Texas heads into 2026 fall camp with championship expectations hanging over the program, but the Longhorns still have some real sorting out to do before the season gets rolling. Steve Sarkisian has talent and depth to work with, but there are five jobs that could shape whether this team looks ready for a title push.
The most interesting fight might be in the backfield. Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown both transferred in with a chance to lead the running game, and Texas clearly didn’t bring either one to Austin just to share politely.
Each wants the top spot. Freshman Derrek Cooper makes it even messier, because his size and upside could push him into a meaningful role right away and cut into the carries available for both veterans.
Tight end is unsettled too, even if Nick Townsend seems to have a small edge going into August. Michael Masunas, Spencer Shannon and Emaree Winston all offer something different, and Texas has enough flexibility in the offense to lean on multiple tight ends. Still, Sarkisian needs one of them to become Arch Manning’s most reliable target in the middle of the field.
The most pressing issue may be at left guard. Laurence Seymore joined the team over the summer and looks like the cleanest path to the starting job, but he’ll have to prove it quickly. Jaydon Chatman and Devin Coleman are still in the mix, and this is one spot Texas can’t afford to leave murky once the schedule gets serious.
Safety is another key decision. Jelani McDonald is set, but the spot next to him opened up after Xavier Filsaime moved to nickel and Kobe Black shifted back to safety.
Derek Williams Jr. appears to be the front-runner, though Black and Jordon Johnson-Rubell both have enough talent to change the picture. Black, in particular, could become the wild card if he puts together a strong August.
Linebacker rounds out the list, and Rasheem Biles is the only clear starter there. Ty’Anthony Smith and Justin Cryer are fighting for the middle linebacker job, while Rocky Cummings and freshman Tyler Atkinson could make that battle even more crowded.
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Jonah Williams, Xavier Filsamie and Jordon Johnson-Rubell are all in the mix for meaningful snaps, but the most intriguing development may be the arrival of top cornerback recruit John Meredith III after his early enrollment. Texas has also been sorting through a few different layers of competition, including a backup safety battle behind McDonald and a starting corner job that could still swing before the opener. The Longhorns do not need every answer today, but they do need this group to start looking like a secondary with a future. [Read more 🡒]