Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns need help if they want to make the College Football Playoff in 2026.

Although Manning rebounded following a slow start to the year and cries of “bust” after getting preseason Heisman buzz, he and his team didn’t finish where they wanted to be. After the Longhorns were seen as a national title favorite to begin the campaign, they will now need to reload a depleted offense if they have any legitimate shot in what could be Manning’s final season in Austin.

They’re losing wide receivers and, most importantly, running backs, with a quartet of them, most importantly Quintrevion Wisner, who led the Longhorns in rushing this season with 597 yards. Manning was second for the team in rushing yards at 244, showing the massive hole the team has in the backfield heading into next season.

But as we’ve seen over the past few years, the transfer portal can be the difference between a team sitting at home in December and the top seed in the country, as Indiana proved with transfer and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.

Thus, the Longhorns are going to take a massive swing in what has become college football free agency, and they’re going to bring in an elite weapon to maximize their chance to win a title with Manning.

More news: Transfer Portal Prediction: Lane Kiffin Lands Coveted QB for LSU Tigers

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Prediction: Caleb Hawkins (North Texas) signs with the Texas Longhorns

Let’s get one thing straight: Hawkins isn’t just a weapon, he is the ultimate weapon.

A true freshman from Oklahoma, Hawkins led all of the nation in rushing touchdowns in 2025 with 23. He ran for 1,236, caught for 345 more, and was the engine in the high-powered North Texas Mean Green offense headlined by himself and quarterback Drew Mestemaker.

While Hawkins will instantly become one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal, Texas has the need, the NIL money, and the quarterback, which could entice the star running back to stay in-state for next season.

Oklahoma State could be the biggest challenger, as it’s closer to home, and they’re led by his former North Texas coach, Eric Morris. In a world where Morris could land both Mestemaker and Hawkins, they could compete right away for a Big 12 crown, but the money for both seems improbable at the moment.

The Longhorns know they can’t go another season without a CFP appearance, with Manning a projected first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. Knowing this and their running back situation, they can’t let Hawkins get away.

The transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, 2026.