Manning is expected to lead the offense, while the backup race remains important.
Texas Football Depth Chart 2026
The 2026 Texas football depth chart gives Longhorns fans an early look at the projected starters, backups, and key position battles heading into the season. Texas has a talented roster with major names on offense, defense, and special teams, but several spots may continue to change through fall camp and game-week updates.
This page breaks down the projected Texas Longhorns depth chart by position, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, secondary, and special teams.
Note: This is a projected Texas football depth chart for 2026 based on roster information, returning players, transfers, spring reports, and early position outlooks. It will be updated when official game-week depth charts are released. This is not an official Texas Athletics depth chart.
Projected Texas Football Depth Chart 2026
Texas enters the 2026 season with a roster built around returning talent, transfers, young playmakers, and several important position battles. The quarterback spot is expected to be led by Arch Manning, while the Longhorns also have depth and competition across the skill positions and defense.
Because college football depth charts can change quickly, this page should be treated as a working projection. Injuries, transfers, practice performance, and coaching decisions can all affect the final lineup.
Texas Football Offensive Depth Chart 2026
Texas has multiple backs who could rotate depending on role and game plan.
Coleman is one of the top projected outside targets.
Wingo gives Texas a major playmaking option.
Slot receiver could be one of the more competitive spots.
Tight end usage may depend on blocking, red-zone role, and formation.
Update when official offensive line depth becomes clearer.
Interior offensive line is a key area to monitor.
Center competition should be updated after fall camp.
Baker is one of the key names to track on the offensive line.
Right tackle depth should be updated as practice reports develop.
Quarterback Depth Chart
Quarterback is the most watched position on the Texas football depth chart. Arch Manning is expected to be the projected starter entering the 2026 season, giving Texas a high-profile leader for the offense. Behind him, KJ Lacey, MJ Morris, and Dia Bell give the Longhorns depth and competition.
The backup quarterback role matters because it affects game planning, future roster development, and how Texas handles late-game situations. Fans should watch this position closely through fall camp.
Arch Manning
KJ Lacey
MJ Morris / Dia Bell
Status: Projected, subject to change.
Running Back Depth Chart
Running back could be one of the more interesting Texas position groups in 2026. Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers are both names to watch near the top of the rotation, while Derrek Cooper, James Simon, and Michael Terry III could also compete for carries.
Texas may not use only one featured back. The Longhorns could rotate backs based on speed, power, pass protection, receiving ability, and short-yardage situations.
Wide Receiver Depth Chart
Texas has several talented wide receivers who could shape the offense in 2026. Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo, and Emmett Mosley V are key projected names at receiver, while younger players and backups will compete for snaps throughout the season.
The receiver depth chart may change depending on formation, opponent, injuries, and which players earn trust in practice. Texas should have multiple options outside and in the slot.
| Role | Projected Name |
|---|---|
| Outside WR | Cam Coleman |
| Outside WR | Ryan Wingo |
| Slot WR | Emmett Mosley V |
| Rotation | Sterling Berkhalter, Kohen Brown, Jermaine Bishop Jr., Kaliq Lockett, Daylan McCutcheon |
Texas Football Defensive Depth Chart 2026
Simmons is one of the biggest defensive names to watch.
Defensive tackle rotation should be updated after fall camp.
Interior depth will matter in SEC play.
Pass rush roles may shift by package.
Linebacker could feature transfers and younger competition.
Linebacker depth should be updated as reports develop.
Cornerback competition is important after roster changes.
Texas has athletic options in the secondary.
Nickel is a key role in modern defensive packages.
Safety rotation may depend on coverage packages.
Veteran experience could help the back end of the defense.
Defensive Line and EDGE Depth Chart
The Texas defensive front is led by several important names, especially Colin Simmons at EDGE. The Longhorns will need pressure from the edge and steady play inside to handle a difficult SEC schedule.
Defensive line rotations are often deeper than the official starting lineup because Texas may use different packages on early downs, passing downs, short-yardage plays, and goal-line situations.
Linebacker Depth Chart
Linebacker is one of the most important position groups to monitor on the 2026 Texas depth chart. The Longhorns need reliable tackling, coverage awareness, and communication in the middle of the defense.
Rasheem Biles and Liona Lefau are projected names to watch, but this group should be updated as practice reports and official depth chart information become available.
Secondary Depth Chart
The Texas secondary has several talented defensive backs competing for starting and rotation roles. Bo Mascoe, Kade Phillips, Graceson Littleton, Xavier Filsaime, Jelani McDonald, Kobe Black, Derek Williams Jr., and other defensive backs could all factor into the 2026 season.
The cornerback, nickel, and safety spots may change depending on opponent, coverage package, and player development.
Texas Football Special Teams Depth Chart 2026
Update when official special teams roles are announced.
Update after fall camp.
Special teams depth may change before Week 1.
Could involve wide receivers, running backs, or defensive backs.
Return roles should be updated when confirmed.
Special teams can change late in fall camp, so these spots should remain flexible until Texas releases official game-week information. Kicker, punter, returner, and long snapper roles should be updated when confirmed.
Key Texas Depth Chart Position Battles
Backup Quarterback
Arch Manning is expected to lead the quarterback room, but the backup role will be important. KJ Lacey, MJ Morris, and Dia Bell are names to watch behind Manning.
Running Back Rotation
Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers are both projected near the top of the running back group, but Texas may use several backs depending on game plan.
Offensive Line
The offensive line may be one of the most important groups to monitor. Several starting spots and rotation roles should become clearer closer to Week 1.
Cornerback and Nickel
Texas has multiple defensive backs competing for major roles. Cornerback and nickel could change based on matchups and defensive packages.
Special Teams
Kicker, punter, and returner roles often remain uncertain until close to the season opener. These spots should be updated when official information is released.
Players to Watch on the 2026 Texas Depth Chart
Several Texas players will draw major attention throughout the 2026 season. Arch Manning is the biggest name on offense, while Colin Simmons is one of the top names to watch on defense. Ryan Wingo, Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown, Graceson Littleton, and Xavier Filsaime are also important players who could shape the season.
Arch Manning
Quarterback
Ryan Wingo
Wide Receiver
Cam Coleman
Wide Receiver
Raleek Brown
Running Back
Hollywood Smothers
Running Back
Colin Simmons
EDGE
Graceson Littleton
Defensive Back
Xavier Filsaime
Safety
How Texas Depth Charts Can Change
College football depth charts are never final for the full season. A player listed as a backup in August can become a starter by October, and a starter can lose snaps if another player performs better in practice or games.
Texas coaches may also use different packages depending on opponent. For example, the Longhorns may use extra defensive backs against passing teams, more tight ends in short-yardage situations, or multiple running backs in different roles.
- ✓Injuries can change the depth chart.
- ✓Transfers can affect position battles.
- ✓Freshmen may earn roles during the season.
- ✓Practice performance matters.
- ✓Matchups can change weekly rotations.
- ✓Official game-week depth charts may differ from early projections.
Texas Football Depth Chart Notes
The 2026 Texas football depth chart should be viewed as an early projection until official game-week information is released. The Longhorns have strong talent at quarterback, wide receiver, running back, EDGE, and defensive back, but several position battles remain open.
This page should be updated throughout the season as Texas releases official information, injuries occur, and players earn new roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Texas football depth chart official?+
No. This page shows a projected Texas football depth chart for 2026. It should be updated when Texas releases official game-week depth charts.
Who is the projected Texas starting quarterback in 2026?+
Arch Manning is projected to be the Texas starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
Who are the Texas backup quarterbacks in 2026?+
KJ Lacey, MJ Morris, and Dia Bell are names to watch behind Arch Manning on the projected quarterback depth chart.
Who are the top Texas running backs in 2026?+
Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers are two projected running backs to watch, with other backs competing for rotation roles.
Who are the top Texas wide receivers in 2026?+
Ryan Wingo, Cam Coleman, and Emmett Mosley V are projected key names in the Texas wide receiver group.
Who is the top Texas defensive player to watch in 2026?+
Colin Simmons is one of the biggest defensive names to watch on the 2026 Texas depth chart.
When will Texas release an official depth chart?+
Official depth charts are usually released closer to game week or during the season. Until then, early depth charts should be treated as projections.
Can the Texas depth chart change during the season?+
Yes. Injuries, practice performance, transfers, matchups, and coaching decisions can all change the Texas football depth chart during the season.