The Texas Longhorns didn’t hide their frustration after a 10-3 finish in a season that began with national title hopes. Ranked No. 1 in the preseason and loaded with expectations, missing the College Football Playoff stung. But Steve Sarkisian didn’t waste time dwelling on the past - he got to work reloading.
And reload he did.
Texas took full advantage of the Transfer Portal, assembling one of the most talent-rich groups in the country. The Longhorns didn’t just plug holes - they went out and landed game-changers at key positions, setting the stage for what could be a legitimate run at a national championship. As things stand, Texas tops the early Top 25 rankings, and with good reason.
Let’s break down the biggest additions - and one notable departure - from a transfer class that has fans in Austin dreaming big.
Most Important Addition: Cam Coleman, WR (Auburn)
If there was one player who shifted the ceiling of this offense, it’s Cam Coleman. The former Auburn wideout was the top non-quarterback in the portal and had no shortage of suitors. But Sarkisian and Texas won out, landing a player who brings elite size, speed, and polish to the receiver room.
Coleman’s arrival is especially exciting when you consider who he’ll be lining up with. Pairing him with freshman phenom Ryan Wingo gives Arch Manning two high-end targets who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and turn short throws into big gains. Coleman isn’t just a nice addition - he’s a potential WR1 in an offense that’s built to light up scoreboards.
Most Impactful Addition: Hollywood Smothers, RB (Alabama flip)
Texas needed a spark in the run game, and they went out and stole one from Nick Saban’s backyard.
Hollywood Smothers flipping from Alabama to Texas was one of the biggest statement moves of the offseason. He’s not just a talented back - he’s a tone-setter.
Texas struggled to establish the run at times last year, which put too much pressure on Arch Manning to carry the offense. Smothers changes that dynamic completely.
He’s explosive, tough between the tackles, and has the kind of vision that makes him dangerous at all three levels. With Smothers in the backfield, Texas suddenly has balance - and that makes this offense a nightmare to defend.
Sleeper Addition: Bo Mascoe, CB (Rutgers)
Bo Mascoe might not have been the flashiest name in the portal, but don’t let that fool you - this guy can ball.
The former Rutgers cornerback was one of the most consistent cover men in the country last season. He allowed just 29 catches for 357 yards on 320 coverage snaps - that’s lockdown territory. He’s physical, disciplined, and brings a veteran presence to the back end of the defense.
In a conference where you’re going to see elite quarterback play every week, having a corner like Mascoe who can erase a side of the field is invaluable. He’s the kind of addition that doesn’t get enough headlines but ends up being a major reason why a defense clicks.
Highest Upside Addition: Ian Geffrard, DT (Arkansas)
At 6'5" and 389 pounds, Ian Geffrard is hard to miss. But it’s not just his size that makes him intriguing - it’s what Texas plans to do with him.
Geffrard comes over from Arkansas and will likely play a rotational role in Austin, which might be the perfect fit. He’s got the raw power to eat up double teams and clog running lanes, but he won’t be asked to carry the load every down. That could allow him to stay fresh and maximize his impact in key situations.
Texas has had success with big-bodied interior defenders in the past, and Geffrard fits that mold. If he can refine his technique and stay healthy, the upside is massive.
Biggest Loss: Elijah Barnes, EDGE
Losing Elijah Barnes doesn’t hurt Texas in the immediate future, but it’s one that could sting down the line.
The former 5-star recruit flashed serious potential in the Citrus Bowl with a sack and looked like a player who could grow into a major contributor. While it’s unclear how big of a role he would’ve played this season, Barnes had the tools to be special.
Texas has enough depth to absorb the loss for now, but this is the kind of player you hope to develop and keep in-house. If he blossoms elsewhere, it’ll be one of those “what could’ve been” situations.
Offensive Transfer Grade: A+
This offense was already in good shape, but Sarkisian didn’t settle for good - he went after elite.
Cam Coleman and Hollywood Smothers are two of the best offensive players in the portal, and both are headed to Austin. Add in offensive linemen Laurance Seymore, Melvin Siani, and Jonte Newman, and you’ve got a group that can protect Arch Manning and open up running lanes with authority.
Texas didn’t just patch weaknesses - they turned their offense into a potential juggernaut.
Defensive Transfer Grade: A+
Will Muschamp is back in Austin to run the defense, and he’s got a loaded toolbox to work with.
Rasheem Biles, the top linebacker in the portal, brings speed, instincts, and leadership to the middle of the defense. He’s a perfect fit for what Muschamp wants to do. Add in Bo Mascoe at corner and the depth up front with Geffrard, and this defense looks fast, physical, and deep.
There’s no obvious weak spot - and that’s a scary thought for the rest of the SEC.
Final Thoughts
Texas didn’t just win the Transfer Portal - they dominated it. Sarkisian and his staff identified needs, targeted elite talent, and closed the deal on some of the biggest names available.
Now, it’s about chemistry and execution. If Arch Manning takes the next step and this roster gels the way it should, the Longhorns won’t just be in the playoff conversation - they’ll be in the thick of the national title hunt.
The hype is real. And this time, Texas might just be ready to live up to it.