In college athletics, it’s rare to find someone who excels in more than one sport. Enter Jonah Williams, a Texas Longhorns freshman who has been playing both football and baseball head-on. His name is making waves across the state. Now, it’s time to take a closer look at what makes this two-sport star so unique.
Jonah Williams, the Freshman Balancing Football and Baseball
Williams is proving that being a two-sport athlete at a powerhouse program like Texas is no easy feat. Spring practice for Texas football is in full swing, but Williams has been notably absent from the field. Instead, he has been focused on baseball. That’s where he is making a debut for the Longhorns in a recent matchup against Sam Houston.
When asked about Williams’ absence from football practice, Texas baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle made it clear that Williams is prioritizing baseball this spring.
“He has been awesome, he’s been a baseball player,” Schlossnagle said after Texas’ game against Sam Houston.
Jim Schlossnagle said Jonah Williams did not practice today with the football team and that Steve Sarkisian has let him to be just a baseball player aside
from attending a few meetings. Williams may do more football if he isn’t contributing in baseball, but Schloss thinks he will— Danny Davis (@_dannydavis) March 26, 2025
“[Williams] goes to some meetings, but he didn’t go to practice. He’s really coming on. His batting practice has been awesome, he threw on the mound for the first time today.”
Williams is currently listed as both an outfielder and a left-handed pitcher. This is surely making him an asset for the Longhorns on multiple fronts. While his playing time has been somewhat limited, Schlossnagle believes the young star is trending in the right direction.
“He’s got a really good swing, he just needs at-bats,” Schlossnagle explained.
“That’s the challenge for a two-sport athlete. Hitting is one of those things that you have to stay on it year-round, and that’ll be his challenge moving forward. But if anybody can do it, it’s great athletes like him.”
Texas baseball is currently preparing for a critical SEC series against Missouri. One of the biggest questions surrounding Williams is whether or not he will travel with the team.
“I’ve got to decide if he’s going to travel this weekend or not. I’ll talk to Coach [Steve] Sarkisian and see where his thoughts are,” Schlossnagle said.
“If they would want him in football, I don’t want him sitting on our bench not able to play, but he may have a real role for us. I love a left-handed bat who can run and really play the outfield. We’ll see.”
While Williams is making waves on the baseball field, it’s important not to forget his future on the gridiron. Listed as a safety for the Texas football program, he will likely transition back to football come August.
His athleticism has made him an exciting prospect for Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian. The coach has been incredibly supportive of Williams’ two-sport journey.
Sarkisian has made it clear that when Williams is with baseball, he is fully committed to baseball. However, once fall rolls around, it will be interesting to see how he fits into Texas’ defensive scheme.
The Bigger Picture: The Future of Two-Sport Athletes
Williams’ journey highlights a growing conversation in college athletics: Can modern student-athletes still successfully play two sports? Williams’ coaches have both emphasized that they are fully behind his two-sport aspirations. The key will be ensuring that he gets the necessary repetitions in both sports to continue his development.
“He’s doing a great job, and it’s all about balance,” Schlossnagle said.
“We want him to succeed in both, and we’ll do everything we can to help him.”
KEEP READING: Could Arch Manning Follow in Peyton & Eli’s Footsteps, Join One of Their Previous Teams?
Williams is one of those rare athletes capable of excelling in both baseball and football at one time. While his primary focus this spring has been on baseball, his football future remains just as promising.
Whether he’s making plays on the baseball diamond or locking down receivers on the football field, one thing is certain—Texas fans have a lot to be excited about when it comes to this multi-talented freshman.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
