The Texas Longhorns didn’t just dip into the transfer portal this offseason - they dove in headfirst and came up with some serious game-changers. While several new faces could make an impact right away, three additions in particular have the potential to reshape the Longhorns’ offense in 2026.
Raleek Brown: A Mismatch Nightmare in Sarkisian’s System
Let’s start with Raleek Brown - the kind of player who doesn’t just join a team, he changes it. Brown arrives in Austin after a dynamic season at Arizona State, where he flashed as both a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
He’s not just fast - he’s sudden. The kind of sudden that makes defenders freeze, hesitate, and then realize they’re already a step behind.
Steve Sarkisian has been looking for a weapon like this - a true hybrid threat who can line up anywhere and turn a simple swing pass into a 40-yard gain. Brown’s background as a former wide receiver gives him a unique versatility.
He’s not just a back who can catch; he’s a legitimate receiving threat who happens to line up in the backfield. Expect Sark to get creative with him - jet sweeps, screens, motion mismatches - anything to get the ball in his hands in space.
Yes, Texas also brought in Hollywood Smothers at running back, and he’ll have his role. But Brown might be the spark plug - the kind of player who keeps opposing coordinators up at night.
Cam Coleman: The Deep Threat Texas Has Been Waiting For
Then there’s Cam Coleman - a name that needs no introduction in college football circles. This is a plug-and-play, instant-impact wideout with All-American upside.
Coleman brings elite vertical speed and body control, making him a true deep-ball weapon. And with Arch Manning under center, that connection could become one of the most dangerous in the SEC.
Coleman’s presence on the outside will open things up for the rest of the receiving corps. With Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V also in the mix, Texas suddenly has a trio that can stretch the field horizontally and vertically. Defenses won’t be able to key in on just one guy - and that’s exactly what Sarkisian wants.
If Texas is going to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff this year - and they have the pieces to do it - Coleman’s ability to tilt the field will be a major reason why.
Melvin Siani: The Anchor Texas Needed Up Front
Of course, none of that firepower matters if the offensive line can’t hold up. That’s where Melvin Siani comes in.
The former Wake Forest standout was one of the top pass-blocking tackles in the country last season - and the numbers back it up: 487 pass-block snaps, zero sacks allowed, and just nine pressures. That’s elite-level protection.
Siani is expected to take over the right tackle spot, which gives Texas a huge boost on the edge. Brandon Baker, last year’s starter, will likely slide inside to guard - a move that could help solidify the entire unit. With Siani on one side and Trevor Goosby on the other, the Longhorns suddenly have one of the more promising tackle duos in the SEC.
This isn’t just about keeping Arch Manning upright (though that’s obviously priority No. 1). It’s about giving Sarkisian the flexibility to run his full playbook - play-action, deep shots, misdirection - without worrying about protection breaking down.
The Bottom Line
Texas didn’t just fill holes this offseason - they upgraded key positions with players who can elevate the entire offense. Raleek Brown brings electric playmaking out of the backfield.
Cam Coleman adds a vertical threat that changes how defenses line up. And Melvin Siani gives the line a rock-solid presence on the edge.
If these three live up to their potential - and all signs suggest they can - the Longhorns won’t just be fun to watch in 2026. They’ll be a legitimate threat to make noise on the national stage.