Texas enters 2026 fall camp ranked No. 4, but major battles at running back, offensive line, safety and linebacker could reshape the depth chart.
The Texas Longhorns opened 2026 fall camp with a month to settle several high-stakes position battles before facing Texas State on Sept. 5 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas may carry a No. 4 preseason ranking, but Steve Sarkisian’s depth chart is far from laminated.
Arch Manning is locked in at quarterback, with KJ Lacey, Dia Bell and MJ Morris filling out one of the nation’s most intriguing rooms. Beyond Manning, however, competition is everywhere.
The loudest offensive battle belongs in the backfield. Transfers Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers enter camp as the leading candidates to become Texas’ featured running back. Brown brings explosive-play potential, while Smothers offers the kind of all-around ability that could make him difficult to keep off the field. Derrek Cooper, James Simon and Michael Terry III give the Longhorns even more options.
At wide receiver, Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo headline a loaded group that also includes Emmett Mosley V, Sterling Berkhalter and Kaliq Lockett. Manning won’t lack targets. The larger question is whether the offensive line can stabilize quickly enough to let that firepower breathe.
Trevor Goosby is the clear leader at left tackle, while Connor Robertson anchors the center competition. The uncertainty sits at guard and right tackle. Laurence Seymore, Jaydon Chatman and Dylan Sikorski are battling at left guard. Brandon Baker leads the right guard group, although Cole Hutson’s eligibility could change the picture. Melvin Siani and Andre Cojoe are fighting for the right tackle job.
Texas’ defense has even more moving parts.
Lance Jackson, Zina Umeozulu and Jamarion Carlton give the Longhorns speed off the edge. Hero Kanu, Alex January and Justus Terry will be counted on inside, while Ian Geffard, Maraad Watson and Josiah Sharma are competing at nose tackle.
The linebacker room is crowded enough to require traffic control. Colin Simmons and Rasheem Biles are the established names, but Ty’Anthony Smith, Brad Spence, Tyler Atkinson, Colton Vasek and Richard Wesley could force their way into meaningful roles.
In the secondary, Jelani McDonald appears secure at safety. The spot next to him remains volatile, with Derek Williams Jr., Xavier Filsaime, Jonah Williams and Jordon Johnson-Rubell all pushing for snaps. Kobe Black could factor at safety or corner, depending on how the rest of the unit develops.
Texas doesn’t need to discover whether it has talent. It needs to determine which talented players can be trusted when the games tighten.
For the Longhorns, August isn’t a warmup. It’s an elimination round.
