Jan. 10, 2026, 1:15 p.m. CT

The portal window enters its second week and the Longhorns started strong, filling two needs yesterday. Moving into today, it seems the “big game hunting” has begun and it’s expected to be an incredibly busy 48 hours for the Longhorns. Let’s start with the commitments the Longhorns picked up at positions of need and then get into what could be coming for Texas. 

Dylan Sikorski – OL Oregon State 

This was a commitment Texas badly needed on the offensive line. Sikorski is an interesting prospect who brings experience, but also three years of eligibility. He will likely add to the depth for 2026, but could very well compete for a starting spot because of his athletic ability. He’s not the strongest individual in the world, but a year of SEC strength and nutrition could turn him into a true starting guard. This is just the beginning on the offensive line, but Sikorski brings much needed depth on the interior. 

LJ Cryer – LB Florida State 

Another need that has developed for the Longhorns is at LB, especially with Bo Barnes visiting Kentucky yesterday. Cryer brings experience and great instincts to the LB room. He can be a fantastic piece behind Ty’Anthony Smith, sort of filling the role Smith held this season. Texas will likely add one or two more starting level LBs, so I don’t expect Cryer to be a starter. He’s a high floor player that brings great coverage skills to the table. This is a great start to the LB additions, with likely at least one more to come. 

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Cam Coleman – WR Auburn 

The name everyone wants to hear about is Cam Coleman. Coleman’s visit to Alabama was yesterday and it seems a decision is imminent. As has been the case throughout this recruitment, it’s hard to get a beat on which way Coleman is leaning, but it seems to be an Alabama-Texas battle. A decision could come as soon as today, but could very well extend into next week depending on what happens behind the scenes. The Longhorns have yet to be tied to another outside WR this portal cycle, so there’s obvious confidence here. If the Longhorns lock him up, the starting three WRs in Austin will be possibly the best in the country heading into 2026, but they have to beat out Coleman’s home-state team to do it. 

Hollywood Smothers – RB NC State 

This is the surprising news of the morning. Hollywood Smothers, former NC State and current Alabama commit, is reported to be in Austin today. This comes as somewhat of a surprise, as Texas just signed Raleek Brown, but it was known the Longhorns were looking for two RBs in this portal window. Most expected a “bruiser” to put beside Brown, but Smothers is incredibly talented and the idea of needing a bigger back for short yardage situations really isn’t true. If the OL gives these two guys creases, they will be one of the most productive run games in the country, no matter their size. I’d watch this closely today, because this seems to be moving quickly. 

Rasheem Biles – LB Pitt 

Another former ACC star is on campus in Austin today. This is a player that can change the outlook on the LB room. Biles has visited Ohio State(his hometown team), Michigan, Colorado and has one currently scheduled for Miami. The goal for the Texas staff is to make sure Biles has to call and cancel on Mario Cristobal and company. Locking up Biles would make the Texas LB far from a weakness, although another addition there should be expected. This will be a fight, but Texas seems to be ready for some fights.   

Mikey Bennett – OT Yale 

More OL help could be on the way. Mikey Bennett, 1st Team All-Ivy League in 2025, is on campus in Austin right now. Bennett is an interesting prospect because he played right tackle for Yale, but has the ability to move inside, possibly even to center if needed for Texas. Bennett has 28 starts in his career and I believe he could be a Week 1 starter for the Longhorns. It seems Connor Robertson’s decision could be leaning toward returning, but this could fill one of the major needs at one of the starting guard spots. He’s expected to visit Oregon and Indiana before making a decision, but the Longhorns will push for Bennett it seems.

Caleb Herring – EDGE Tennessee

A new name involved in the Longhorns search is Caleb Herring, edge defender that had 4 sacks for Tennessee in 2025. Herring’s decision is one to watch, because it could be in direct conjunction with Zina Umeozulu’s decision. Miami seems to be the biggest competition here, but the Longhorns will look to get Herring on campus this week. This would be a perfect replacement for Umeozulu if needed, but it’s possible the interest dissipates fast if Umeozulu opts to return. 

Texas Commitments/Departures

Trey Owens commits to Arkansas State: One of the Longhorns departures at QB has found a new home. Trey Owens will join Butch Jones and the Red Wolves in 2026 and compete for a starting role. 

Santana Wilson commits to Louisville: One of the growing departures from the secondary is officially a Cardinal. Wilson is likely to compete for a starting role with the Cardinals because of the departures they took in the backend. 

Kobe Black enters the portal: This was a rather shocking departure yesterday. Kobe Black has decided to hit the portal after the addition of Bo Mascoe. This likely means Texas will add at least one more CB to compete for the starting spot across from Kade Phillips.