Golden Opportunities for Texas Wide Receivers
Former Longhorns Matthew Golden, Adonai Mitchell, and Xavier Worthy are setting up for break out seasons.
Last week we talked about Texas being “RBU”, but are we sleeping on Texas becoming “WRU” too? I know LSU holds the current title—deservedly so—but I have a feeling our former Longhorn wideouts are in for breakout years. By the end of the season, you will know their names…and not just because I won’t stop talking about them. ;)
Matthew Golden: Green Bay Packers
Matthew Golden is going to be a problem. He’s turning into everything you want in a first-round draft pick: productive on the field, first in last out, and engaging with the Packer community in a positive way. He’s trending toward being a Day 1 starter and the Packers’ WR1. PERIOD. The local beat writers can’t stop raving about him, and have been keeping Texas fans fed with all of their Golden content:
The early returns on Golden are amazing, and I know he’ll only get better as he settles into his new offensive system (which is why I drafted him to my Sleeper Fantasy Football Team). I feel so confident in Golden’s stock only rising because that’s exactly what happened at Texas. When Golden first arrived on campus via the transfer portal, he wasn’t penciled in as the guy—more like a depth piece and special teams ace.
Texas fans were sort of taken aback when we heard whispers coming out of training camp before the 2024 season that he was actually Quinn Ewers’ most trusted target. But even then, Golden didn’t truly get his shot until midseason, when Isaiah Bond went down with an injury. From that point on, it was nothing but bright lights and big moments—with 4th-and-13 being Golden’s lasting legacy at Texas.
Buckle up Packer fans, dropped passes are about to be a thing of the past as you enter your new Golden Era.
Adonai Mitchell: Indianapolis Colts
AD Mitchell was that dude at Texas. He made THE catch at Alabama, cementing Texas’s return to the big leagues and his status in Texas lore. Off the field, he was just as beloved, opening up about being a Girl Dad in the Players’ Tribune (the reason why he transferred to Texas was to live closer to his baby girl). As if his NFL Prospect Profile couldn’t get any sweeter, he posted a blistering 4.33 40 yard dash time at the 2024 combine. A first-round draft pick seemed like a done deal….until it wasn’t.
Despite teammates and coaches refuting the anonymous claims, Mitchell’s draft stock took a hit. He dropped from first-round lock to the 52nd pick overall in the second round to the Colts. “Anonymous Sources Szn” struck another victim.
His rookie year was a mix of highs and lows, with a revolving door at quarterback and a frustrated locker room. But Mitchell kept his head down and continued to work. He’s flown under the radar all offseason… until yesterday’s joint practice with the Ravens happened…
He went scorched earth on one of the league’s top defenses at their joint practice, and reminded everyone of what Texas and Georgia fans have known for years: AD is lethal on the field. I’m calling it now: this will be his breakout year. Not even an inaccurate Anthony Richardson or Danny Dimes will deny him now that he’s found his confidence! And if they want to keep their starting quarterback roles, they should look AD’s way every. single. time.
Xavier Worthy: Kansas City Chiefs
Worthy has already started to make a name for himself in the league after an amazing rookie season. He made flashy plays throughout the year, showing off his speed, and capped his rookie campaign off by becoming the first Longhorn to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl…EVER! How’s that for some Texas Football trivia?
With Patrick Mahomes growing tired of the Chiefs’ “checkdown hero” and “death by a thousand cuts” offensive approach from the past two seasons, you can expect the deep ball to X to become a major weapon this year. That’s exactly why Worthy is my WR1 on Fantasy Football. (Yup, I drafted 2 Texas wide receivers for my team. Hook ‘Em!)
Another reason I’m all in on X? Rashee Rice is facing a likely three-to-four game suspension, and Hollywood Brown is nursing another injury. There isn’t any option but X to be Chiefs WR1 going into Week 1. Cheetah 2.0 loading? I sure think so.
The Big Picture
Matthew Golden, AD Mitchell, and Xavier Worthy are in three totally different situations, but all have a real shot at making a huge impact on their teams. DBs and gamblers beware—fade them at your own risk.