Everybody already knows what Texas KR/PR Ryan Niblett can do with the ball in his hands, and now it looks like Steve Sarkisian will be giving him a chance to make plays on offense as well. He spent time at both wide receiver and running back in 2025, seeing a decent amount of reps at slot receiver while Emmett Mosley V was out.
This season, it seems like he's transitioned to more of a running back, but somewhat of a less traditional version of one. Based on his overall skillset on paper, he'd most likely project as a gadget-type of player and third-down running back for the Longhorns if he stays in the backfield heading into the regular season.
Niblett helped support that theory in today's player media session:
'I think I'm going to have a pretty big role on this team. Same as last year, doing what I do in punt return and being more of a third-down running back."
Y'all should know... don't punt to @ryan_niblett 💨 pic.twitter.com/BMMGuLFZCI
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 25, 2025
As mentioned previously, this certainly tracks with how his athleticism matches up with his overall skillset at 5'10", 192 lbs. He also said that the coaching staff has actually been showing him film of how Keilan Robinson was used for Texas as an explosive third-down RB in 2021-2023, and he's excited to be used in that same way.
Niblett acknowledged that things have begun to slow down for him as well in terms of lining up in the backfield:
"I feel like I'm very smart, I'm very fast. Just being able to slow the game down and knowing my reads, who I've got in pass pro, and just understanding everything that's going on around me."
Oh, and don't worry Longhorns fans, Niblett also confirmed that he's still the starting kick and punt returner for 2026 as well. I don't think anything could force the coaching staff to take him out of that role, as he's one of the best returners in all of football at any level.