Young talent rises as three freshmen defy expectations, poised to make immediate impact on the Texas football field this fall.
In college football, the freshman year for players is usually for development and getting acclimated to the higher level of competition.
This is the case now more than ever with the rise of the Transfer Portal, which allows elite programs to replace players leaving with experienced players from other schools, rather than relying on young, unproven talent.
However, that doesn't mean teams like Texas won't rely on freshmen for production next season. The Longhorns' roster is still a bit thin at a few positions, and a few players in their 2026 recruiting class have the talent to rise to the occasion.
Here are three true freshmen who could play important roles for Texas next season.
RB Derrek Cooper#
Derrek Cooper, out of Hollywood, Florida, was one of the best RB recruits in the nation this cycle, garnering comparisons to one of the best RBs in the NFL, former Longhorn Bijan Robinson.
Cooper has the potential to be a workhorse ball carrier for the Longhorns, possessing the size and power to run between the tackles and in congested areas.
With Texas losing a whopping five RBs to the transfer portal, it looked like Cooper could have a massive role in his freshman season.
To fill those gaps, the Longhorns acquired two of the top five transfer portal RBs, creating a lethal one-two punch, but Cooper is still in contention for a decent-sized role.
The rest of Texas' RB room is full of inexperienced backs, meaning the race for RB3 is wide open. Being the third option may not seem like a huge role, but it's a position that's relied on throughout the season, especially when injuries occur.
LB Tyler Atkinson#
Even after picking up three linebackers in the portal, the Longhorns remain thin at the position.
This gives composite five-star LB Tyler Atkinson the perfect opportunity to gain playing time in his freshman season.
The 6-2, 210-pound defensive beast has been viewed by many as Texas' Anthony Hill replacement, possessing similar motors and instincts on the football field.
Atkinson was rated the second-best LB in the 2026 recruiting class for a reason - he's a dang good player, and there's certainly a world where he breaks through as a consistent option for defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
He may not be as productive as Hill was in his first season, but keep an eye out for Atkinson - he may surprise a few people next fall.
WR Jermaine Bishop#
The probability of any young receiver becoming a consistent target for Arch Manning next season is slim to none, given the names the Longhorns are returning and the acquisition of Cam Coleman from Auburn.
However, if there was a WR who could break down those barriers and force head coach Steve Sarkisian's hand, it would be Jermaine Bishop.
The 5-11, 155-pound athlete out of Willis, Texas, has experience on both sides of the ball, but projects more as a wideout. Bishop was the second-ranked ATH in his class.
He's not the biggest WR, but he makes up for it with his electric speed and explosiveness off the line of scrimmage.
Speed kills, and there's always a way to utilize players with his talent, even in a limited role (see Ryan Niblett).
If Bishop can impress in camp, don't be shocked if he sees some playing time when the season begins.