If the Texas Longhorns make it into the 2026 NCAA Tournament this year, which they should, they have a real chance to surprise everyone due to the rotational pieces and quality of depth that Sean Miller currently has on the bench.
Texas isn't one of these teams that has to make sure that at least 3-4 starters are on the floor at all times; they're consistently able to operate at a fairly high level with different groups of guys out there.
Let's take a look at three bench players who could end up playing big roles throughout the postseason for the Longhorns:
F Nic Codie
Codie didn't begin to stand out until later in the season, having only played in 17 games so far this year. Though he isn't a big "stat" guy, his presence on the court is undoubtedly felt off-ball on offense and as an above-average defender in the paint.
He's incredibly versatile, too, being able to effectively play both power forward and center when he has to. His most important role throughout the tournament might be on defense, when he could replace Matas Vokietaitis if he's in foul trouble. If the Longhorns get matched up against a team with an above-average frontcourt, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see Codie start alongside Vokietaitis in the paint.
G Simeon Wilcher
Wilcher has been excellent this year as a rotational member of the backcourt behind Jordan Pope and Dailyn Swain. He doesn't have the best handles in the world, but he does a lot of things well, making him a valuable piece to Sean Miller's squad.
He has enough size to play on the wing and is one of the team's better midrange scorers when given the opportunity. Wilcher also shows tons of effort on defense and has been doing a good job of stealing balls this year.
If Jordan Pope ever needs a breather or has a slow start to a game, Wilcher should be able to step in and provide a spark on offense.
G Chendall Weaver
Weaver is like the energizer bunny out there, constantly pestering opponents on defense, and throwing his body around to grab rebounds over players who are 6"+ taller than him. He won't provide that much on offense, but he'll most likely continue to be one of Texas' top defenders in the postseason regardless of the opponent.
Though Weaver is only 6'3", he plays like he's a power forward at times and will come out of nowhere to make a steal or block a shot in crucial moments.