Another five-star vs five-star quarterback matchup for Texas this weekend – Steve Sarkisian hopes to ‘disrupt him a little bit’
Everyone knows about the former No. 1 overall prospect, Arch Manning. But, folks have probably forgotten about Malachi Nelson. The former Los Alamitos (Cali.) blue chip was the No. 11 overall prospect in the 2023 class but after signing with Southern Cal, he has bounced around from Boise State to now landing at UTEP.On Saturday, […]
Everyone knows about the former No. 1 overall prospect, Arch Manning. But, folks have probably forgotten about Malachi Nelson. The former Los Alamitos (Cali.) blue chip was the No. 11 overall prospect in the 2023 class but after signing with Southern Cal, he has bounced around from Boise State to now landing at UTEP.
On Saturday, the Longhorns entertain the Miners and are a massive favorite. But, what does Steve Sarkisian think of the former Texas target and new signal caller in El Paso?
“I thought he was a really talented player in high school. Was a very natural passer and had a quick delivery… DeAndre Moore was actually with him at one point,” Sarkisian said. “He was one of the leaders on that team. Obviously was a very high recruit. He’s been on his own journey at this point.
“It’s great that he’s found a home. He’s playing good football. Their offense obviously revolves a lot around him being the quarterback and that style of play, so we’ve got to try to to do our best to contain him that way,” Sarkisian said. “Hopefully we can disrupt him a little bit with our disguise, coverages, and ultimately with the pass rush.”
Steve Sarkisian still respects Malachi Nelson’s ability and will have Texas ready for it.
“First off, he’s brought a ton of excitement. Nelson is UTEP’s highest-rated prospect to ever join the program. He is definitely moving the needle in terms of excitement and, being an unknown, his first two starts have excited fans,” Adrian Broaddus of 600 ESPN Radio in El Paso said. “Simply put, Nelson adds star power to the Miners with a ton of potential.”
UTEP is 1-1 after rebounding last weekend versus UT-Martin with a 42-17 win. Nelson has thrown for 456 yards and five touchdowns to just one interception. But, he has yet to face a front seven and a back end like Texas.
And speaking of good front sevens, UTEP leads the FBS in tackles for loss with 23 through two games. The Miners’ defense is also tied for the lead with 10 sacks with Auburn and Louisville. In fact, nine different UTEP players have at least a half sack thus far through two games.
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On Monday, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t flinch when asked about the lackluster play of two of his best on the roster. Ryan Wingo and Colin Simmons have gotten off to slow starts in 2025. Sarkisian thinks it is thanks in large part to “pressing”. “Sometimes, not trying so hard is the best avenue, […]
Arch Manning has chatted a little with Malachi Nelson ahead of Saturday’s game.
“I think I’ve texted him a few times, he’s a really good player, a lot of arm talent,” Manning said. “As another guy in my class, I’m excited to see what he can do and wish him best of luck the rest of the way.”
Manning isn’t the only one keeping tabs on Nelson, though. All-American linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., is hitting the film room hard this week in preparation for the former blue chip prospect.
“He’s making some elite throws, I’ve been known about him for a while because he was in my class, so I know he already can throw the ball really well,” Hill said on Monday.
