Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo is poised to make a significant leap in his sophomore season, building on a promising freshman year that showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker. With key departures from the receiving corps and a new quarterback under center, Wingo’s development is crucial to the Longhorns’ offensive success in 2025.
Freshman Year Highlights and Challenges
In his inaugural season, Wingo demonstrated flashes of brilliance. He opened his collegiate career with four receptions for 70 yards against Colorado State and followed up with a 55-yard run against Michigan. His most notable performance came against UTSA, where he caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Arch Manning, finishing the game with three receptions for 127 yards. However, his production tapered off as the season progressed, with no touchdowns after the UTSA game and a decline in receiving yards .
Part of this dip can be attributed to vision issues that affected his performance. Wingo underwent LASIK eye surgery during the offseason to address these problems, aiming to enhance his on-field awareness and consistency .
Elevated Role in 2025
The 2025 season presents Wingo with an opportunity to step into a more prominent role. With the departures of top receivers like Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, and DeAndre Moore Jr. sidelined due to injury, Wingo is expected to be one of the most experienced and reliable targets for the Longhorns . His combination of size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and elite speed—evidenced by a 10.55-second 100-meter dash—makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders .
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has expressed confidence in Wingo’s abilities, praising his maturity, work ethic, and humility . These attributes, coupled with his physical tools, position Wingo to become a central figure in the Longhorns’ offense.
Chemistry with Arch Manning
A key factor in Wingo’s potential breakout is his rapport with quarterback Arch Manning. The duo has shown promise, with Wingo ranking among the team’s leaders in yards per route run and yards after catch per reception . As Manning steps into the starting role, developing chemistry with Wingo will be vital for the success of the passing game.
Conclusion
Ryan Wingo enters the 2025 season as a player to watch. With improved vision, increased experience, and a stronger connection with his quarterback, he has the tools to become one of the premier wide receivers in the SEC. If he can build on his freshman flashes and maintain consistency, Wingo could be a key contributor to the Longhorns’ offensive success this season.
