Steve Sarkisian returns for his sixth season after Texas finished 10-3 overall and 6-2 in SEC play in 2025, including a Citrus Bowl victory. Kyle Flood returns as offensive coordinator, while Arch Manning is back at quarterback. The backfield adds transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown following Quintrevion Wisner’s transfer to Florida State. Ryan Wingo returns after leading Texas in receiving last season, and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman joins the receiving corps alongside Emmett Mosley. The offensive line returns Trevor Goosby, Connor Robertson, and Brandon Baker, while Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani joins the group.
Will Muschamp takes over as defensive coordinator after serving as an analyst at Georgia last season. Texas returns three of its top eleven tacklers from last season following several departures to the NFL and transfer portal. Leading tackler Jelani McDonald returns in the secondary along with Graceson Littleton, and Rutgers transfer Bo Mascoe joins the defensive backfield. Hero Kanu, Colin Simmons, Maraad Watson, and Alex January return along the defensive front, while Arkansas transfer Ian Geffrard joins the group. Brad Spence returns in the linebacker corps, which also adds Pitt transfer Rasheem Biles, Florida State transfer Justin Cryer, and five-star freshman Tyler Atkinson. Ty’Anthony Smith was released from the team on August 22nd.
Jeff Banks returns as special teams coordinator with Ryan Niblett back in the return game after returning two punts for touchdowns last season. Florida State transfer Mac Chiumento joins the program at punter following Jack Bouwmeester’s departure, while Memphis transfer Gianni Spetic joins the competition at placekicker following Mason Shipley’s departure. Freshmen Jake Collett and Mikey Bukauskas also join the specialist group. Texas enters 2026 with continuity at quarterback and several returning starters on both sides of the ball while adding transfers at running back, receiver, linebacker, and in the secondary. The Longhorns will also work new contributors into several specialist roles while Muschamp takes over the defense, giving Texas added continuity and new pieces across the roster.