AUSTIN, Texas – The Longhorn football team has a lot of momentum heading into Saturday’s top ten showdown with Michigan!

Texas and Michigan, two of college football’s winningest all-time programs, will meet for just the second time ever. Head coach Steve Sarkisian cannot wait.

“To think like, these two iconic programs with those iconic uniforms and those iconic helmets, meeting for the first time in the big house! Man, that’s awesome! I mean, I’m getting goosebumps right now,” Sark said.

The Horns roll into Ann Arbor fresh off the program’s first season-opening shutout in 20 years, while the Wolverines surprisingly struggled a bit with Fresno State, before winning by 20. 

Ewers throws 3 TD passes to help No. 4 Texas roll over Colorado State 52-0 in opener

The Horns are now a touchdown road favorite, but the burnt orange overconfidence won’t be a problem.

“Three straight College Football Playoffs, national champs, 41-3 in their last 44 games, they’ve won 16 games in a row, 23 straight at home, so we’re gonna be in for a dogfight,” said Sark.

Of course, playing in front of 100,000+ screaming Michigan fans at the big house will be a little different from this past Saturday at DKR. That said, roughly half this group passed a similar test this time last season in Alabama.

“It definitely helped us understand we can go into big places and play good teams and come out on top,” said Kelvin Banks, junior o-line man.

“We’re definitely gonna learn a lot about ourselves, and this whole team in general going into this game. I couldn’t be more excited and grateful for the opportunity
that we get for these two storied programs to meet head-to-head,” said Quinn Ewers, junior quarterback.

The Longhorns take on Michigan in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m.

The Texas Longhorns will face one of their toughest opponents of the Steve Sarkisian era on Saturday, taking on the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor.

While Sarkisian mentioned that team preparation for this weekend has been underway since the offseason, many individual players have taken time to get themselves situated for the highly-anticipated matchup, including sophomore wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr.

During the team’s media availability on Monday, Moore gave special praise to a former mentor of his for being able to prepare him well for the challenge ahead.

“So personally me, I had a great teacher, Jordan Whittington,” Moore said. “He kind of showed me the ropes, making sure you take care of your body every day, honing in on the game plan and just taking care of the little things.”

Whittington and Moore spent only one season together, as Moore was a freshman when Whittington served as a fifth-year wide receiver last season before being picked up in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He garnered an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection and appeared in all 14 games with 42 receptions for 505 yards and one touchdown, but was more well-known for his positive mindset and leadership on and off the field.

In similar fashion to how Whittington didn’t see much action his first three years with the program, Moore played in 10 games with no starts in 2023. He made his first career start against Colorado State this past Saturday but didn’t see the ball in his hands.

When asked how difficult it was to stay patient for his chance to be at the front of the line for the receiving position, Moore reiterated how Whittington taught him to create his own path.

“Honestly, it was really tough. I had to really hone in and lean on my faith,” Moore said. “And you know, like I keep saying, Jordan Whittington, he kind of showed me the ropes. And like, all right, young kid, you’re not getting on the field how you want to be a receiver, how are you going to find yourself, you know? So I took the time to really sit down and listen, and I got my way in on special teams.”

While some of his own teammates have compared his style of play to that of Whittington’s, Moore said the Texas Ex stood as an inspiration for his own brand rather than someone he wants to replicate entirely.

“Like I said, he was a really great teacher for me. At the end of the day, I am DeAndre Moore, and I have my own skill set,” Moore said. “But he kind of showed me the ropes. Okay, young kids, you do this this way, you do that this way. So it was kind of great.”

Moore will look to get plenty of opportunities to shine this season as he stands as a crucial player in this year’s new wave of wide receivers and hopes to make a name for himself with the guidance given by Whittington.

The Austin real estate market forecast for 2025 to 2030 emerges at a crossroads, where the southern charm of Texas meets the bustling tech scene promising rapid growth. As the capital city of Texas, Austin has been a magnet for transplants and investors alike, but what does the future hold? Predictions for the coming years suggest a mix of resilience and volatility influenced by both national trends and local dynamics.

Austin Real Estate Market Forecast 2025 to 2030

Current Market Overview

As of August 31, 2024, the Austin housing market is experiencing a cooling period after a heated phase spurred by the pandemic. Recent data indicate a 0.7% decline in home prices by August 2024. Zillow projects a steeper decline of 2.7% from July 2024 to July 2025, reflecting a significant shift from the aggressive price appreciation seen in previous years. This forecast illustrates a turning tide, transitioning from soaring demand and sky-high prices to a more balanced approach in the real estate sector.

Drivers of Change: Economic Conditions

The Austin economy remains resilient, marked by consistent job creation, especially in the technology, finance, and healthcare sectors. However, the backdrop of rising inflation and fluctuating interest rates contributes to a challenging environment for buyers and sellers alike. With interest rates at elevated levels, potential homebuyers might be deterred from entering the market, impacting overall sales volume.

Austin’s population growth contributes to housing demand, but with increasing barriers to entry, such as affordability issues, buyers may find themselves priced out of the market. As the median home value is projected to reach around $1.3 million by 2025, especially among higher-end homes, the city’s attractiveness could paradoxically hinder accessibility. The combination of higher mortgage rates and elevated home prices could result in a slowdown of new entrants into the housing market.

Despite these challenges, Austin’s tech industry fuels optimism. Companies continue to relocate or expand within the region, driving a steady influx of job-seekers. This demographic trend can provide a much-needed rebound in the housing market if job growth continues to outpace economic setbacks.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

While the Austin real estate market forecasts suggest a decline in home prices for the short term, various challenges and opportunities will shape the coming years. For instance, as construction costs continue to rise, the supply of new homes may not catch up with market demand quickly enough. Simultaneously, with the city still regarded as a desirable place to live, especially among younger generations, the demand for housing will remain strong.

Additionally, tightening supply and increasing rent rates will impact the affordability of homeownership. Rental rates surged over the past few years, making it difficult for many to transition from renting to owning. An anticipated increase in interest rates could further hinder the purchasing power of families looking to invest in the market.

Forecasts for 2030: A Long View Ahead

As we venture further into uncertainty, the real estate market forecast for 2030 emphasizes the complexities of predicting housing trends accurately. While data can highlight trends, projecting a decade in advance is fraught with potential pitfalls. Nonetheless, considering a multitude of factors, including economic and demographic trends, can provide insights into probable scenarios.

Analysts predict that barring significant economic disruptions, home values may trend upwards as Austin continues to attract new residents and businesses. This projected growth will likely be contingent upon several factors:

• Job Creation: Continued job growth in technology and other sectors will be crucial for driving demand.
• Flood of Investments: As more major tech firms announce expansions in the area, investor confidence may rekindle.
• Changes in Legislation: Affordable housing initiatives, if enacted, could help improve the supply-demand imbalance, stabilizing home prices.

However, caution is warranted. The speculative nature of forecasts introduces uncertainty – economic downturns, shifts in demographics, or changes to the political landscape could all profoundly affect the market trajectory over the next decade.

Concluding Thoughts

Reflecting on the Austin real estate market forecast for 2025 to 2030, it becomes clear that while the immediate future may hold some challenges with potential price reductions, the long-term perspective remains optimistic, especially with sustained economic growth and population influx. As someone who has observed the dynamics of this market closely, I appreciate the unique blend of challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This vibrant Texas city stands at a pivotal moment in its real estate journey, and while predicting the future has its uncertainties, being prepared and aware of market indicators provides a strategic advantage. Austin’s blend of cultural richness, burgeoning tech environments, and natural beauty ensures it will remain a coveted location for many seeking a fresh start.

Also Read: