Cole Hutson Or DJ Campbell?: Steve Sarkisian Updates Texas Longhorns RG Position

Steve Sarkisian has a plan for the Longhorns at right guard between both Cole Hutson and DJ Campbell.

The right guard position has been a constant carousel for Texas through two games of the season. It remains an area Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian will continue to monitor heading into Saturday's matchup against Wyoming. 

Speaking to reporters on Thursday's annual Zoom meeting, Sarkisian said both Cole Hutson and DJ Hutson will rotate in with the first-team offense against the Cowboys. The two interior linemen saw reps with the starters unit during Week 2's 34-24 win over then-No. 3 Alabama. 

“I’m okay right now with where we’re at,” Sarkisian said. “We’ll just continue to monitor that situation as we go.”

Hutson, who started 13 games last season, missed the season opener against Rice after suffering an injury in practice, thus opening the door for Campbell to start. The former five-star held his own against the Owls, allowing three pressures. 

Against Alabama, Hutson played 43 snaps at guard, while Campbell saw action on 35 reps. Neither allowed a sack, and Campbell served as the lead blocker during a 5-yard touchdown run from Jonathon Brooks in the fourth to give Texas a 27-16 lead. 

Sarkisian praised both underclassmen for their performances, mentioning that the rotation method could benefit them for various reasons. 

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"For DJ, it’s his first real experience playing and for Cole, coming off some offseason surgeries and getting his body in shape. In the end, there’s no telling," Sarkisian said. "Other things could happen on the offensive line where injuries and different things could occur down the road. Both those guys are getting really valuable experience, and they’re both maximizing their opportunities on the field.”

The No. 4 Longhorns expected their offensive line to be a strength entering the new campaign in protecting Quinn Ewers in pass protection. All five starters from 2022 returned, including sixth-year senior Christian Jones and All-Big 12 sophomore Kelvin Banks at left tackle. 

Jake Majors has started 27 games since Sarkisian's arrival in 2021. Hayden Conner replaced Junior Angilau last season at left guard and impressed, starting all 13 games while serving as one of the better run blockers for reigning Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson. 

Offensive line coach Kyle Flood said during fall camp that Campbell took massive strides forward with his development in offseason workouts and could fight for full-time starting reps at either guard position. 

For now, Sarkisian believes the rotation method is an asset for the two linemen and the team. Until it isn't, expect that to be a part of the plan moving forward. 

Kickoff from Royal-Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be televised on the Longhorn Network.