The 2026 college football season is here, and the Texas Longhorns are jumping in with big dreams and a roster that’s turning heads. With Arch Manning at quarterback, Texas is thinking national title—or at least, that’s the hope.
They’ve made some clever offseason moves, and the schedule looks tough. Still, there’s a sense that this team could shake things up. Let’s take a look at the preseason buzz, the players to watch, and what might be in store for Texas this year.
The Arch Manning Era: A Closer Look
Arch Manning, now a redshirt junior, is right at the center of all this. His first season starting in 2025 had its rough patches, but you can’t argue with the numbers. Manning put up 3,173 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and seven picks, completing 248 of 404 passes.
He’s not just a pocket guy, either. Manning ran the ball 92 times for 399 yards and led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns. That dual-threat thing? It’s real.
Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The opener against Ohio State was a letdown—Texas lost 14-7. Then came Florida, where Manning got sacked six times. Ouch.
But they rebounded, stringing together four straight wins that kept postseason hopes alive. There was a low point with a 35-10 loss to Georgia, but Manning finished the year strong, especially in games against Arkansas and Texas A&M.
Offseason Additions: Building Around Manning
Texas didn’t just sit around after last season. They went out and grabbed some real talent to help Manning out. Raleek Brown came over from Arizona State, fresh off a 1,141-yard, four-touchdown season.
Hollywood Smothers transferred in from NC State, where he put up 939 rushing yards and six touchdowns. With these two, the running game should take some pressure off Manning—and maybe keep him upright a bit more.
Strengthening the Receiving Corps
The Longhorns also upgraded their receivers. The big get was Cam Coleman from Auburn. He was a five-star recruit and has already racked up 93 catches, 1,306 yards, and 13 touchdowns in two seasons.
He’ll line up with Ryan Wingo, who had 54 catches for 834 yards and seven scores last year. That combo? It’s got the makings of one of the best duos in the country. Manning’s got some reliable hands to throw to now.
Defensive Improvements: A Key to Success
Everyone’s talking about the offense, but honestly, the defense has to step up. Last year, Texas gave up 235 passing yards a game, with opponents completing nearly 63% of their throws. Not great.
Coach Steve Sarkisian is bringing back Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator to fix things. Star safety Jelani McDonald returns, and Bo Mascoe joins from Rutgers to help shore up the secondary.
Key Defensive Players
There’s more to the defense than just McDonald and Mascoe. Edge rusher Colin Simmons is getting early NFL buzz, and offensive tackle Trevor Goosby is another name to watch for the 2027 draft.
If the defense can pull it together, it’ll take some pressure off the offense. That’s the missing piece if Texas wants to hang with the big dogs.
Critical Games: The Road to the Playoffs
The 2026 schedule is no joke. Texas opens against Ohio State on September 12—talk about trial by fire. Then there’s a trip to Tennessee, the annual showdown with Oklahoma, plus road games at LSU and Texas A&M.
Every one of those games feels like a measuring stick. If Texas wants a playoff shot, they’ll have to prove it week after week.
Ohio State: A Season-Defining Opener
Let’s be real—the Ohio State game is massive. Win, and Texas is suddenly in the playoff conversation. Lose, and the climb gets steeper right away.
This one might be the most important non-conference matchup of the whole year. No pressure, right?
Conclusion: A Season of High Hopes
The 2026 college football season is finally here, and the Texas Longhorns have their eyes set on a playoff run. Arch Manning’s at the helm, leading an offense that’s got plenty of buzz.
The defense looks stronger too, which should help balance things out. Of course, the road ahead won’t be an easy one—there are some tough matchups on the schedule.
Can both sides of the ball step up when it matters most? Guess we’ll see soon enough. For more details and the latest updates, check out the full article on Yahoo Sports.
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