Brandon Harris, the newly appointed general manager of Texas Football, brings a fresh perspective to roster construction that blends aggressive retention with a disciplined scouting pipeline.
A New Leadership Paradigm
Since taking over as director of recruiting in 2021 and ascending to general manager in February 2024, Harris has worked hand‑in‑hand with head coach Steve Sarkisian to shape classes that consistently rank among the nation’s elite.
Central to his philosophy is the belief that keeping the core of a team together is as vital as adding new talent; Harris repeatedly stresses the need to lock in players like Arch Manning, whose blend of arm strength and football IQ fits the Longhorns’ long‑term vision.
Retention Over Replacement
The approach diverges sharply from the NFL model, where player movement is frequent; in college, Harris says the objective is to preserve continuity while still adapting to the ever‑shifting landscape of scholarship limits and name‑image‑likeness opportunities.
The program aims to have 90‑95 percent of its roster composed of high‑school recruits, investing heavily in athletes who not only love the game but also demonstrate intelligence and toughness on and off the field.
Harris emphasizes character and toughness as non‑negotiable traits, arguing that they are as critical as raw athletic ability in building a sustainable culture.
Scouting the Future
Trevor Goosby exemplifies this strategy: initially overlooked, the player’s work ethic and potential have begun to attract attention, illustrating the program’s willingness to uncover hidden gems.
Looking ahead, the 2026 and 2027 recruiting cycles will be guided by measurable data, character assessments, and effort metrics, ensuring that each new addition aligns with the program’s cultural and competitive goals.