Ryan Wingo, a highly touted freshman wide receiver for the Texas Longhorns, stirred up more than just defenses when he recently admitted that he isn’t a fan of Texas-style barbecue. In a humorous yet sincere moment on the 3rd & Longhorn podcast, Wingo shared that he prefers the sweet, saucy, smoky flavor of Kansas City barbecue, a nod to his Missouri roots, over the more traditional dry-rubbed, slow-smoked beef brisket Texas is known for.

This sparked a flurry of reactions from fans, teammates, and barbecue purists alike. Social media lit up with memes, hot takes, and some friendly jabs from Texas foodies defending their beloved culinary tradition. But Wingo didn’t back down.

“It’s not personal,” Wingo said with a laugh. “I just grew up on something different. My pops makes the best ribs and burnt ends you’ll ever taste. It’s what I know.”

His honesty was disarming. Rather than trying to conform, Wingo was simply being real—a quality that has already earned him respect in the locker room and among fans.

Wingo is already making a name for himself as one of the most electric newcomers on a Texas team stacked with talent. A five-star recruit from St. Louis, Missouri, he chose Texas over programs like Georgia, Michigan, and Missouri. His route-running, athleticism, and maturity have drawn comparisons to NFL-ready receivers. And in the 2025 spring game, he hauled in two touchdowns and over 100 yards, instantly becoming a favorite target for Arch Manning.

Despite the barbecue comment, Wingo says he’s loving his new home in Austin. “Everything else here is amazing—the people, the fans, the football. I’ve even come around to breakfast tacos,” he said with a grin. He’s also shown strong team chemistry, especially with older players like Xavier Worthy and Johntay Cook, and is praised for his work ethic by Coach Steve Sarkisian.

The Texas locker room has had fun with the barbecue comments, with teammates reportedly teasing him by bringing in brisket sandwiches and leaving them in his locker. Manning even joked that he might bring Wingo to Franklin Barbecue—widely regarded as one of the best in Austin—to try to change his mind. But Wingo remains firm.

“I’ve tried it,” he said. “It’s not bad. It’s just not what I love.”

What makes this story so resonant is how it humanizes a young athlete entering the pressure cooker of big-time college football. Wingo isn’t just a player with stats and star rankings. He’s a young man adjusting to a new culture, holding on to the tastes and memories that shaped him back home, while finding his place in a passionate football community.

In many ways, this small off-field moment is emblematic of the wider transition the Longhorns themselves are experiencing. As Texas prepares for its first full season in the SEC, it is balancing tradition with evolution, old-school football roots with new-generation talent and flavor—just like Wingo himself.

Texas fans, to their credit, have embraced the story with humor and pride. Many are now joking that Wingo’s performance might make Kansas City barbecue acceptable in Austin “as long as he keeps scoring touchdowns,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Food aside, Wingo’s presence on the team is significant. His commitment to Texas was a huge recruiting win, and his early flashes on the field have coaches excited about what’s to come. With his combination of speed, size, and savvy, he could be a major weapon as the Longhorns push for a College Football Playoff berth in 2025.

And while barbecue might be a dividing line, football is the great unifier in Austin. As long as Wingo continues to perform under the lights at DKR Stadium, it’s safe to say that even the most die-hard brisket fans will overlook his taste in ribs.

Still, don’t expect Wingo to give in anytime soon.

“I respect Texas barbecue,” he said. “But for me? Give me KC sauce, burnt ends, and my dad at the smoker every time. That’s home.”

Whether you agree with his barbecue opinions or not, one thing is clear: Ryan Wingo is confident, honest, and locked in on making his mark not just in the SEC, but across college football.

And if he helps bring a national championship to Austin?

Well, he just might convince a few Texans to give Kansas City barbecue a second chance.