As the Texas Longhorns gear up for their College Football Playoff appearance at the Peach Bowl, there is one player from Arizona State who has captured their full attention: Cam Skattebo. This development isn’t entirely unexpected given Skattebo’s stellar performance throughout the season.
The senior running back for Arizona State has been nothing short of extraordinary. He ranks second in the Big 12 and fifth nationally in rushing yards, having amassed an impressive 1,568 yards this season. To complement his rushing success, he’s recorded 19 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s most impactful players. His total of 2,074 yards from scrimmage ranks second nationally, trailing only behind Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. Skattebo’s remarkable season culminated in him finishing fifth in the Heisman voting, a week after he confidently declared himself “the best running back in the country.”
Skattebo’s self-assured proclamation came on the heels of a dominating performance in the Big 12 Championship Game on December 7. Facing Iowa State, he rushed for 170 yards and contributed three total touchdowns, helping his team to a commanding 45-19 victory. His display of strength and versatility in that game caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
“I’ve been studying his tape, and he earned the right to say that,” said Texas Longhorns sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. during a media session following practice on Friday. “He’s put up 1,500 yards this season. When you watch his tape, he’s running through defenders, catching passes out of the backfield. I think he deserves to make that claim, but at the same time, we’re an elite defense. I’m looking forward to this challenge and to finding out who’s really the best.”
Hill’s comments highlight the mutual respect between opponents, though he’s clearly eager to see how the Longhorns’ highly regarded defense measures up against Skattebo’s powerhouse running style. At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Skattebo embodies a downhill, bruising runner. He has a unique ability to absorb initial contact and bounce off defenders to gain additional yardage.
This physicality is supported by statistics from Pro Football Focus (PFF), which provide insight into Skattebo’s dominance. Of his 1,568 rushing yards this season, 1,085 have come after contact, placing him third nationally in that category. Moreover, Skattebo’s average of 4.11 yards after contact per attempt ranks third in the country, showcasing his ability to create opportunities even when facing aggressive defenses.
Texas safety Michael Taaffe echoed the sentiments of Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian when discussing Skattebo’s talents earlier this week. “He’s a complete back,” Taaffe said. “I think some people underestimate him and assume he’s just a hard-nosed, physical runner who tries to overpower defenders. While he certainly can do that, he’s also incredibly patient and has excellent balance and courage when facing contact. You’ll see him lower his shoulder, get hit low, and somehow keep his feet to break away for another 40 yards. He’s so versatile—he can jump cut, spin, run people over. He’s the full package.”
The ability to blend brute strength with finesse is what makes Skattebo stand out among the nation’s top running backs. His patience allows him to read blocks and wait for running lanes to develop, while his vision enables him to identify and exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses. Combined with his physicality and an arsenal of moves—from spin maneuvers to jump cuts—Skattebo’s game is multi-dimensional, making him a nightmare for defenders.
Preparing to face Skattebo requires more than just textbook tackling techniques. The Longhorns’ defense, which prides itself on being among the best in college football, will need to play with discipline and intensity to contain the Arizona State star. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski emphasized the importance of team tackling and maintaining gap integrity when addressing the media earlier in the week. “When you’re facing a back like Skattebo, it’s not about the first guy taking him down,” Kwiatkowski said. “You need all 11 guys flying to the ball. He’s too strong and too skilled to rely on one-on-one tackles.”
Texas’ defense enters the matchup with confidence, fueled by their own accomplishments this season. The Longhorns rank among the top defensive units in the country in several key metrics, including points allowed per game and yards per play. Players like Hill Jr., Taaffe, and others in the secondary have been instrumental in shutting down opposing offenses and will aim to continue that trend against Arizona State.
Skattebo’s ability to impact the game isn’t limited to his rushing prowess. His versatility as a receiver out of the backfield adds another layer of complexity to Arizona State’s offense. With soft hands and an ability to turn short passes into significant gains, Skattebo forces defenses to account for him on every play. This dual-threat capability is one reason he’s drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s top running backs, including those known for their ability to dominate in both the ground and aerial games.
The anticipation for the Peach Bowl matchup between Texas and Arizona State extends beyond the individual showdown between Skattebo and the Longhorns’ defense. It’s a clash of two powerhouse programs, each with its sights set on advancing in the College Football Playoff and ultimately competing for a national championship. Skattebo’s performance will undoubtedly be a key storyline, but the game will also hinge on the contributions of other playmakers on both sides.
For Texas, quarterback Quinn Ewers will look to guide the offense with poise and precision. The Longhorns’ receiving corps, led by standout Xavier Worthy, poses a significant threat to Arizona State’s secondary. Meanwhile, the Longhorns’ running game, featuring a rotation of talented backs, will aim to establish control of the clock and keep Skattebo and the Arizona State offense off the field.
Arizona State, on the other hand, will rely on Skattebo’s production to set the tone. Their quarterback, Jalen Conyers, will need to be sharp and make timely throws to complement the ground game. The Sun Devils’ defense faces the daunting task of containing Texas’ explosive offense, requiring a collective effort to disrupt Ewers and limit big plays.
As the countdown to the Peach Bowl continues, the spotlight remains firmly on Cam Skattebo. His blend of physicality, skill, and confidence has made him one of the most talked-about players in college football this season. While the Longhorns’ defense relishes the opportunity to test itself against such a formidable opponent, Skattebo is equally eager to prove why he considers himself the best in the nation.
The upcoming game promises to be a showcase of elite talent, high stakes, and unforgettable moments. For Skattebo, it’s another chance to solidify his legacy as one of the best running backs in recent memory. For Texas, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate why their defense is among the best in the country. When the two teams take the field, all eyes will be on this compelling matchup—one that could very well determine the outcome of the game and shape the narrative of the College Football Playoff.
