Updated Aug. 5, 2026, 8:52 p.m. CT

Fall practice is underway for the No. 4 Texas Longhorns. UT officially kicked off preparations for the 2026 season under under a hot Austin sun. The Longhorns have exactly a month to prepare for the season opener against Texas State on Sept. 5 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

While coaches have an idea of the Longhorns depth chart after spring drills, the true position battles happen over the next few weeks. There are multiple positions that could change between now and the start of the season.

Laurence Seymore is battling for the starting spot with Jaydon Chatman and Devin Coleman at left guard. Starting safety opposite Jelani McDonald is still in play, with Kobe Black and Derek Williams Jr. fighting for the starting spot.

Newcomers Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers will hold an epic duel this fall to see which highly regarded transfer will be the starting running back. And there are a lot of possibilities at linebacker.

QuarterbackNov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn ImagesArch ManningKJ LaceyDia BellMJ MorrisNeed a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Running BackAUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 18: Raleek Brown #0 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the Texas Spring Football Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Austin, Texas.Raleek BrownHollywood SmothersDerrek CooperJames SimonMichael Terry IIIWide ReceiverAUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 18: Cam Coleman #8 of the Texas Longhorns runs a route during the Texas Spring Football Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Scott Wachter/Getty Images for ONIT)Cam ColemanRyan WingoEmmett Mosley VSterling BerkhalterKaliq LockettJermain Bishop Jr.Daylan MutcheonTight EndAUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 18: Michael Masunas #15 of the Texas Longhorns runs for yardage after making a catch during the Texas Spring Football Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Scott Wachter/Getty Images for ONIT)Michael MasunasSpencer ShannonEmaree WinstonNick TownsendWill RandleCharlie JilekLeft TackleDec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesTrevor GoosbyJordan ColemanLeft GuardJaydon ChatmanDylan SikorskiLaurence SeymoreCenterDec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Robertson (62) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesConnor RobertsonJackson ChristianRight GuardAug 31, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns lineman Brandon Baker (73) before a game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Meullion-USA TODAY SportsBrandon BakerCole Hutson (if eligible)Paris Patterson Jr.Right TackleMelvin SianiAndre CojoeEdgeOct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Lance Jackson (40) during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesLance JacksonZina UmeozuluJamarion CarltonDefensive TackleOct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive linemen Hero Kanu (93) reacts during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesHero KanuAlex JanuaryJustus TerryMuron CharlesNose TackleIan GeffardMaraad WatsonJosiah SharmaZion WilliamsLinebackerAUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 06: Colin Simmons #1 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a sack in the first half against the San Jose State Spartans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)Colin SimmonsRasheem BilesTy’Anthony SmithBrad SpenceJustin CryerMarkus BoswellColton VasekTyler AtkinsonRichard WesleyRocky CummingsKosi OkpalaSmith OrogboCornerbackKade PhillipsBo MascoeKobe BlackWarren RobersonSamari MatthewsHayward Howard Jr.John Meredith IIISafetyNov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (25) celebrates after a turnover against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second quarter during the first half at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell/USA TODAY NetworkJelani McDonaldXavier FilsaimeDerek Williams Jr.Jordon Johnson-RubellJonah WilliamsJonathan CunninghamZelus HicksNicklebackOct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) and defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) celebrate after Littleton intercepts a pass from Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (not pictured) during the second half at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesGraceson LittletonWardell MackKickerGianni SpeticJake CollettSpencer BarnettPunterMac ChiumentoMike BukauskasKick returnerOct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns a punt for touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesRyan NiblettRaleek BrownPunt returnerRyan NiblettRaleek BrownHollywood Smothers