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A new legislative proposal in Texas could create an unexpected hurdle for the future of Longhorns athletics, and while it won't impact the quarterback competition directly, it could change the recruiting landscape in a way that affects the entire program.
State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would impose strict limits on how public universities in Texas allocate athletic scholarships. At first glance, this might not seem like an issue for Texas football, but the ripple effects could be significant. If ed, the legislation would restrict public colleges from awarding more than 25 percent of their total athletic scholarships, grants, and financial aid to international athletes.
While that might not immediately sound like a game-changer for someone like Arch Manning, the reality is that many of Texas' sports programs rely heavily on international recruits. Soccer, tennis, golf, track and field, and even basketball could all take a major hit, as some of these teams have rosters where foreign-born players make up over 30 percent. The proposed restrictions could force Texas and other schools, including Texas A&M and the University of Houston, to turn away top-tier international talent.
And that's not the only concern. Immigration attorneys warn that U.S.-born athletes with dual citizenship might also be impacted by this cap, making recruiting even more complicated. While Texas football may continue to dominate in recruiting homegrown talent, the Longhorns' broader athletic success could be at risk.
NIL is changing the landscape of the sports world
With NIL rules already limiting international players' ability to profit, this bill would add yet another challenge. And if Texas loses its competitive edge in multiple sports, the overall strength and reputation of the athletic department-something that benefits every program, including football-could take a hit.
For now, the bill remains in its early stages, but if it moves forward, the Longhorns may find themselves facing an unexpected obstacle that could change the makeup of their athletic programs for years to come.