Texas football is a different kind of beast right now. Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to the absolute chaos and brilliance happening on the Forty Acres, you're missing the most important window in Austin since the Vince Young era. Everyone is buzzing about the 2026 outlook.
It’s real.
The Longhorns just capped off a 10-3 season with a dominant 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2025. Steve Sarkisian didn't just win a game; he made a statement. He basically told the rest of the SEC that Texas isn't "back"—they're already here and they're hungry for a ring. Arch Manning is no longer the "backup with a famous name." He's the guy. He finished the season as a finalist for the Manning Award, and the latest univ texas football news confirms he's staying for 2026 to finish what he started.
The Arch Manning Heisman Campaign is Officially Underway
Let's talk about Arch. Most people thought he might bolt or that the pressure would get to him. Nope. Manning took 23 sacks this past year behind an offensive line that was, frankly, a bit of a mess at times. Despite that, his growth was massive. In the Citrus Bowl, he looked like a seasoned pro, staying calm under pressure and connecting with Ryan Wingo for some highlight-reel plays.
The buzz in Austin is that Manning’s 2026 Heisman candidacy is legitimate. He’s got the arm, sure, but his rushing threat is what really kept SEC coordinators up at night toward the end of the 2025 season. He offers a different dimension than Quinn Ewers did.
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Fixing the Trenches: The Transfer Portal War
If there was a glaring weakness last year, it was the offensive line. You can’t have your franchise quarterback getting hit 35 times in a single game like he did against some of the heavier SEC fronts. Sarkisian and Kyle Flood know this. They aren't sitting on their hands.
The current univ texas football news is dominated by a massive "all-in" strategy on the O-line.
- Melvin Siani, the Wake Forest transfer, committed on January 15, 2026.
- He brings 1,600 snaps of experience and allowed zero sacks last year.
- Texas is also in a dogfight for Jordan Seaton, the Colorado tackle who is currently the top prize in the portal.
It’s a risky move. Texas lost five linemen to the portal recently, including Nick Brooks and Daniel Cruz. Sarkisian is essentially clearing the deck to bring in "big fish" only. It’s a "quality over quantity" gamble that will define the 2026 season. If Siani and a few others click, Manning will actually have time to breathe.
A Roster Built for the NFL
The talent level on this team is kind of ridiculous. We’re looking at a 2026 NFL Draft class that could be historic for the Longhorns. Scouts are already salivating over guys like Anthony Hill Jr. and Trevor Goosby.
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Goosby, specifically, has seen his stock explode. He was a first-team All-SEC selection and is currently projected as a high second-round pick. Then you have Malik Muhammad at cornerback, who has quietly become one of the most disciplined cover guys in college football.
Key Draft Projections for 2026:
- Anthony Hill Jr. (LB): Round 2, No. 41
- Trevor Goosby (OT): Round 2, No. 38
- Malik Muhammad (CB): Round 3
- Jack Endries (TE): Round 4
It isn't just about the stars, though. The depth is finally there. Michael Taaffe, the safety who won the Wuerffel Trophy, is returning. He’s the heart of that secondary. Having a guy with his instincts and leadership back for 2026 is almost as important as any portal addition.
The 2026 Schedule is a Gauntlet
If you think the path to a National Championship is easy, look at the schedule that just dropped. Texas opens with Texas State on September 5, but then things get real very fast.
Ohio State comes to Austin on September 12. That game will likely be the most-watched non-conference game of the year. Following that, they have to travel to Tennessee on September 26. Then you’ve got the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in Dallas on October 10 and a home game against Florida on October 17.
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There are no weeks off. To survive this, the Longhorns need the reinforcements they’re getting in the portal. They’ve added Cam Coleman, the explosive receiver from Auburn, and Hollywood Smothers, a running back from NC State, to replace the production lost when CJ Baxter Jr. and Quintrevion Wisner entered the portal.
Why This Time is Actually Different
Texas fans are used to the hype. We've heard "Texas is back" since 2010. But look at the numbers. They’ve gone 25-5 over the last two years. They’ve made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances or major bowl wins. The recruiting class for 2025-2026 is ranked #1 by 247 Sports, sitting ahead of Georgia and Alabama.
Sarkisian has built a culture where players like Michael Taaffe and Anthony Hill Jr. choose to stay rather than jump to the NFL early. That doesn't happen unless the players believe they can win it all.
The defense, led by Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill, was the best in the SEC in terms of yards per play (4.4) and points allowed (15.3). If the offense can match that intensity with a stabilized line and Arch Manning’s arm, there isn't a team in the country they can't beat.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're following the univ texas football news to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you need to do:
- Monitor the January 16 Portal Deadline: The next 24 hours will determine if Texas lands Jordan Seaton or another elite tackle. This is the final piece of the puzzle.
- Watch the Spring Game Intensity: Keep an eye on the chemistry between Arch Manning and the new wideouts, especially Cam Coleman. Coleman is a vertical threat Texas lacked last year.
- Check Defensive Staff Changes: Texas recently finalized a deal with Blake Gideon. Understanding how the "Multiple 4-2-5" defense evolves will be key to stopping the high-powered offenses of Ohio State and Tennessee.
- Draft Prep: If you're an NFL fan, start watching Trevor Goosby’s tape now. He is the prototype for a modern blind-side protector.
Texas isn't just hoping for a good year. They have pushed all their chips to the middle of the table. 2026 is the year the Arch Manning era reaches its peak, and for the first time in nearly two decades, a National Title feels like an expectation rather than a dream.