Texas gets its starting left tackle back just in time. Trevor Goosby is cleared for Texas State, giving Arch Manning a healthy offensive line for Week 1.
Texas just avoided what could've been a major early-season problem.
Starting left tackle Trevor Goosby is expected to be available for No. 5 Texas against Texas State, giving Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning a critical piece back before Saturday’s season opener.
Goosby had been dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee after suffering a non-contact injury during practice in August. Initial concern centered on whether the injury could cost him multiple games, especially with No. 1 Ohio State looming in Week 2.
Instead, Goosby appears ready to go.
That matters far beyond Saturday.
The 6-7, 325-pound tackle earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2025 and started all 13 games for Texas. He also entered 2026 regarded as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in college football and, most importantly for the Longhorns, protects Manning’s blind side.
Texas spent the offseason rebuilding pieces of its offensive line around Goosby and returning center Connor Robertson.
Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani gives Texas another experienced tackle after playing 859 snaps last season, while Western Kentucky transfer Laurence Seymore brings veteran help inside. Brandon Baker, who started at right tackle in 2025, has also been working at guard.
The projected group of Goosby, Seymore, Robertson, Baker and Siani gives Texas something it badly needed before the season began: a chance to build chemistry with its preferred five.
That makes Texas State more than just an opener.
The Bobcats give the Longhorns an opportunity to get the offensive line functioning as one unit before the difficulty jumps dramatically against Ohio State.
Even if Sarkisian limits Goosby’s workload Saturday, simply getting him live-game snaps would be valuable.
And there’s little reason for Texas to push him unnecessarily if the Longhorns build a comfortable lead.
The goal isn’t proving Goosby can survive Texas State.
It’s making sure he’s ready for what comes next.
Texas entered August believing its offensive line could become one of the strengths of a championship contender.
For a few nervous weeks, the status of its best blocker threatened that plan.
Now the Longhorns appear to have their left tackle back — and Arch Manning’s protection just got a lot more reassuring.
