In one power move of a weekend, Texas football filled several holes in its starting lineup and alleviated the concerns of an anxious fanbase.
But where do those three potential stars – receiver Cam Coleman, running back Hollywood Smothers and linebacker Rasheem Biles – fit in with the Longhorns? Let’s take a look at that trio as well as the other 10 players that have joined the Longhorns in what 247 Sports ranks as the No. 2 portal class in the country behind LSU.
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The portal closes Friday with a five-day extension for players on the rosters of Indiana and Miami, the two teams facing off Jan. 19 for the national championship. But players can sign with a team at any time after the portal closes, as long as they submitted their name into the portal by the deadline.
This past season, Texas went 10-3 and fell just short of a third consecutive berth in the College Football Playoff. With more additions expected, let’s analyze the Longhorns’ current transfer portal additions:
MORE: Texas football isn’t retaining its high school recruits. But neither are Longhorns’ peers
Analyzing Texas’s transfer portal additions, listed in order of 247 Sports rankings
Cam Coleman, WR
The top non-quarterback in the portal with a No. 4 overall ranking, the 6-foot-3, 201-pound rising junior gives Texas quarterback Arch Manning a tantalizing target for the 2026 season.
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Coleman turned 56 catches into 708 yards and five touchdowns in 2024 for Auburn despite inconsistent quarterback play, and he has 93 catches for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns in two collegiate seasons. He has two remaining years of eligibility but is projected as a possible first-round pick in the 2027 NFL draft.
Potential role: Coleman joins a receiving corps that expects to retain Ryan Wingo (54 catches for 834 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025) and Emmett Mosley V (28-408-3) for the 2026 season, giving Texas arguably the top receiving trio in the nation. The Longhorns lost receivers Parker Livingstone (29-516-6) and DeAndre Moore Jr. (38-532-4) to the portal.
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) catches a deep pass before running it into the end zone for a touchdown as Auburn Tigers take on Texas A&M Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
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Hollywood Smothers, RB
Texas likely completed its renovation of the running back room by luring the former North Carolina State star away from Alabama, his original portal commitment.
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The 34th best player in the portal and the second-best running back, the 5-11, 195-pound Smothers rushed for 939 yards and six touchdowns on 160 carries for the Wolfpack in 2025. He also tallied 56 catches for 452 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons at North Carolina State, which followed a redshirt freshman season at Oklahoma in 2022. The rising redshirt junior has two remaining seasons of eligibility.
Potential role: Smothers joins fellow portal arrival Raleek Brown as the Longhorns’ new one-two backfield punch. The two backs have a similar skill set, and they’ll likely share the load for a team that lost Quintrevion Wisner (Florida State) and CJ Baxter (Kentucky) to the portal. Texas could still use a power back, something 6-2, 205-pound incoming freshman Derrek Cooper will try and carve out in a crowded backfield.
MORE: NCAA needed NIL laws, transfer portal — but college football has lost its way | Golden
Rasheem Biles, LB
Inside linebacker became a position of need since the end of the regular season, and Texas snagged one of best available with Biles, the 70th best player in the portal and the No. 2 available linebacker.
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The 6-1, 220-pound Biles earned second-team All-ACC honors this past season with Pittsburgh after racking up 101 tackles, including a conference-high 17 tackles for a loss to go along with 4½ sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions that were both returned for touchdowns. Those big plays helped Biles earn an 84.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the top among linebackers in the ACC. Biles, a rising junior, has two remaining years of eligibility.
Potential role: Biles has the versatility to play multiple spots at linebacker, but the early departure of Anthony Hill Jr. to the NFL draft and Liona Lefau to the portal as well as the surprising transfer of freshman Elijah “Bo” Barnes will likely mean Biles starts inside. He’ll team with returner Ty’Anthony Smith to anchor the unit. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp could also pursue another linebacker in the portal since converted edge Brad Spence is the only other returning player on the roster with any experience.
Raleek Brown, RB
After Texas took some big portal hits at running back, Brown became the first back to sign with the Longhorns after an All-Big 12 season at Arizona State.
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The 5-9, 195-pound Brown, who spent two seasons at USC before transferring to Arizona State, will be a fifth-year senior with one remaining season of eligibility in 2026. He enjoyed a breakout 2025 while rushing for 1,141 yards and four touchdowns on 186 carries and adding another 34 catches for 239 yards. The 73rd best player in the portal, Brown ranks as the fifth best running back.
Potential role: The backfield tandem of Wisner and Baxter never found traction this past season while combining for 793 yards on 185 carries and a per-carry average of 4.3 yards. Brown (6.1 yards per carry in 2025) and Smothers (5.9) showed more explosiveness this past season, something Texas needs from its backs.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) lifts the trophy with head coach Steve Sarkisianas the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) eats a Cheez-It encrusted turkey leg as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a 30-yard pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) to score in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball 6- yard to score in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Prince Chedward pours Cheez-Its into the mouth of Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Brandon Baker (73) as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks for a pass in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) catches a pass to score in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) holds the ball as he is surrounded by Michigan defense in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines tight end Marlin Klein (17) jumps for a pass as Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) rushes to defend in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the Texas flag as the Longhorns ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) collides with Michigan Wolverines running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) goes down under the Michigan defense in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns celebrate with Prince Chedward after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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The ball is knocked from the grasp of Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) celebrates a first down gain in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines defensive back Elijah Dotson (22) runs down the field as the ball is kicked off in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) throws a pass in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (11) dives to try to block a pass heading for Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Donaven McCulley (1) in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) heads to locker room after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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A member of the Longhorn Marching Band wears a Cheez-It hat in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks into the stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas players eat Cheez-It encrusted turkey legs as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is crowned by Prince Chedward as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Fans cast shadows on a “Cheez-it” tunnel ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025. The snack brand is the premiere sponsor of the bowl game.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) walks into the stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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The Texas cheer team enter the stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas takes the field ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Prince Chedward entertains the crowd in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) hands his gloves to young fans as he warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) greets young fans he heads to the locker room after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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A fan films the team as they walk into the stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23) tackles Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Kendrick Bell (10) in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas mascot Bevo on the sidelines ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball as Michigan Wolverines tight end Zack Marshall (83) arrives to defend in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle “Kj” Lacey Jr. (8) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive end Lance Jackson (40) blocks Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Brady Norton (70) in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle “Kj” Lacey Jr. (8) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is crowned by Prince Chedward as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Karle “Kj” Lacey Jr. (8) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) runs through an attempt from Michigan Wolverines defensive back Brandyn Hillman (6) in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a sack in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) runs the ball in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Kendrick Bell (10) catches a pass in the end zone to score as Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) defends in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) sends a pass in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) gets around Michigan Wolverines linebacker Chase Taylor (29) in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines tight end Marlin Klein (17) jumps for a pass as Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) rushes to defend in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) defends as Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs the ball in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Ikechukwu Iwunnah (92) grabs the face mask of Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Prince Chedward throws Cheez-Its at players as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Cheez-Its decorate the field as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is crowned by Prince Chedward as the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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A scrum forms around the ball in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Christian Clark (6) puts an arm out to stop a tackle from Michigan Wolverines defensive back Zeke Berry (10) in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (11) celebrates a play in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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A Michigan fan reacts as a touchdown goes to review in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Texas Longhorns at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive end Brad Spence (14) and the Texas defense in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) celebrates an interception in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball 6- yard to score in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns kicker Mason Shipley (49) scores a 51-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hero Kanu (93) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball in for a 23-yard touchdown in the third quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Marshall Landwehr (51) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) warms up ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a snap in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Xavier Filsaime (17) lines up in the first quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.
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Ian Geffrard, DT
The fifth and final top-100 transfer who joined Texas through the first 10 days of the open portal, the 6-5, 387-pound Geffrard gives the Longhorn defense a massive run-stopper in the mold of former All-American T’Vondre Sweat.
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Rated as the 75th best player in the portal and the seventh best interior defensive lineman, Geffrard became the first transfer to join Texas. The rising junior with two remaining years of eligibility spent the past three years with the Razorbacks and appeared in all 24 games for Arkansas over the past two seasons. In 2025, he started all 12 games, and he racked up 25 total tackles and four tackles for a loss.
Potential role: The Longhorns need another big body in the defensive interior since Cole Brevard and Travis Shaw — two key members of the defensive line rotation this past season — are out of eligibility. Geffrard projects as a starter who will primarily play on running downs alongside the smaller and more athletic Hero Kanu.
Bo Mascoe, CB
Mascoe, a rising junior with two seasons of eligibility remaining, provides a veteran option for a revamped secondary.
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Ranked as the fifth-best cornerback in the portal, the 5-11, 185-pound Mascoe started all 12 of Rutgers’ games this past season and gave up 28 catches for 346 yards on 44 targets by opposing quarterbacks. He grabbed one interception with four pass breakups, an interception, two forced fumbles and 53 tackles while earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Potential role: Although the cornerback room grew a bit more crowded when Kobe Black reportedly removed his name from the transfer portal, there still seems like a path to a starting role for Mascoe. Three-year starter Malik Muhammad is off to the NFL, along with part-time starter Jaylon Guilbeau. Kade Phillips impressed as a true freshman and looks like a full-time starter sooner than later, and classmate Graceson Littleton starred as the nickel corner and has the ability to play outside.
MORE: Texas football: Trevor Goosby returning to Longhorns for 2026 season
Dylan Sikorski, OL
Head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood need to fill in some holes in the interior, and Dylan Sikorski of Oregon State looks like a possible starter at guard.
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Rated the 29th best interior lineman in the portal, the rising 6-4, 332-pound redshirt sophomore has three remaining years of eligibility and could be a long-term answer at a spot that’s taken some hits in the portal. He played in 14 games at Oregon State with six starts over the past two seasons and .logged all of his 441 offensive snaps at left guard in 2025. This past season, Sikorski ranked as the No. 336 guard out of 670 FBS guards with a 59.9 grade in pass blocking and a 59.7 grade in run blocking.
Potential role: Unless Texas signs more interior linemen in the portal, Sikorski looks like a potential starter for a unit that loses last year’s starting guards Cole Hutson and DJ Campbell to graduation. Interior linemen Connor Stroh, Nate Kibble and Daniel Cruz all left in the portal, which means Sikorski could battle rising sophomores Nick Brooks and Devin Coleman for snaps. Expect the Longhorns to keep targeting this position in the portal.
Michael Masunas, TE
Masunas, a 6-foot-5, 259-pound redshirt junior with one remaining year of eligibility, will help Texas replace the departed Jack Endries, who has declared for the NFL draft.
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Masunas started this past season for Michigan State, but he’s more of a blocker than a downfield receiving threat. The 33rd-ranked tight end in the portal, Masunas didn’t see much action in his first three seasons with the Spartans; after just five catches over his first three years, he tallied 19 catches for 232 yards and three touchdowns in 2025.
Potential role: Endries proved a willing but not especially effective blocker this past season. Masunas will likely see lots of snaps on running downs and brings more size than any other tight end on the squad with Jordan Washington entering the portal. Spencer Shannon will likely line up with Masunas on running downs in two-tight end formations, but youngsters such as rising sophomore Nick Townsend and Emaree Washington will get their opportunities in the passing game.
MORE: Now it’s clear: Texas QB Arch Manning is on a collision course with superstardom
Zion Williams, DT
A massive youngster from the East Texas town of Lufkin, the 6-4, 360-pound rising redshirt freshman didn’t play this past season at LSU but could be a long-term project with four remaining years of eligibility.
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Williams is a former four-star prospect who made an unofficial visit to Texas during the 2025 recruiting cycle. He eventually picked the Tigers over offers from the Longhorns, Texas A&M, Alabama and plenty of others. He’s rated as the 55th best available interior lineman.
Potential role: The portal arrival of Geffrard strengthens a unit that also welcomes back Kanu as well as Alex January and Maraad Watson, but Williams could carve out a run-stuffing role behind Geffrard. He’ll likely compete with classmates Myron Charles and Josiah Sharma for snaps at nose when Texas wants to stop the run.
Justin Cryer, LB
Although the veteran may not be ranked among the 147 top linebackers in the portal, the Texas native from the distant Houston suburb of Brookshire has proven effective over three seasons at Florida State.
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A 6-1, 232-pound rising senior, Cryer played in 34 career games for the Seminoles over the past three years. He started eight games for Florida State this past season while leading the linebacking corps with 43 tackles. The younger brother of former Baylor and Houston basketball star LJ Cryer, Justin Cryer also boasts some impressive intangibles; an all-academic athlete once committed to Northwestern, he earned Florida State’s Bill McGrotha Award as well as the Bobby Bowden Leadership Award for his leadership and off-field activities
Potential role: The Texas linebacking corps took some big hits, but Cryer boasts the versatility and experience to slide right into a rotation with fellow portal arrival Biles as well as returner Smith. His presence could help the Texas staff ease in five-star recruit Tyler Atkinson, an inside linebacker from Georgia who could eventually take over at middle linebacker.
Gianni Spetic, K
Texas landed one of the best available kickers in Spetic, a Lou Groza Award semifinalist this past season at Memphis. The Lou Groza Award annually gets awarded to the nation’s best kicker.
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Kickers aren’t ranked by 247 Sports, but the 6-3, 211-pound Spetic was one of the few kickers to draw a transfer star ranking. A rising senior with one remaining year of eligibility, Spetic has made 46 of 62 field-goal tries and 129 of 131 point-after attempts in a career that also includes two seasons at Ohio.
Potential role: The Longhorns used the graduated Mason Shipley for one season after he transferred from Texas State, and Spetic seems like another one-year veteran presence. Will Stone, who handled most of the Texas kickoffs over the past three seasons, entered the transfer portal, and incoming freshman kicker Jake Collett has intriguing potential to go along with his scholarship but no collegiate experience.
Texas Longhorns kicker Mason Shipley (49) lines up a kick during the game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.
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Mac Chiumento, P
After one season from the graduated Jack Boumeester, Texas will again turn to the portal for its apparent starting punter.
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The 6-4, 225-pound Chiumento, a junior with two remaining seasons of eligibility, served as a kickoff specialist and a holder through his first seasons at Florida State. He took over as the full-time punter this past season and averaged 44 yards on 27 punts with one touchback, and 13 downed punts inside the 20-yard line. Six of his punts traveled at least 50 yards. Like other special teams players, punters aren’t ranked by 247 Sports.
Potential role: Chiumento will likely step into a starting role, although special teams coach Jeff Banks will have another option with incoming freshman Mikey Bukauska of Prosper.
Trey Dubuc, LS
Another part of the Longhorns’ special teams renovation, Dubuc has big shoes to fill while replacing four-year starter Lance St. Louis.
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Long snappers aren’t ranked by 247 Sports, but the 6-1, 209-pound Dubuc impressed in his one season as a starter during 2025 with New Mexico. A rising redshirt junior with two remaining years of eligibility, Dubuc spent two seasons as a backup at South Florida before transferring to New Mexico.
Potential role: Texas fans haven’t paid much attention to the long snapper in the past four seasons with St. Louis, and special teams coach Jeff Banks wants to continue that type of anonymity. Trott O’Neal, an incoming freshman from Plano, arrives as the nation’s No. 5 long-snapping prospect, so he could give Dubuc some offseason competition.