Tom Herman in trouble? Top Texas offensive lineman opts out after Longhorns’ loss to Iowa State
By Jake Rill
Published:
Texas will have to finish the 2020 season without one of its top offensive players.
According to Anwar Richardson of Yahoo Sports, Longhorns left tackle Sam Cosmi has decided to opt out of the rest of the season. Texas has two regular-season games remaining (Saturday at Kansas State and Dec. 12 at Kansas) before wrapping up the year with a likely bowl matchup.
The news of Cosmi opting out came a day after the Longhorns fell to 5-3 with a 23-20 loss to Iowa State. Although it was a close game, the Cyclones ended up winning after sophomore running back Breece Hall scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 3-yard run with 1 minute, 25 seconds to go.
With a 4-3 record in Big 12 play, Texas is currently tied for fourth in the conference with West Virginia, behind Iowa State (7-1), Oklahoma (5-2) and Oklahoma State (5-2). Longhorns head coach Tom Herman now has a 30-18 record in four seasons at the helm, and he could be heading toward his fourth straight year with at least four losses.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all players have been allowed to opt out at any point in the season by the NCAA. Because of the impacted season, players will also receive an extra year of eligibility.
However, Cosmi may have played his final game at Texas. The redshirt junior is expected to be one of the top offensive linemen taken in the 2021 NFL draft, assuming he foregoes his final season with the Longhorns. It’s possible his decision to opt out could be in part to ensure he doesn’t suffer an injury that negatively affects his draft stock.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
