to receiver between his freshman and sophomore years.
Bishop’s expectations have cooled since March. The talent level around him explains why.
Texas enters 2025 with one of the deepest receiving corps in college football. Manning’s likely final season should benefit from the depth.
How Sarkisian manages the rotation becomes the biggest question for the Longhorns offense.
