When the transfer portal opens on January 2nd, Texas isn’t just window shopping - they’re headed in with a purpose. After a 2025 season that saw the Longhorns make strides in some areas but struggle in others, one position stands out as a clear priority: the interior offensive line. If Texas wants to take the next step in 2026, retooling that group isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Why the Interior Offensive Line Is the Top Priority
Let’s be honest - Texas had its moments this past season, but consistency up front was not one of them. The interior offensive line, in particular, was a revolving door of experimentation and underperformance.
Cole Hutson was playing out of position, Connor Stroh had issues in pass protection, and Neto Umeozulu, once a promising talent, never quite found his rhythm. Simply put, the middle of the offensive line didn’t hold up, and it showed in both the run game and pass protection.
D.J. Campbell and Connor Robertson were the two who managed to provide some stability.
Campbell, in particular, emerged as a reliable presence - but he’s now off to the 2026 NFL Draft. That leaves Robertson as the lone returning interior lineman with meaningful experience, and Texas suddenly has two starting guard spots to fill.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff know they can’t afford to roll the dice again with inexperience or misfit pieces. They need plug-and-play upgrades.
And fast.
Nick Brooks: A Work in Progress
There’s some internal intrigue with Nick Brooks, a true freshman in 2025 who made the switch from tackle to guard during the season. At 6’7”, 330 pounds, Brooks brings the kind of size and physical profile you love to see, and he held his own in limited reps.
But he’s still raw. The tools are there, no doubt, but he’s not yet the kind of player you want to pencil in as a Week 1 starter without a safety net.
Development will take time - and Texas doesn’t have a lot of it.
Who Could Be on Texas’ Radar?
The good news? The portal is loaded with options, and Texas has the resources - both in terms of coaching appeal and NIL backing - to be a major player. Among the names to watch:
- Carter Miller (UCF) - A Fort Worth native who could be enticed by a return home. He’s seen starting reps and fits the mold of a physical interior lineman.
- Michael Wooten (Arizona) - Another intriguing option, Wooten brings size and versatility, and his experience in a Power Five program makes him a viable candidate.
- Trovon Baugh (South Carolina) - Baugh has SEC experience and has shown he can hold up against top-tier competition.
- Makai Saina (USC) - A former blue-chip recruit who could benefit from a fresh start in a system like Sarkisian’s.
All four of these players bring something to the table - whether it’s starting experience, schematic fit, or high-upside potential. More importantly, they represent a significant upgrade over what Texas had in the trenches this past season.
What’s Next?
When the portal opens, expect Texas to move quickly. This isn’t just about filling roster spots - it’s about finding the kind of linemen who can anchor an offense built on tempo, balance, and explosive playmaking. With a quarterback room that’s ready to compete at a high level and skill talent that can stretch the field, the missing piece is protection and push up front.
Texas has the pitch. They’ve got the brand.
And yes, they’ve got the NIL war chest to make things happen. If Sarkisian and his staff can land the right pieces on the interior line, don’t be surprised if this offense looks much more complete - and much more dangerous - by the time spring ball rolls around.
The portal window may only be open for two weeks, but for Texas, it’s a crucial stretch that could define their 2026 ceiling. Expect fireworks.