Depth Chart Thursday: Projecting the 2026 Texas Longhorns
Breaking down Arch Manning's supporting cast and Will Muschamp's new-look defense following a massive offseason reshuffle.
As the Texas Longhorns navigate the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season, the focus shifts entirely to the roster that head coach Steve Sarkisian is building for a championship run. Coming off a 41-27 victory over Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to close out 2025, the Longhorns look drastically different. Today's Depth Chart Thursday breaks down the key returning starters, high-profile transfers, and new position battles shaping up in Austin.
The Offense: Manning’s Undisputed Team
The biggest storyline of 2026 is under center. Arch Manning has officially taken over as the undisputed starting quarterback entering his redshirt junior season and is already widely viewed as a Heisman Trophy favorite. With Trey Owens departing via the transfer portal, the quarterback room has reshuffled. Manning is backed up by KJ Lacey and recent transfer addition MJ Morris, giving offensive coordinator Kyle Flood reliable depth.
At the skill positions, Texas lost key pieces to the portal, including running backs CJ Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner, as well as receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. However, the Longhorns reloaded aggressively. Headlining the transfer portal class is standout Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman, who pairs with returning starter Ryan Wingo to form a lethal perimeter attack. Additionally, transfer running back Raleek Brown will push for snaps in the revamped backfield.
In the trenches, returning starter Trevor Goosby will anchor an offensive line that must replace NFL Draft pick DJ Campbell. Incoming transfer Laurence Seymore is poised to compete immediately for a starting job on the interior.
The Defense: Muschamp’s Overhaul
Defensively, the depth chart is undergoing a massive transformation. Sarkisian executed a 14-coach staff reshuffle, highlighted by Will Muschamp replacing Pete Kwiatkowski as the new defensive coordinator. Muschamp has his work cut out for him, as the defense lost several cornerstones to the NFL Draft, including Anthony Hill Jr., Malik Muhammad, Trey Moore, and Michael Taaffe.
Despite the losses, Muschamp has elite talent to build around, starting with returning defensive edge Colin Simmons. The depth chart will also feature new faces like transfer Melvin Siani, as Texas looks to solidify its rotations ahead of the fall.
With the traditional spring game replaced by the April 18 Football Fan Day, much of the remaining position battles will be settled behind closed doors. But with Manning at the helm and a retooled roster, the Longhorns' depth chart is undeniably talented as the summer approaches.
Published 5 months ago
Staff
Staff writer for SEC Saturday Wire covering college sports.
Process Notes & Methodology
I focused on a 'Depth Chart Thursday' overview of the 2026 Texas Longhorns, examining the revamped roster under Steve Sarkisian. This angle naturally incorporates the team's high-profile transfers and significant NFL/portal departures to paint a clear picture of the projected starters.
I hooked the reader by referencing the team's strong finish to last season via their 41-27 Citrus Bowl win over Michigan. This established momentum before explicitly introducing the Depth Chart Thursday theme for the current Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 timeline.
I structured the body by separating offense and defense. On offense, I highlighted Arch Manning as the undisputed QB1, his backups (Lacey, Morris), and the elite WR duo of returning starter Ryan Wingo and transfer Cam Coleman. On defense, I focused on new DC Will Muschamp's challenge of replacing NFL departures like Anthony Hill Jr. while building around returning star Colin Simmons.
I concluded by mentioning the April 18 Football Fan Day that replaced the traditional spring game. This pivoted the focus toward summer practices and the remaining position battles to be settled before fall.
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