2026 Season
2026 Season · Projected Depth Chart

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.

Projected StarterBackupRotationPosition BattleTBA

Texas Football Offensive Depth Chart 2026

QBProjected
Arch Manning
BackupKJ Lacey / MJ Morris / Dia Bell

Manning is expected to lead the offense, while the backup race remains important.

RBProjected
Raleek Brown or Hollywood Smothers
BackupDerrek Cooper / James Simon / Michael Terry III

Texas has multiple backs who could rotate depending on role and game plan.

WR-XProjected
Cam Coleman
BackupSterling Berkhalter / Kaliq Lockett

Coleman is one of the top projected outside targets.

WR-ZProjected
Ryan Wingo
BackupKohen Brown / Chris Stewart

Wingo gives Texas a major playmaking option.

WR-H / SlotProjected
Emmett Mosley V
BackupJermaine Bishop Jr. / Daylan McCutcheon

Slot receiver could be one of the more competitive spots.

TEProjected
Nick Townsend / Michael Masunas
BackupSpencer Shannon / Emaree Winston

Tight end usage may depend on blocking, red-zone role, and formation.

LTTBA
Projected starter TBA
BackupRotation TBA

Update when official offensive line depth becomes clearer.

LGTBA
Projected starter TBA
BackupRotation TBA

Interior offensive line is a key area to monitor.

CTBA
Projected starter TBA
BackupRotation TBA

Center competition should be updated after fall camp.

RGProjected
Brandon Baker
BackupDylan Sikorski / Devin Coleman

Baker is one of the key names to track on the offensive line.

RTProjected
Melvin Siani
BackupAndre Cojoe

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.

QB1Projected Starter

Arch Manning

QB2Backup

KJ Lacey

QB3Backup

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.

RoleProjected Name
Outside WRCam Coleman
Outside WRRyan Wingo
Slot WREmmett Mosley V
RotationSterling Berkhalter, Kohen Brown, Jermaine Bishop Jr., Kaliq Lockett, Daylan McCutcheon

Texas Football Defensive Depth Chart 2026

EDGEProjected
Colin Simmons
BackupColton Vasek / Brad Spence / Smith Orogbo

Simmons is one of the biggest defensive names to watch.

DLProjected
Hero Kanu
BackupRotation TBA

Defensive tackle rotation should be updated after fall camp.

DLProjected
Alex January
BackupRotation TBA

Interior depth will matter in SEC play.

EDGE / JACKProjected
Lance Jackson
BackupRotation TBA

Pass rush roles may shift by package.

LBProjected
Rasheem Biles
BackupRotation TBA

Linebacker could feature transfers and younger competition.

LBProjected
Liona Lefau
BackupRotation TBA

Linebacker depth should be updated as reports develop.

CBProjected
Bo Mascoe
BackupWarren Roberson

Cornerback competition is important after roster changes.

CBProjected
Kade Phillips
BackupKobe Black

Texas has athletic options in the secondary.

NickelProjected
Graceson Littleton
BackupWardell Mack

Nickel is a key role in modern defensive packages.

SafetyProjected
Xavier Filsaime
BackupJordon Johnson-Rubell / Zelus Hicks

Safety rotation may depend on coverage packages.

SafetyProjected
Jelani McDonald
BackupDerek Williams Jr.

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

KickerTBA
TBA
BackupTBA

Update when official special teams roles are announced.

PunterTBA
TBA
BackupTBA

Update after fall camp.

Long SnapperTBA
TBA
BackupTBA

Special teams depth may change before Week 1.

Kick ReturnerTBA
TBA
BackupTBA

Could involve wide receivers, running backs, or defensive backs.

Punt ReturnerTBA
TBA
BackupTBA

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

Position Battle

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.

Position Battle

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.

Position Battle

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.

Position Battle

Cornerback and Nickel

Texas has multiple defensive backs competing for major roles. Cornerback and nickel could change based on matchups and defensive packages.

Position Battle

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.

AM

Arch Manning

Quarterback

RW

Ryan Wingo

Wide Receiver

CC

Cam Coleman

Wide Receiver

RB

Raleek Brown

Running Back

HS

Hollywood Smothers

Running Back

CS

Colin Simmons

EDGE

GL

Graceson Littleton

Defensive Back

XF

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.

More Texas Football Resources

Disclaimer: TexasFootballSchedule.us is an independent fan website and is not affiliated with the University of Texas, Texas Athletics, the SEC, NCAA, ESPN, ABC, SEC Network, or any official broadcast partner. The depth chart shown on this page is a projection based on publicly available information and is not an official Texas Athletics depth chart.