Seeking to bolster a struggling run game and protect Arch Manning, Texas secures a top transfer offensive lineman, adding crucial beef to the front line.
Last season, the Longhorns did something they had not done in eight years: rush for less than 2000 yards.
Regardless, Texas running backs did post four games of 200-plus yards rushing. But they also logged five games in which they failed to rush for 100 yards, and in three games, they did not score a rushing touchdown.
Take all that into consideration, and it is no wonder that the Longhorns rushed for 749 fewer yards and scored nine fewer touchdowns than they did in 2024.
The Longhorns highest rushing total of last season was 264 yards and four touchdowns in a shutout win over Sam Houston. The lowest was a dismal 23 yards and zero touchdowns in a loss to Georgia.
To make matters worse, the Longhorns said goodbye to most of their running backs as they entered the transfer portal, including leading rusher Quintrevion Wisner, C.J. Baxter, Christian Clark and Jerrick Gibson.
To improve this situation, coach Steve Sarkisian has secured the commitment from the No. 4 offensive lineman in the transfer portal, according to On3. Former Wake Forest standout Melvin Siani pledged his services to the Longhorns on Thursday.
At 6-6, 302 pounds, Siani has recorded over 850 offensive snaps with nine quarterback pressures and zero sacks. In 12 starts for the Demon Deacons, Siani earned a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 80.7. That bodes well for quarterback Arch Manning and offensive line coach Kyle Flood, who is a happy man right now.
In the run game, Siani is an above-average blocker. He will be counted on to open holes for new teammates Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers.
At 5-9, 195 pounds, Brown will not need that big of a hole. Brown can hit the opening with his speed and quickness and be gone while a would-be tackler grasps for air. Last season for Arizona State, Brown rushed for 1,100 yards on his way to earning first-team All-Big 12 honors.
Smothers gained over 900 yards (61 yards shy of 1,000) last season at N.C. State, and he was named first-team All-ACC.
Also, Siani will also be protecting Manning’s blind side. Manning had a breakout year for the Longhorns last season. He passed for over 3,100 yards, rushed for 399 and accounted for 36 touchdowns.
Siani will provide the blocking and pass protection needed for the Longhorns to be a more dominant rushing team next season, keep Manning upright, and so they rely less on Manning’s legs to extend plays. If they can do that, the Longhorns will be a more balanced team as they chase the biggest prize in college football: a national championship.