Texas just landed a big-time addition in the trenches, and it could be a game-changer for their 2026 campaign. Former Wake Forest offensive tackle Melvin Siani is heading to Austin, and make no mistake - this is a major win for the Longhorns.
While the initial buzz centered around Texas targeting Colorado’s Jordan Seaton, the staff pivoted, and it’s not hard to see why. Seaton may have been the flashier name, but Siani brings elite production without the hefty price tag that often comes with a one-year rental in today’s transfer portal landscape. Texas has the NIL backing to chase top-tier talent, but they’re clearly choosing value and fit over splashy headlines this time around.
And Siani isn’t just a consolation prize - he’s a legitimate force at tackle. In 2025, he didn’t allow a single sack across 486 pass-blocking snaps.
That’s not just solid - that’s dominant. He gave up only nine total pressures all season, putting him among the most reliable pass protectors in the ACC.
For a unit that struggled to keep Arch Manning upright early last season, this is exactly the kind of reinforcement Texas needed.
His PFF pass-blocking grade of 80.7 placed him inside the top 12 in the conference, and he earned multiple ACC Team of the Week honors throughout the year. That’s not just a flash-in-the-pan performance - it’s sustained excellence over a full season. He’s battle-tested, fundamentally sound, and brings a level of consistency that’s hard to find in the portal.
The ripple effect of this move could be felt immediately. With Siani likely slotting in at right tackle, Texas gets a significant upgrade over Brandon Baker at that spot.
That’s great news for Arch Manning, who spent way too much of the 2025 season evading pressure and improvising behind a shaky line. With Siani anchoring the edge, the Longhorns’ offense should look much more poised and polished from the jump in 2026.
This addition also signals that Texas might be wrapping up their work in the portal when it comes to offensive tackles. That said, there’s still a possibility they look to add one more interior lineman with the flexibility to play both guard and center. But with Siani now in the fold, the biggest hole on the line may already be filled.
Bottom line: Texas didn’t just add a body - they added a tone-setter. Siani brings experience, production, and stability to a position group that desperately needed it. If he continues to play at the level he showed in 2025, Longhorn fans will be talking about this pickup all season long.