As the Texas Longhorns gear up for the 2026 college football season, the offense is entering a new era-one that blends promising youth with experienced reinforcements. Steve Sarkisian’s unit is going through a major retooling, especially on the offensive side of the ball, where key departures through the transfer portal have opened the door for a reshaped depth chart. But make no mistake: this isn’t a rebuild-it’s a recalibration.
With blue-chip recruits and savvy portal additions now in the mix, Texas is piecing together a new identity. Let’s break down the offensive roster by position and explore how this group is shaping up heading into spring ball.
Quarterback
Starter: Arch Manning
Backups: KJ Lacey, Dia Bell*
Arch Manning heads into 2026 as the undisputed leader of this offense. After a rocky start last season, he turned things around in the back half, showing poise, accuracy, and command that Texas fans have been waiting to see. He’s not just the starter-he’s the tone-setter.
Behind him, sophomore KJ Lacey offers a reliable second option with a good feel for Sarkisian’s system. Then there’s five-star freshman Dia Bell, who got a small taste of college action with a single completion in a blowout win over Sam Houston. Bell’s upside is undeniable, and while he may not be ready to push for serious snaps just yet, he adds long-term intrigue to a quarterback room that’s as deep as it is talented.
Running Back
RB 1A: Hollywood Smothers
RB 1B: Raleek Brown
Backups: James Simon, Derrek Cooper*, Michael Terry III, Jett Walker
After losing four running backs to the portal-including top talents like Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark-Texas wasted no time reloading. Enter Hollywood Smothers, a sophomore transfer from NC State with electric speed and a patient running style that makes him dangerous between the tackles. He’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.
Alongside him is Raleek Brown, a 5'9", 195-pound junior out of Arizona State who brings a different flavor to the backfield. Brown runs with a low center of gravity, isn’t afraid of contact, and has the kind of jump-cut agility that makes defenders miss in a phone booth. Together, Smothers and Brown form a thunder-and-lightning combo tailor-made for SEC play.
Depth won’t be an issue either. James Simon showed flashes last year, and Michael Terry III is a Swiss Army knife who can line up as a running back or slot receiver. Freshmen Derrek Cooper and Jett Walker are likely to start on special teams but could carve out bigger roles as the season progresses.
Wide Receiver
WR-X: Cam Coleman
Backups: Kaliq Lockett, Bryce Chambers
WR-Z: Ryan Wingo
Backups: Ryan Niblett, Jermaine Bishop*, Michael Terry III
Slot: Emmett Mosley V
Backups: Daylan McCutcheon, Jermaine Bishop*
The wide receiver room might be the most exciting position group on the offense-and it starts with Cam Coleman. After transferring from Auburn, where he racked up 56 catches for 706 yards and five touchdowns, Coleman steps in as the go-to guy on the outside. He’s big, physical, and knows how to win contested catches.
Opposite him is Ryan Wingo, another physical wideout who thrives after the catch. If these two can build chemistry with Manning, Texas could be looking at one of the most dangerous receiver duos in the country.
In the slot, Emmett Mosley V takes over following DeAndre Moore’s transfer to Colorado. Mosley brings reliable hands and route-running polish. Michael Terry III adds matchup versatility, especially against linebackers and safeties, while true freshman Jermaine Bishop is a name to watch-he’s already turning heads and could see early snaps if he continues to impress.
Tight End
Starter: Nick Townsend
Backups: Michael Masunas, Emaree Winston, Spencer Shannon, Charlie Jilek*
Nick Townsend leads a solid, if not star-studded, tight end group. He fits nicely into Sarkisian’s hybrid Y-tight end role, offering enough versatility to contribute in both the pass and run game. Michigan State transfer Michael Masunas brings size and blocking ability, while Emaree Winston adds a bit more receiving upside.
This unit may not feature a game-breaking tight end, but it’s a dependable group that can be deployed situationally based on matchups. Expect them to play more of a supporting role than a focal point in the offense.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle: Trevor Goosby
Backups: Jaydon Chatman, John Turtine III*
Left Guard: Dylan Sikorski
Backup: Jordan Coleman
Center: Connor Robertson
Backups: Jackson Christian, Nicholas Robertson*
Right Guard: Brandon Baker
Backup: Devin Coleman
Right Tackle: Melvin Siani
Backups: Andre Cojoe, Jonte Newman*
Texas is in a good place up front, starting with the return of left tackle Trevor Goosby, who considered the NFL Draft but opted to run it back for one more year. That’s a big win for the Longhorns. Goosby anchors the line, and his presence brings stability to a unit that’s seen its share of turnover.
Connor Robertson is back at center, giving the Longhorns a steady hand in the middle. The move of Brandon Baker from tackle to right guard is one to watch. His athleticism and ability to pull should mesh well with Sarkisian’s zone-heavy run scheme.
On the right edge, Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani is penciled in as the starter, though that’s a spot where Texas could still look to upgrade. And don’t overlook Oregon State transfer Dylan Sikorski at left guard-he didn’t allow a sack as a freshman and brings toughness and technique to the interior.
Final Thoughts
This Texas offense is undergoing a transformation, but it’s one that’s loaded with potential. With Arch Manning at the helm, a revamped backfield, and a wide receiver corps that could be among the best in the SEC, the pieces are there for Sarkisian to build something special. The offensive line has returning experience and new blood, while the quarterback room is as deep as it’s been in years.
There are still questions-how quickly can the newcomers get up to speed? Who separates in spring camp? But if this group finds its rhythm, the Longhorns won’t just be competitive in the SEC-they’ll be dangerous.