If 2026 really is Arch Manning’s final ride in Austin - and all signs point that way - then Texas is making sure it counts. Head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t just pushing chips to the center of the table; he’s flipping the whole thing over.
The Longhorns have landed a top-tier transfer class, headlined by former Auburn five-star wide receiver Cam Coleman and dynamic running back Hollywood Smothers, the No. 2 back in the portal. That duo leads a 15-player haul that’s already one of the most talent-rich in the country - and it might not be finished yet.
With that kind of firepower joining an already loaded roster, Texas is poised to enter 2026 right back where they started last year: at No. 1. Sarkisian’s built a contender that doesn’t just look good on paper - it looks like a team built to finish the job.
Texas Bolsters the Trenches - Without Breaking the Bank
One of the biggest questions heading into the offseason was how Texas would address the offensive line. When Colorado’s Jordan Seaton - one of the top tackles in the country - hit the portal, Texas was immediately in the mix. Seaton’s market value reportedly starts at $2.5 million, and while the Longhorns could still host him for a visit, they made a big move on Thursday by securing Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani.
Siani isn’t just a depth piece. He brings real experience to the table - over 1,500 snaps at tackle across stints with Temple and Wake Forest.
Last season, he gave up zero sacks and just nine pressures in 486 pass-blocking reps. That’s the kind of production that makes a quarterback sleep easier.
With Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker returning as starters, and Andre Cojoe expected back from injury, Texas is suddenly deep - and versatile - up front. If Seaton does end up in burnt orange, it would be a luxury, not a necessity. One of those three tackles would likely slide inside to guard, and that’s a good problem to have.
The Hype Around Arch Manning Now Has the Roster to Match
Let’s talk about the quarterback. Arch Manning didn’t just survive his first year as a starter - he grew into it.
By the end of the season, he looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC and the country. The name on the back of the jersey brought pressure from day one, but Sarkisian stayed patient, and now Manning enters his second season as the clear Heisman frontrunner and a likely No. 1 overall pick.
The difference this time? He’s got the weapons and protection to match the expectations.
Up front, Siani’s arrival shores up the biggest question mark. And out wide, the Longhorns might have one of the most dangerous receiver duos in the country.
Coleman is the kind of WR1 who can win in traffic and make contested catches look routine. That allows Ryan Wingo - another five-star talent - to slide into a more natural WR2 role, where his speed and explosiveness can shine.
Wingo’s a threat on screens and deep balls, while Coleman can be the go-to guy on third down and in the red zone.
In the backfield, Smothers brings burst and vision, and he’ll be joined by Arizona State transfer Raleek Brown - a versatile weapon who can contribute as a runner or receiver. That one-two punch gives Texas the ability to close out games once they’ve built a lead.
Defense Quietly Reloads with Key Additions
And while the offense grabs headlines, the defense is quietly building something strong. Collin Simmons returns to anchor the front, and the Longhorns added Rasheem Biles - the top linebacker in the portal - from Pitt.
They also brought in Ian Geffrard and a run-stuffing nose tackle from Arkansas, adding size and strength in the trenches. Depth pieces and potential contributors round out a unit that should be fast, physical, and disruptive.
The Road Ahead Won’t Be Easy - But Texas Is Built for It
Of course, the path to a national title is never a straight line. Oregon brings back Dante Moore and a core of young talent that got playoff experience last season.
Indiana is reloading under Curt Cignetti, and Ohio State returns Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith - a lethal QB-WR combo in their own right. There are plenty of contenders.
But right now, Texas looks like the team to beat. Even without landing every big name in the portal, the Longhorns have assembled a roster that checks every box.
Elite quarterback play? Check.
Playmakers at the skill positions? Check.
Depth and experience in the trenches? Check.
A defense that can hold up when it matters? Check.
This isn’t just Arch Manning’s final lap - it’s Texas’s best shot yet at a national title in the Sarkisian era. The hype is real. And for once, it might actually be justified.