Fellow Texan here. I don’t think UT is a safety but I don’t think it’s impossible. His ACT is great! He needs to really demonstrate his strengths in his application. None of the “optional” items are optional. He needs to do them all and do them well. You should look up the UT admissions guy online. He has lots of tips.
There’s a UT admissions thread on CC for the UT class of 2023 that might be a good reference. People posted their stats and if they were admitted.
I think he has a good chance to be admitted to A&M based on kids we know who were admitted from my son’s school.
Scholarships…everyone will tell you that UT is stingy with merit money. Believe them! There are very few scholarships that do not have a need component.
Also, UT admits by Major. If he does get admitted and does not get into his chosen major, then he really needs to weigh his options. It is very hard to transfer into business, engineering or CS and they make this very clear.
I know several kids majoring in engineering at UT Arlington. With your son’s scores, and their connection with Lockheed, that might be a great option. A friend’s son was offered 10k a year for an SAT of 30.
Texas Tech also has some great scholarships and you get that big college feel with sports.
Best wishes to you and your son wherever he applies.