Keep an eye on these Longhorns in No. 5 Texas' first game of the season on Saturday.
In Steve Sarkisian's sixth season as head coach, the No. 5-ranked Texas Longhorns still have championship expectations.
But the 2026 season brings some challenges in getting to the CFP and beyond. The Longhorns have a stacked roster that oozes with NFL-bound talent, but they also have one of Sarkisian's largest newcomer classes in his time as a college coach.
Sarkisian appeared on ESPN this week and explained that his 22 or 23 transfers are the most in a single cycle in program history. Add that to the 26 incoming freshmen, and Sarkisian has to manage nearly 50 new players on this year's roster.
"I thought these guys have done a great job all offseason of learning our system, our style, our organization, our culture, all those things," Sark added as fall camp comes to a close. "But at the same time, working and competing to be the best players they can become.
"All that has brought this team very close."
Underrated Longhorns that fit 'culture, style'
Sarkisian mentioned Florida State transfer linebacker Justin Cryer and former Rutgers defensive back Bo Mascoe as players who haven't received the recognition as their peers in the media, but are expected to make a big impact, calling them both "great additions."
Cryer, back near his hometown of Katy, Texas, led the Seminoles' linebackers in tackles last season as a junior.
Mascoe was an All-Big Ten honorable mention last year after forcing two fumbles, batting down four passes and recording an interception and 68-yard return a year ago.
Offensively, Sarkisian spotlighted right tackle Melvin Siani after he was graded one of the best linemen in the ACC last season at Wake Forest.
"We've been fortunate," the coach said, "As talented as our group is that we brought in, they're great people. They're really good teammates. That's the value of vetting people and making sure they fit culturally with our organization and beliefs and style, and we hit a home run on these guys..."
