A New Era in Austin: Manning Takes Charge as Longhorns Navigate Spring Adjustments

Spring practice is wrapping up in Austin, and head coach Steve Sarkisian is steering the Texas Longhorns through a significant roster transition heading into what many expect to be a national championship run.

Arch Manning Locks In as QB1

The biggest storyline of the spring is under center, where Arch Manning has solidified his role as the undisputed starter for 2026. Manning earned that standing by leading Texas to a 41-27 victory over Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to close out a 10-3 season, earning Citrus Bowl MVP honors in the process. He is backed by a retooled quarterback room that includes redshirt freshman KJ Lacey, five-star incoming freshman Dia Bell, and veteran transfer MJ Morris from Coastal Carolina. Early spring reports have Lacey pulling ahead in the backup competition, with Bell in a likely developmental redshirt year.

New Defensive Philosophy Under Muschamp

On the defensive side of the ball, the Longhorns are ushering in a new era. Will Muschamp has returned to Austin as defensive coordinator, replacing the fired Pete Kwiatkowski in a December shakeup after the defense underperformed in a 9-3 regular season. Muschamp previously served as Texas' DC from 2008 to 2010, helping field one of the nation's top defenses during that stretch. He inherits a unit that lost linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (2nd round, Titans), cornerback Malik Muhammad (4th round, Bears), and linebacker Trey Moore (4th round, Dolphins) in the 2026 NFL Draft — part of a six-player Texas draft class. Returning pass-rush standout Colin Simmons, who led the SEC with 12 sacks in 2025, is the cornerstone Muschamp will build around.

Backfield Completely Rebuilt

Texas has been exceptionally active in the transfer portal to reshape the offense. The running back room underwent a full overhaul following the portal exits of CJ Baxter, Quintrevion Wisner, and Jerrick Gibson. Sarkisian and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood responded aggressively, landing first-team All-Big 12 rusher Raleek Brown from Arizona State and first-team ACC runner Hollywood Smothers from NC State — a duo that combined for over 2,000 rushing yards in 2025. The Longhorns also added wide receiver Cam Coleman, who transferred from Auburn after posting 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns, giving Manning an immediate No. 1 receiver threat.

Open Practice Replaces Spring Game

Fans hoping to see these new additions in a live scrimmage setting will have to wait until fall. The traditional Orange-White Spring Game, originally scheduled for April 18, was replaced by an open practice and Football Fan Day. The decision came after a series of injuries during spring camp — including Manning (minor foot surgery) and offensive tackle Trevor Goosby (shoulder) — prompted Sarkisian to prioritize player health over a full scrimmage. The Fan Day still gave the Longhorn faithful a productive first look at the 2026 squad.

With Manning healthy and returning, a revitalized backfield, an elite receiver addition, and a proven defensive mind in Muschamp, the Longhorns enter the summer as legitimate national title contenders.