The Texas Longhorns’ pass-catching group looks completely different heading into the 2026 season. With some big departures and fresh faces from the transfer portal, head coach Steve Sarkisian has reworked the roster to give quarterback Arch Manning a more dynamic set of targets.
Only a couple of Manning’s top seven targets from 2025 have returned. But now, thanks to a high-profile transfer and some promising young holdovers, the receiving corps has a new look for Manning’s second year as the starter in Austin.
A New-Look Corps for Arch Manning
The transformation started even before the transfer window opened. DeAndre Moore hit the portal before the Citrus Cheez-It Bowl, setting off a chain reaction. Then Parker Livingstone flipped to Oklahoma, Jamie Ffrench committed to Michigan, and Jack Endries declared for the NFL Draft.
These moves forced Texas to rethink its approach at receiver. The roster shuffle meant Sarkisian had to get creative, and honestly, that’s where things got interesting.
Key Additions and Returning Players
The Longhorns landed On3’s No. 1 player in the portal, Coleman, who transferred after two years at Auburn. Coleman steps in right away as Manning’s top target. With his size and skillset, he’s a nightmare for defensive backs in one-on-one matchups.
He put up 13 touchdowns in 23 games with Auburn. That’s the kind of reliable downfield and red zone threat Texas needed.
Lockett returns after redshirting his true freshman season, though he did finish the year on a high note. He caught passes in just two regular-season games but made a statement with a 30-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Cheez-It Bowl to put Texas back on top against Michigan.
The Sachse native now gets a shot at a bigger role on the outside. After that clutch New Year’s Eve play, you can’t help but wonder what he’ll do with more snaps.
Last season, Wingo took over as the top wideout after Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond left for the NFL. He led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Wingo did have some issues with drops, though.
The arrival of Coleman should help Wingo develop further. With defenses focusing on Coleman, Wingo might finally get more space to work with.
Versatility and Depth in the Receiving Corps
Terry, who switched to running back when Jerrick Gibson left, is a bit of a wild card. At 6-3, he’s got the size to be a serious pass-catching threat. His versatility means Sarkisian can line him up all over the field.
It feels like Sarkisian will find creative ways to use Terry’s skill set next season. Honestly, the possibilities are kind of exciting.
Incoming Freshmen and Their Potential
Bishop comes in as another multi-talented player. During his senior year at Willis High School, he did just about everything—15 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns, plus a rushing score and even 40 passing yards in a wild 38-32 win over Forney on Nov. 29.
People are curious about how much Bishop will play as a true freshman, but it’s hard to imagine his skills won’t matter in Austin for a long time.
Slot Receivers and Their Role
With all the changes, especially losing Moore, Mosley shifts to the slot after playing the “Z” position last year. He missed some time to injury early on, but once healthy, he became one of Manning’s most reliable targets.
Mosley put up over 50 receiving yards in five of the last six games. He started that run with a big performance at Mississippi State, catching touchdowns in both the fourth quarter and overtime to help Texas come back for the win.
Speed and Sophomore Expectations
McCutcheon appeared in 10 games as a freshman, catching passes in six—including the opener against Ohio State. Sarkisian clearly trusted him from day one, so it’s fair to expect his production to climb as a sophomore.
The Lucas native might just be the fastest guy in the Longhorns’ receiver room. If he gets a real shot in the slot in 2026, watch out.
Tight End by Committee
With Endries gone, Texas looks ready to go with a tight-end-by-committee approach. Townsend, though, could emerge as the leader of the group.
He was a top 2025 recruit out of Houston and played in all 13 games as a true freshman, though he didn’t make much noise as a pass-catcher. That could easily change for him as a sophomore.
Experience and Blocking Ability
Masunas stands as the Longhorns’ only tight end addition from the portal. He’s now gearing up to spend his last year of college eligibility with Texas.
He suffered a season-ending injury just four games into 2024. Before that, Masunas put up 232 receiving yards and three touchdowns in his redshirt junior year at Michigan State.
He brings needed experience and will help Texas in both catching passes and blocking. That should give the tight end group a bit of a boost, honestly.
Winston got on the statsheet in non-conference play. He caught a pass for 33 yards against San Jose State and another for 14 yards against Sam Houston.
He played in six regular-season games. Now he’s got a shot to build on his freshman year, especially with the committee approach expected.
Shannon stands 6-7 and has shown he can block well for the Longhorns. He hasn’t caught many passes, but his blocking has made a difference.
He’s back with Sarkisian’s program for his fourth season. Over the last two years, he’s played in 25 games and even earned a few starts when Endries was out.
For a detailed review of the Texas Longhorns’ post-transfer portal 2026 depth chart, visit the full article here.
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