With a assured quarterback in Arch Manning main the group, Texas needs to be higher outfitted to face Ohio State in Austin. The Longhorns want high transfers — huge receiver Cam Coleman, linebacker Rasheem Biles, operating backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers, offensive deal with Melvin Siani and cornerback Bo Mascoe (Rutgers) — to come back by way of and keep wholesome. If that occurs, the Longhorns have an opportunity to make a deep playoff run in what’s prone to be the ultimate season for juniors Manning, Coleman and Colin Simmons.
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Texas Football: 2026 Longhorns Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing Texas’ Offense for 2026
After watching quarterback Arch Manning end the 2025 season by throwing for 11 touchdowns with one interception over the ultimate 5 video games whereas operating for 4 TDs and even catching a TD cross, head coach Steve Sarkisian went all-in to attempt to win a nationwide championship by creating probably the most explosive offense doable. In got here the transfers – big-play huge receiver Cam Coleman (Auburn), electrical operating backs Raleek Brown (Arizona State) and Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and deal with Melvin Siani (Wake Forest). Texas additionally added 5-star wideout Jermaine Bishop Jr., who’s drawing comparisons to a younger Xavier Worthy.
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“Our ability to create explosive plays is showing up,” Sarkisian stated popping out of spring ball.
Texas must hit on its O-line transfers as a result of the inconsistency of final yr’s offensive line was a serious contributor to the Longhorns averaging the fewest factors per sport (30.5) of the Sarkisian period in Austin.
Related: SEC Football Predictions for 2026
Previewing Texas’ Defense for 2026
Sarkisian traded out a top-notch defensive coordinator in Pete Kwiatkowski (whose defenses gave up a mean of 18.1 ppg the final three seasons) in hopes of an excellent higher one with the rent of Will Muschamp. Muschamp, who spent 4 of the previous 5 years on Kirby Smart’s employees at Georgia, introduced Smart’s double-A-gap stress with him again to Texas, the place Muschamp served as DC from 2008-10.
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Muschamp has playmakers at each stage with finish Colin Simmons, the SEC’s sack chief (12) in 2025; linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith and transfers Rasheem Biles (Pitt) and Justin Cryer (Florida State); and security Jelani McDonald (group chief in tackles and interceptions in 2025).
Gone is Kwiatkowski’s bend-but-don’t-break philosophy in favor of Muschamp’s attacking fashion, which incorporates cornerbacks enjoying press-man as an alternative of off protection.
Related: SEC Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2026
Previewing Texas’ Specialists for 2026
Texas may have a brand new placekicker, punter and long-snapper in 2026 — Gianni Spetic (Memphis), Mac Chiumento (Florida State) and Trey Dubuc (New Mexico), respectively. Junior Ryan Niblett completed because the nation’s No. 2 punt returner in 2025 with punts returned for TDs in wins over Oklahoma and Mississippi State.
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Related: SEC Football 2026 Predictions
Related: SEC Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2026
Related: College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2026
This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2026, the place it first appeared within the College Football part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.