Texas Football Reloads: Sarkisian, Longhorns Reshape Roster Around Arch Manning for 2026
AUSTIN, Texas - The countdown to kickoff may still be ticking at over 200 days, but make no mistake - the Longhorns are already deep into game prep. With a season opener against Texas State set for September 5 at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, head coach Steve Sarkisian and general manager Brandon Harris aren’t waiting for fall camp to start building what they hope will be a championship-caliber roster.
And the focus? It starts where it always should: the quarterback.
Arch Manning, the redshirt sophomore and former five-star phenom, is back under center after a season that had its fair share of ups and downs. His talent is undeniable, but protection was an issue in 2025.
That’s where the first wave of offseason moves comes into play.
Fortifying the Front
Texas is attacking the offensive line with urgency - and with good reason. Manning was under pressure far too often last season, and Sarkisian knows a quarterback’s best friend is a clean pocket.
The return of left tackle Trevor Goosby is a massive win. Goosby flirted with the NFL Draft, and for good reason - he had first-round buzz.
Getting him back gives the line an anchor, a proven protector on the blind side.
But the Longhorns didn’t stop there. Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani is heading to Austin, and he brings with him both experience and edge. Siani was a standout in the ACC and should slide in as a starter, giving Texas a formidable tackle duo that can keep Manning upright and the offense humming.
Defensive Stars and New Blood
On the defensive side, the Longhorns are returning some serious talent - and adding more through the portal.
Colin Simmons is the headliner. The edge rusher is back and ready to wreak havoc.
His explosive first step and relentless motor make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Alongside him, Jelani McDonald and Ty’Anthony Smith are two rising names to watch - both flashed serious potential last season and are expected to take another leap in 2026.
And then there’s the portal haul. Linebacker Rasheem Biles (Pitt) and cornerback Bo Mascoe (Rutgers) are among the key additions. Biles brings physicality and sideline-to-sideline speed, while Mascoe adds depth and experience to a secondary that will need to hold up against the SEC’s high-powered passing attacks.
Stability Sets In
With the January 16 transfer portal deadline in the rearview mirror, Texas now has a clearer picture of who’s staying - and who might still be on the radar. While players who entered the portal before the deadline or participated in the national championship game on January 19 are still eligible to transfer, the window for major roster shakeups is largely closed.
That gives Sarkisian and Harris a moment to breathe - and to strategize. There’s still room for a few more additions, whether it’s finding a plug-and-play starter or bolstering depth at a key position. But the core is coming into focus.
Building the Two-Deep
With spring ball on the horizon, the coaching staff will soon begin shaping the two-deep depth chart - the foundation of what Texas hopes will be a playoff-contending squad. Manning is the centerpiece, but the success of this team will hinge on the pieces around him: a retooled offensive line, a defense with star power and speed, and a coaching staff that’s shown it can recruit and reload with the best of them.
The Longhorns aren’t just waiting for September. They’re building now - and building big.