While the spotlight naturally shines on Texas’ high-profile transfer additions-names like Cam Coleman, Relique Brown, Hollywood Smothers, and Rashim Biles-it’s the lesser-known, glue-guy pickups that could quietly shape the Longhorns’ 2026 season. Because in the SEC, star power grabs headlines, but depth and versatility win games in November.
That’s the message coming out of Texas this offseason, and it’s a sentiment echoed by those close to the program: championship teams aren’t built solely on five-star flash. They’re built on players who embrace roles, do the dirty work, and make everyone around them better.
Take Ian Geffrard, for example. The Arkansas transfer may not be a household name, but at 6-foot-5 and pushing 390 pounds, he’s impossible to miss-and even harder to move. Geffrard brings a massive presence to the middle of Texas’ defensive front, and he’s tailor-made for the Longhorns’ identity on defense: stop the run, control the line, and let the athletes behind you fly.
He’s not going to rack up sacks or make highlight reels. That’s not his job.
His job is to eat double teams, clog running lanes, and free up linebackers to make plays. And in a league where trench play still decides titles, that kind of interior anchor is worth his weight-literally-in gold.
In the secondary, Bo Mascoe might be the most underappreciated pickup of the offseason. The Rutgers transfer brings physicality, experience, and a strong understanding of press-man coverage-exactly what Texas needs on the outside.
With nearly 1,200 college snaps under his belt, Mascoe isn’t just another body in the cornerback room. He’s a legitimate contender to be the team’s top cover man in 2026.
He’s battle-tested, aggressive at the line, and already familiar with the defensive system. That combination gives Texas something it lacked at times last season: reliability on the boundary. Don’t be surprised if Mascoe emerges as a foundational piece in a defense that’s looking to get even stingier.
On the offensive side, tight end Michael Masunas isn’t going to light up the stat sheet-but he might be one of the most important players in Steve Sarkisian’s scheme. With questions surrounding the offensive line, Masunas’ ability to block like a sixth lineman becomes a massive asset. He gives Arch Manning more time, more protection, and more flexibility in the playbook.
Masunas won’t need to catch 50 passes to make an impact. His value comes in the form of sealing edges, picking up blitzers, and giving this offense the kind of balance that keeps defenses guessing.
And speaking of the offensive line, don’t overlook Dylan Sikorski. The Oregon State transfer may not be flashy, but he’s a plug-and-play option for a unit that struggled with consistency in 2025. He’s what coaches call a “floor-raiser”-a dependable presence who can stabilize a position group and help elevate the players around him.
Put it all together, and the picture becomes clear: Texas isn’t just collecting stars. It’s building a roster with balance, toughness, and purpose. These under-the-radar additions may not dominate social media, but they could be the difference between a talented team and a title contender.
If they hit, the Longhorns won’t just look good on paper-they’ll be built to win in the SEC trenches, where games are won and legacies are made.