BREAKING: DeAndre Moore Jr. Taking Pride in Guiding and Mentoring the Next Generation of Texas Longhorns Stars.

DeAndre Moore Jr., once the highly touted recruit out of Southern California, is quickly becoming more than just a name on the Texas Longhorns roster—he’s evolving into one of the program’s emerging leaders. Though still young himself, Moore has begun embracing a new and essential role within the team dynamic: that of a mentor. In a college football landscape that continues to change with the ever-accelerating pace of NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and constant roster turnover, his decision to lead and guide younger players is both refreshing and crucial.

When Moore first arrived in Austin, the expectations were immense. A former four-star receiver with game-breaking speed, sharp route-running, and a high football IQ, Moore had the skillset to immediately contribute on the field. But as with many top-tier recruits, the transition from high school stardom to collegiate competition presented challenges—both mental and physical. Moore leaned on older teammates and coaches to help him navigate that shift, gaining experience not just in football schemes, but in discipline, leadership, and the importance of consistency.

Now, entering another pivotal season, Moore has found himself on the other side of that mentorship dynamic. No longer the new kid on the block, he’s taken it upon himself to support and uplift the younger players stepping into the program. He’s not just doing it out of obligation—he’s doing it with intention, purpose, and pride.

Those close to the program have seen a noticeable difference in Moore’s presence during team meetings, practices, and offseason workouts. He’s more vocal, more focused, and more engaged with his teammates than ever before. Whether it’s taking a freshman receiver aside to review a play, offering words of encouragement after a tough rep, or simply setting the tone with his work ethic, Moore’s leadership is beginning to resonate in the Longhorns’ locker room.

Moore understands that talent alone isn’t what separates good teams from championship-level squads. Culture matters. Chemistry matters. And leadership, especially from players who have experienced the highs and lows of college football, is non-negotiable. It’s that belief that has driven Moore to become a consistent voice in the ears of incoming freshmen and underclassmen, many of whom are trying to find their footing at one of the most competitive programs in the country.

“I remember what it felt like walking into this program with all the hype and pressure,” Moore shared in a recent post-practice media session. “There’s so much noise. You’ve got to block it out and focus on what really matters—getting better every day. I had older guys help me with that, and now I’m just doing my part to pay it forward.”

The younger players have taken notice. Multiple freshmen have cited Moore as someone who immediately made them feel welcome and offered support as they adjust to the college football lifestyle. One first-year wide receiver mentioned how Moore stayed after practice to help him run routes and understand the playbook. Another freshman defensive back said Moore offered insight into how opposing defenses disguise coverages—something that usually takes players years to recognize.

But Moore’s impact isn’t just limited to technical advice. He’s been an emotional anchor for players dealing with the often-overwhelming transition into a high-level athletic program. Moving away from home, balancing academic pressures, managing expectations from fans, family, and coaches—it’s a lot. Moore, having navigated all of that himself, has become a steadying presence for those experiencing it for the first time.

And while Moore has embraced his mentor role off the field, his play on the field continues to demand attention. Known for his quick release off the line and his precise route-running, Moore has been a go-to target in 7-on-7 drills and full-team scrimmages. His timing with the quarterbacks—especially with Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers—has looked sharp, and coaches have repeatedly praised his attention to detail and commitment to improvement.

Moore’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Head coach Steve Sarkisian recently singled him out as one of the team’s most mature players, noting how Moore has stepped into a leadership role despite not being an upperclassman. “DeAndre’s really grown into someone our younger guys look up to. He brings great energy every day, and he leads by example,” Sarkisian said. “That’s what we want from our players—guys who understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

For Moore, that “something bigger” is about building a legacy—not just of wins and stats, but of brotherhood and shared purpose. He believes in what Texas is building, and he wants to be remembered as someone who helped shape the culture that leads the Longhorns back to national prominence.

And there’s no question that this Texas team is trending in that direction. With a mix of veteran talent and young, hungry players, the Longhorns are eyeing a deep run in the College Football Playoff conversation. But Moore is quick to remind everyone that success isn’t automatic. It’s earned through preparation, unity, and accountability—values he’s trying to instill in every teammate he works with.

“You don’t get to where you want to go just because you’ve got stars next to your name or because people talk about you on social media,” Moore said. “You get there by doing the little things right, every day. That’s what I’m trying to teach the young guys—how to be pros, how to handle adversity, how to stay locked in.”

That mindset has begun to ripple across the program. In the weight room, Moore is often seen encouraging teammates during tough sets. On the field, he’s the first to celebrate someone else’s big play and the first to pick someone up after a mistake. In film sessions, he asks questions not just for himself, but to make sure younger players understand the concepts being taught. It’s a level of investment that goes far beyond personal success.

There’s also an element of humility to Moore’s leadership. He doesn’t see himself as above anyone else, nor does he lead with ego. Instead, his leadership is rooted in experience and empathy. He knows the pitfalls, the distractions, the pressure. He’s walked that path—and now he’s determined to help others walk it more confidently.

It’s rare to see someone so young embrace a mentorship role with such conviction, but Moore isn’t your typical player. His maturity, coupled with his relentless drive and genuine care for his teammates, makes him an invaluable asset for Texas—not just in 2025, but for the foundation he’s helping to build for years to come.

As fall camp continues and the regular season approaches, Moore’s presence will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the identity of this Longhorns team. Whether he’s making plays on the field, helping a teammate adjust to a new scheme, or simply offering a word of encouragement, his fingerprints are all over this roster’s development.

The spotlight will shine bright on the Texas Longhorns this season. Expectations are sky-high. The talent is real. The schedule is daunting. And every game will come with pressure and scrutiny. But in the midst of that pressure, leaders like DeAndre Moore Jr. are the reason many believe this team is ready for the moment.

In college football, leadership isn’t always measured in captain patches or press conferences. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet moments—on the practice field after hours, in the locker room before a big game, or during a conversation with a freshman who’s struggling. That’s where real leaders show up. And that’s exactly where DeAndre Moore Jr. continues to shine.

For Texas, his contributions go far beyond the stat sheet. They’re woven into the very culture this team is building—one rep, one lesson, and one young player at a time.