The outlook for Texas Longhorns football continues to brighten, as four players were named to the 2016 preseason All-Big 12 team by media representatives who cover the league a year after cornerback Duke Thomas was the only Texas who made the 2015 list.

And all four of those players are sophomores — left tackle Connor Williams, right guard Patrick Vahe, linebacker Malik Jefferson, and cornerback Davante Davis. With four of the five defensive backs from the 2015 All-Big 12 team now departed, sophomore Holton Hill should also have an opportunity to make the postseason list, especially if he shows considerable improvement during his second season.

Jefferson also earned the nod as Defensive Player of the Year after finishing as the Defensive Freshman of the Year in an injury-shortened first season in Austin. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is the preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while TCU quarterback Kenny Hill is the preseason Newcomer of the Year.

Here is the full list:

Big 12 Conference