The University of Texas Longhorns are making headlines as they dominate Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) list of the top 50 college football players heading into the 2026 season. With five players featured, Texas looks set to be a powerhouse this year.
Junior edge defender Colin Simmons comes in at No. 3 on PFF’s list. He led the SEC with 12 sacks in 2025 and has shown he’s one of the toughest defenders around.
PFF’s Wins Above Average (WAA) metric says no returning FBS edge defender has been more valuable over the past two seasons. Simmons has racked up 105 pressures, ranking him second among returning edge defenders, and his career PFF run-defense grade sits at a solid 78.7.
People are already talking about Simmons as a top-10 pick for the 2027 NFL Draft. His speed, strength, and football smarts make him a nightmare for offenses and a real difference-maker on the field.
Redshirt junior quarterback Arch Manning grabs the No. 9 spot on PFF’s list, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that. After a rough start to the 2025 season, Manning caught fire—he threw 11 touchdown passes and just one interception over the last five games.
Since Week 9, his PFF passing grade of 89.5 ranks him sixth among FBS quarterbacks. For the season, his 87.3 grade puts him in the nation’s top 15.
Manning’s not just a passer, either. He tied for fifth among Power Four quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns with 10, showing off his dual-threat ability. The hype around him feels justified—he’s turning into one of the most exciting players in college football.
Redshirt junior left tackle Trevor Goosby lands at No. 21 on PFF’s list. In 2025, he started every game and now has 30 games played and 15 career starts under his belt.
Goosby is one of only two returning FBS tackles with 80.0-plus PFF grades in both pass blocking and run blocking. That sort of consistency is rare, especially at his size—6-foot-7 and 312 pounds.
His movement skills let him keep up with the best speed rushers in the country. PFF’s Wins Above Average metric ranked him as the sixth-most valuable tackle in the FBS last season.
Senior linebacker transfer Rasheem Biles checks in at No. 22 after an electric season at Pittsburgh. He scored three defensive touchdowns and was the top linebacker in the transfer portal this offseason.
Biles earned PFF All-ACC honors in 2025. According to PFF’s WAA, he’s the most valuable returning linebacker since 2024.
His 31 tackles for loss or no gain over the past two seasons lead all returning linebackers, and his six pass breakups tie for most among returning Power Four linebackers. Texas will lean on his playmaking and leadership on defense.
Junior receiver Cam Coleman, a transfer from Auburn, rounds out Texas’ group on PFF’s list at No. 40. Even with a tough quarterback situation at Auburn, Coleman led the team with 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2025.
He made a habit of pulling down spectacular catches, leading all SEC players with 13 contested grabs. Coleman’s big-play ability brings some real excitement to the Longhorns’ offense.
Offensive Impact
In Steve Sarkisian’s offense, Coleman’s potential could finally get unleashed. He’ll be catching passes from Arch Manning, which should give Texas fans something to talk about.
Coleman knows how to make big plays. He’s been through high-pressure moments before, and that experience makes him a real asset for the Longhorns.
The 2026 college football season is creeping up, and the University of Texas Longhorns look stacked. They’ve got five players on Pro Football Focus’ list of the top 50.
Each of those athletes brings something different to the table. There’s a real sense that this could be a wild, successful season for Texas. If you want more details, check out 247Sports.
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