The Texas football program undoubtedly learned some things about themselves in 2025, and one of the biggest blunders heading into the year was made in last season's transfer portal.
They can't make the mistake of not attacking key areas of weakness again, specifically along the offensive line.
Here is a list of five current transfer portal players who should be "must gets" for Texas in 2026:
1. OT Josh Atkins - Arizona State
Atkins started at left tackle for the Sun Devils in 2025, and he'd be a much-welcomed addition to Texas' offensive line room in 2026. Though Trevor Goosby "should" be back next season, there's a slight chance that he could declare and leave for the 2026 NFL Draft. If this ends up being the case, Atkins would most likely slide into the starting left tackle position for the Longhorns heading into the spring of 2026.
If Goosby stays, Atkins could either compete with Brandon Baker for the starting right tackle job or possibly slide inside to guard.
2. DT John Walker - UCF
Walker was a big target for Texas in the 2023 recruiting class, and he's been to Austin for official visits multiple times already. He has the type of size (6'4", 320 lbs.) and play style that Texas DL coach Kenny Baker and DC Pete Kwiatkowski like to have on the interior defensive line.
The team brought in mammoth-sized defensive tackles Cole Brevard and Travis Shaw in 2025, and now that they're out of eligibility, Walker seems like a top-notch replacement.
3. LB Khmori House - North Carolina
Much like Walker, House was a highly sought-after target by Texas during his recruitment process in 2024. There were rumors that the Longhorns were very close to getting his signature, but he ended up committing to Washington on signing day.
With Anthony Hill Jr. leaving, the Longhorns have to find another athletic playmaker to bring in to both add numbers to the linebacker room, and to replace Hill in the starting lineup. House would undoubtedly compete for one of the starting linebacker positions in 2026 whether that me at MIKE or SAM.
4. OT/OG Ben Murawski - UConn
Murawski is currently flying under the radar, but he has elite size (6'7", 330 lbs.) and length to play offensive tackle in the SEC. He started at left tackle for UConn in 2025, and he started at offensive guard in 2024.
His positional flexibility and experience would undoubtedly allow him to compete for a starting spot at offensive tackle or guard next season for an offensive line that desperately needs help.
5. S Boo Carter - Tennessee
Derek Williams Jr. is entering the transfer portal and they could lose both Michael Taaffe and Jelani McDonald to the 2026 NFL Draft if McDonald declares. Though Texas still has Xavier Filsaime and Jonah Williams in the room, Pete Kwiatkowski's defense relies heavily upon safety play. The Longhorns need to continue adding to the safety group, and Carter is the No.1-ranked safety in the 2026 transfer portal.
Carter would come in and be a day one starter at either free or strong safety for the Longhorns.