Updated Sept. 5, 2026, 11:09 a.m. CT

The season is here. The Texas Longhorns will take the field for the first time in 2026, as UT hosts the neighboring Texas State Bobcats at 2:30 p.m. at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium.

The Texas coaching staff has been evaluating the players throughout the summer. But there are a few position battles that will continue to play out through the first few games of the season.

Running back should be a group effort with Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers leading the charge. But look for Derrek Cooper and Michael Terry III to see some playing time on Saturday.

The wide receivers will be moved around the field depending on Steve Sarkisian’s game plan. Similarly, defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will move guys around on both the defensive line and backfield.

Here is the projected Texas Longhorns 2026 depth chart:

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!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 MorrisRunning 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 CooperMichael Terry IIIJames SimonWide Receiver XCam 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.Cam ColemanSterling BerkhalterKohen BrownWide Receiver ZRyan WingoJermaine Bishop Jr.Kaliq LockettWide Receiver HEmmett Mosley VDaylan 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 ShannonNick TownsendEmaree WinstonCharlie JilekWill RandleLeft 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 GoosbyAndre CojoeJordan ColemanLeft GuardLaurence SeymoreDylan SikorskiCole HutsonCenterDec 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 HutsonJaydon ChatmanRight TackleMelvin SianiJonte NewmanEDGEJan 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (11) celebrates after a pass break up during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl at AT & T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn ImagesColin SimmonsRichard WesleySmith OrogboDefensive 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 KanuJustus TerrySmith OrogboNose TackleAlex JanuaryMaraad WatsonIan GeffardDefensive EndOct 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 UmeozuluColton VasekWeak side LinebackerAUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 18: Rasheem Biles #3 of the Texas Longhorns 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)Rasheem BilesTyler AtkinsonMarkus BoswellMiddle LinebackerJustin CryerKosi OkpalaRocky CummingsStrong side LinebackerBrad SpenceKosi OkpalaCornerback AKade PhillipsSamari MatthewsNick HudsonCornerback BBo MascoeWarren RobersonHayward Howard Jr.John Meredith IIIFree SafetyNov 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 McDonaldKobe BlackToray DavisStrong SafetyDerek Williams Jr.Jonah WilliamsJordon Johnson-RubellNickleback (Star)Oct 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 LittletonXavier FilsaimeWardell MackKickerGianni SpeticJake CollettSpencer BarnettPunterMac ChiumentoMikey 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

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