As we make our way under 10 weeks until Texas football is back, it’s time to identify another breakout Longhorn for this season. Today, it’s about the player that made ways across social media this week, Kaliq Lockett.
The sophomore WR totaled just five catches for 47 yards in 2025, most coming on his 30-yard TD catch vs. Michigan in the bowl game. This season, I expect a substantial leap forward both in opportunity and production.
Lockett has been relatively quiet this offseason, mainly because of a leg injury sustained in spring camp. Despite that, he’s shown up to summer conditioning ready to roll and seems in-line for a backup WR role; the question is where? With the addition of Sterling Berkhalter, Lockett could make a move to Z-WR behind Ryan Wingo instead of shadowing Cam Coleman at the X-WR spot.
Regardless of where he finds the field, I believe his ability will be undeniable. He’s long, athletic with elite long speed. That’s something Steve Sarkisian can utilize is spades, just look at Ryan Wingo. I expect more rotation at the WR spot this season, in part because I believe Lockett, McCutcheon and Berkhalter will be too good not to play.
Lockett, among a remarkably talented WR room, is easy to lose in the shuffle. I don’t expect him to be lost this season. In fact, I expect Lockett to represent a very important piece to the possible championship run: playmaking depth. Texas has it in spades and it’ll pay dividends this season.
There are multiple Texas WRs that will make a name for themselves this season. For me, Lockett is the one that has the most upward mobility. He can become the WR4 for this team and the first name called if a starter goes down. His TD catch against Michigan was a flash of his skills. I expect to see much more of that in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Breakout Longhorn Sunday – WR Kaliq Lockett
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
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By Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
