Arch Manning headlines Texas spring football as the Longhorns rebuild a massive roster and chase a 2026 national title under Steve Sarkisian.
Texas spring football kicks off with massive expectations in Austin, and it starts with one name everyone in college football already knows: Arch Manning.
The Texas Longhorns quarterback returns with experience, confidence and the weight of championship hopes on his shoulders as Steve Sarkisian’s 2026 Texas football team begins spring practice.
But while Manning gives the offense a clear identity, the Austin American-Statesman proclaims that the Longhorns are dealing with one of the most dramatic roster resets in the country.
Texas lost 40 scholarship players to the NFL Draft, graduation and the transfer portal. In their place? 43 new faces, including 19 transfer portal additions and 24 freshmen. Talent isn’t the problem. Turning that talent into a functioning team is the real challenge.
Sarkisian has already made it clear the focus this spring is chemistry.
You can collect stars all day, but championships require cohesion. The Longhorns now have just weeks of spring practices to figure out how the puzzle fits before the April 18 spring game at Royal–Memorial Stadium.
And there’s plenty to sort out.
The biggest storyline is Arch Manning’s recovery from offseason foot surgery. The redshirt junior has already started 15 games in Sarkisian’s system, so Texas won’t rush him.
That means extended reps for young quarterbacks KJ Lacey and five-star freshman Dia Bell, giving fans a glimpse of the next generation behind the Manning era.
Meanwhile, the offense is getting a makeover.
The running back room now features transfers Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Raleek Brown from Arizona State. Brown is a dynamic pass-catching weapon, while Smothers brings a more physical style between the tackles.
If Sarkisian finds the right balance, Texas could unlock a dangerous one-two punch.
Up front, the offensive line shuffle will be closely watched. Trevor Goosby’s injury recovery leaves questions about how coach Kyle Flood organizes the unit.
Brandon Baker could move inside to guard, while portal additions Melvin Siani, Dylan Sikorski, and Laurence Seymore battle for starting roles.
But perhaps the biggest transformation is happening on defense.
New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp - known across college football as “Coach Boom” - returns to Austin looking to bring an aggressive edge.
Expect heavier blitz packages, a more prominent “Buck” edge position, and new playmakers like Pittsburgh transfer Rasheem Biles and elite freshman Tyler Atkinson.
And with All-SEC edge rusher Colin Simmons back, Texas still has a centerpiece defender.
Add in major secondary battles, new special teams transfers, and dozens of new players learning the culture, and one thing becomes clear.
Texas has the talent to chase a national championship.
Now spring football will determine whether this roster becomes a team ... or just a collection of stars.