The New Addition to Texas Longhorns: MJ Morris
Just when it seemed the Texas Longhorns had wrapped up their transfer portal class, they made headlines by adding another notable player to their roster. The excitement surrounding the program continues as MJ Morris, a veteran transfer quarterback from Coastal Carolina, joins the team. Morris, set to back up rising star Arch Manning for the 2026 season, brings a wealth of experience and an intriguing background to the Longhorns.
A Journey Through Four Schools
Morris’s college career has seen him transition through multiple programs. Texas will become his fourth school, underscoring the whirlwind of movements many players experience in the current landscape of college football. Originally committing to NC State out of high school in 2022, Morris chose the Wolf Pack despite interest from elite programs like LSU, Florida, and Georgia.
He began his journey at NC State, where he spent two seasons before moving to Maryland in 2024. After one year with the Terrapins, he headed to Coastal Carolina for the 2025 campaign. Now, Morris will don the burnt orange as he embarks on a pivotal final year.
Impressive Career Stats
Throughout his collegiate journey, Morris has recorded notable performance metrics. He has completed 186 of 320 passes for a total of 2,021 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his mobility with three rushing scores, making him a dynamic dual-threat quarterback in various offensive schemes.
In nine career starts, Morris holds a 5-4 record, reflecting a promising ability to contribute positively to his team. His highlights include impressive victories against ranked opponents such as No. 21 Wake Forest while at NC State, as well as pivotal wins against Clemson and Miami in 2023. Moreover, an unforgettable moment came when he led a comeback victory against Virginia Tech, overcoming a 21-3 deficit.
Shared Roots with Texas Players
Morris hails from Carrollton, Georgia, where he attended Carrollton High School. Interestingly, he shares this alma mater with Texas Longhorns safety, Zelus Hicks. Although their high school paths never crossed, it creates a fascinating connection for the Longhorns roster.
As both players find themselves at Texas, fans are keen to see how their backgrounds might shape their collaboration on the field.
Pre-College Connections
Adding another layer to Morris’s story, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian offered him a scholarship while he was still in high school at Alabama. Morris participated in a workout camp at Alabama, where he impressed Sarkisian, then the offensive coordinator, leading to the scholarship offer. This connection showcases the high regard in which both Sarkisian and Nick Saban held Morris’s abilities long before he stepped onto the college scene.
Now, as Morris transitions to Texas, their paths have come full circle— showcasing how college football is intertwined with personal relationships as players and coaches navigate their careers.
Future Outlook
The addition of MJ Morris adds depth to the Longhorns’ quarterback room, providing a valuable veteran presence behind the highly touted Arch Manning. As Morris takes on this new challenge, anticipation grows among fans for how his experience and skills will influence the Texas football program.
With such a colorful journey and impressive stats to back him up, Morris is sure to become a key figure in the Longhorns’ upcoming seasons. As he integrates into the program, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the Texas playing style and contributes to the team’s success.