As the Texas Longhorns look ahead to the 2026 college football season, hope and uncertainty coexist for Steve Sarkisian’s offense. With several key contributors departing—especially in the backfield and wide receiver room due to transfer portal movement—and a significant influx of both high-end recruits and seasoned portal additions, Texas enters the offseason with a reshaped offensive roster.
From elite high school talents like five-star quarterback Dia Bell and dynamic running back Derrek Cooper to bolstered trenches featuring transfers such as Melvin Siani (Wake Forest) and Dylan Sikorski (Oregon State), the Longhorns are beginning to outline a new pecking order under center, in the backfield, and across the offensive line. Early projections will hinge on spring practice competition, schematic fit, and how quickly younger players can step into veteran roles.
Italic: Transfers
*- Freshman
Quarterback
Starter: Arch Manning
Backups: KJ Lacey & Dia Bell*
Analysis - After a rough start to the season, Arch Manning finished the second half on a high note and enters 2026 as the clear-cut starter, with sophomore KJ Lacey behind him, followed by a highly touted quarterback who saw limited action in a blowout win over Sam Houston—throwing just one pass for seven yards—and rounding out the room is five-star freshman Dia Bell, giving the Longhorns a quarterback group loaded with talent and long-term potential.
Running back
RB 1A: Hollywood Smothers
RB1B: Raleek Brown
Backups: James Simon, Derrek Cooper*, Michael Terry III, and Jett Walker
Analysis - Four running backs entered the transfer portal—Quintrevion Wisner (Florida State), Jerrick Gibson (Purdue), Christian Clark (South Carolina), and Rickey Stewart (Stephen F Austin)—prompting Texas to revamp the RB room through both the portal and recruiting. The Longhorns added sophomore Hollywood Smothers (NC State), an explosive and patient between-the-tackles runner with true home-run ability, alongside junior Raleek Brown (Arizona State), a 5'9", 195-pound back who plays with power, embraces contact, and has the jump-cut ability to break big plays, forming a potentially deadly SEC tandem. Depth remains strong with James Simon flashing potential in limited action, versatile RB/WR Michael Terry as a possible “big scatback” gadget option, and freshmen Derek Cooper and Jett Walker likely contributing primarily on special teams in their first year due to the crowded room.
Wide receivers
WR-X: Cam Coleman
Backups: Kaliq Lockett & Bryce Chambers
WR-Z: Ryan Wingo
Backups: Ryan Niblett & Jermaine Bishop*/Michael Terry III
WR-Slot: Emmett Mosley V
Backups: Daylan McCutcheon & Jermaine Bishop*
Analysis - The addition of Cam Coleman from Auburn—the top wide receiver in the transfer portal after posting 56 catches for 706 yards and five touchdowns—gives Texas a potential star on the outside, and if that production carries over, his pairing with the physical, YAC-driven Ryan Wingo could form one of the most dangerous receiver duos in college football. With DeAndre Moore transferring to Colorado, Emmett Mosley steps into the slot role, while Michael Terry provides matchup flexibility against linebackers and safeties, and top freshman Jeramaine Bishop could earn early opportunities, making this a deep, versatile, and talent-rich WR room.
Tight end
Starter: Nick Townsend
Backups: Michael Masunas, Emaree Winston, Spencer Shannon & Charlie Jilek*
Analysis - Townsend slots in as TE1 and fits well into Steve Sarkisian’s Y/Hybrid tight end role, offering versatility in both the run and pass game. Michigan State transfer Michael Masunas, along with Emaree Winston, adds size, receiving ability, and dependable run-blocking depth to the room. While the group is solid and functional, it lacks elite upside, pointing toward situational usage rather than a feature-heavy role in the offense.
Offensive line
Left tackle
Starter: Trevor Goosby
Backups: Jaydon Chatman & John Turtine III*
Left guard
Starter: Dylan Sikorski
Backup: Jordan Coleman
Center
Starter: Connor Robertson
Backups: Jackson Christian & Nicholas Robertson*
Right guard
Starter: Brandon Baker
Backup: Devin Coleman
Right tackle
Starter: Melvin Siani
Backups: Andre Cojoe & Jonte Newman*
Analysis - With Trevor Goosby returning after briefly considering the NFL Draft, Texas brings back a key anchor up front, while Baker’s move from tackle to guard adds athleticism, movement, and pull ability that align well with Sarkisian’s offense. Connor Robertson’s return for one more season provides experience and stability at center. Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani, holding down right tackle is a reasonable projection, though it remains the most likely spot for a potential portal upgrade. The underrated addition of Oregon State transfer Dylan Sikorski, an effective run blocker who allowed zero sacks as a freshman, gives Texas a strong starting-caliber option with upside.