How many more chances does Texas need?
The Longhorns enter 2026 with another roster absolutely loaded with talent, and after coming close in recent years, the expectations in Austin shouldn’t be complicated anymore.
Win the national championship.
It starts with Arch Manning. Now a redshirt junior, Manning has the experience, talent and supporting cast to finally deliver on the massive expectations that have followed him throughout his career.
And Texas has given him plenty of weapons.
Cam Coleman, one of the most talented receivers in college football, arrives through the transfer portal and immediately gives Manning a legitimate No. 1 target. Ryan Wingo returns, while Emmett Mosley V adds another experienced option. The Longhorns also loaded up at running back with transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.
But the most frightening part of this Texas team might be the defense.
Colin Simmons is back as one of the premier defensive players in the country. Texas also added Ian Geffrard, Rasheem Biles and Bo Mascoe through the portal while bringing in another highly regarded freshman class.
There simply aren’t many obvious holes on this roster.
The problem is that Texas won’t have much time to figure things out.
After opening against Texas State, the Longhorns host No. 1 Ohio State in Week 2. They later face No. 25 Tennessee, No. 13 Oklahoma, No. 9 Ole Miss and then travel to No. 11 LSU and No. 10 Texas A&M during the final month.
That’s a championship-level schedule.
But Texas supposedly has a championship-level roster.
Steve Sarkisian has built this program back into a legitimate national powerhouse. Recruiting isn’t the issue anymore. Talent isn’t the issue. Depth isn’t the issue.
Eventually, Texas has to finish the job.
With Manning at quarterback, Coleman and Wingo outside, Simmons terrorizing quarterbacks and a roster filled with blue-chip talent, there shouldn’t be many excuses left.
Making the College Football Playoff would be a good season for most programs.
For this Texas team?
It’s national championship or disappointment.
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