Texas Football is expected to make a key addition to its recruiting infrastructure, as Kevin Mashack, currently the Director of Recruiting at Tennessee State, is reportedly set to join the Longhorns as their next Director of Scouting. He’ll be stepping into the role most recently held by Errin Joe, who left the program to take on the general manager position at North Texas.
This move signals another calculated step by Texas as they continue to build out a recruiting and scouting operation designed to compete at the highest level in the SEC. Mashack brings a strong background in identifying talent and building relationships-two cornerstones of any successful scouting department. While the title may not grab headlines like a five-star commitment or a splashy coaching hire, this is the kind of behind-the-scenes move that can pay big dividends over time.
Scouting directors are the connective tissue between coaching staffs and recruiting boards. They’re tasked with evaluating film, organizing in-person visits, and ensuring the staff has a clear, accurate picture of each target’s potential. With Texas continuing to push deeper into the national recruiting landscape-and now navigating the SEC's rugged terrain-having the right eyes and instincts in that role is crucial.
Mashack’s expected addition comes at a time when the Longhorns are already making headlines on the recruiting front. Four-star EDGE Cameron Hall just committed, and the program is currently hosting Wake Forest transfer wide receiver Sterling Berkhalter.
Add to that the recent honor for five-star athlete and early enrollee Jermaine Bishop, who was named Dave Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football, and it’s clear the Longhorns are stacking talent across the board.
Meanwhile, on the field and in the portal, there’s no shortage of movement. Texas continues to evaluate its roster post-bowl season, while also working to finalize its 2026 recruiting class and beyond.
The staff has been active on the road, checking in on prospects like 2026 defensive lineman Elijah Ali and laying groundwork in talent-rich areas like DFW and Houston. The early groundwork for the 2027 class is already underway, with Texas showing a strong presence across the state.
As for internal development, the Senior Bowl has offered a glimpse at the next wave of Longhorns stepping into leadership roles. Defensive back Michael Taaffe is one name that’s been turning heads, showing he’s ready to take on more responsibility in the secondary.
On the hardwood, Texas basketball is still searching for answers on the defensive end after a tough 88-82 loss to Auburn, in which the Longhorns blew an early lead. The team’s inconsistency has been a storyline all season, and with SEC play heating up, finding stability on that end of the floor is becoming more urgent.
In softball, the Longhorns are already earning preseason recognition with Teagan Kavan and Reese Atwood among four players named to the All-SEC team. Expectations are high in Austin as the second season under head coach Jim Schlossnagle begins to take shape, and the buzz around multiple programs on campus is only getting louder.
Bottom line: Texas is building momentum across multiple sports, and moves like the expected hire of Kevin Mashack reflect a broader commitment to long-term success. Whether it’s on the field, in the portal, or behind the scenes, the Longhorns are positioning themselves to be a major force in the SEC.