As the transfer portal window slams shut, Texas has been anything but quiet. Over the past two weeks, the Longhorns have hauled in 15 new additions, bolstering their roster with a mix of high-upside prospects, proven talent, and intriguing depth pieces. While more moves could still trickle in as paperwork finalizes and decisions settle, here’s a breakdown of the new faces already in the burnt orange and where they’re coming from.
Offensive Line: Building the Trenches
Texas made a clear push to fortify its offensive front, adding multiple linemen with varying levels of experience and pedigree.
- Melvin Siani arrives from Wake Forest. Originally from Ontario, California, Siani didn’t carry a ranking out of high school and initially signed with Temple. Now, the Longhorns are betting on his development and physical tools to add depth at tackle.
- Jonte Newman, a former four-star recruit from Bridgeland High School in Cypress, Texas, is a big-time pickup. Ranked as the No. 25 interior offensive lineman in the 2025 class by 247Sports, he originally committed to Texas A&M. Bringing him in is not just a win in the trenches-it’s a win on the recruiting trail, too.
- Dylan Sikorski, out of Sumner, Washington, and formerly at Oregon State, adds another body to the interior. Ranked No. 80 among IOLs in his class, Sikorski brings some Pac-12 seasoning to the room.
Skill Positions: Explosiveness Incoming
Texas didn’t hold back when it came to adding firepower on offense.
- Hollywood Smothers-yes, that’s his real name-comes in from NC State. The Charlotte native was the No. 40 running back in his class and originally signed with Oklahoma. He’s got the kind of speed and shiftiness that can make defenders miss in space.
- Raleek Brown, once a five-star-level recruit out of Mater Dei, brings serious juice to the backfield. He was the No. 3 running back and a Top 70 overall player in his class, initially signing with USC before landing at Arizona State. Now, he’s in Austin, where his versatility could be a game-changer in Sarkisian’s offense.
- Cam Coleman might be the headliner of the group. The former Auburn Tiger was the No. 2 wide receiver and the No. 5 overall player in the country in the 2024 class.
Out of Phenix City, Alabama, Coleman is a true alpha wideout-big, fast, and already seasoned in SEC play. He’s the kind of talent that changes the complexion of a receiving corps overnight.
Defense: Depth and Development
On the defensive side of the ball, Texas added a mix of athletic upside and steady contributors.
- Zion Williams, a Class of 2025 defensive lineman from Lufkin, Texas, was ranked No. 77 at his position. Originally an LSU signee, he’s a developmental piece with the kind of frame and motor you want in a young defensive lineman.
- Ian Geffrard is a bit of a tweener, listed as a defensive lineman here but ranked as the No. 53 offensive tackle in his class. Whether he sticks on defense or flips back to offense, the former Arkansas signee from Georgia brings size and flexibility.
- Rasheem Biles, a linebacker from Pickerington Central in Ohio, was ranked as the No. 72 athlete in his class. He signed with Pitt out of high school and brings some versatility to the second level.
- Justin Cryer, another linebacker, comes in by way of Florida State. Originally from Brookshire Royal in Texas, Cryer was the No. 125 linebacker in his class and initially signed with Northwestern. He’s a physical presence who adds depth to the linebacker room.
- Bo Mascoe, a cornerback from Florida, brings length and athleticism to the secondary. He was the No. 61 corner in his class and signed with Rutgers before making his way to Austin.
Special Teams: The Details Matter
Texas also addressed the often-overlooked third phase of the game.
- Trey Dubuc, a long snapper out of Florida, was ranked as the No. 3 player at his position. He originally signed with South Florida but now brings his precision and consistency to Austin.
- Mac Chiumento, a punter from Daytona Beach, signed with Florida State out of high school. While he wasn’t ranked, he adds competition and depth to the punting unit.
- Gianni Spetic, a kicker from Ohio, was the No. 15 kicker in his class. He originally signed with Ohio and now joins the Longhorns looking to make an impact on special teams.
Tight End Help
- Michael Masunas, a tight end from Arizona who signed with Michigan State, was ranked No. 58 at his position. He brings size and blocking ability, and could be a useful piece in multiple-tight end sets.
What It All Means
Texas didn’t just go shopping in the portal-they went hunting. This is a group that blends blue-chip pedigree with developmental upside and fills needs across the board. From a five-star wideout to a top-tier long snapper, the Longhorns hit every level of the roster.
As the dust settles, it’s clear Texas isn’t just preparing for the SEC-they’re preparing to compete in it right away. And with this kind of talent infusion, the rest of the conference would be wise to take notice.