Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian enters the 2026 season convinced that his team is better at every position than a year ago, a claim that carries extra weight as the program seeks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Central to that optimism is a revamped offensive line that has been bolstered by new additions and a shift in scheme. Veterans such as Brandon Baker, who has moved from right tackle to right guard, and fifth‑year starter Cole Hutson bring experience, while newcomers Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers are expected to inject fresh talent into a unit that slipped to 90th in the national rankings a season ago.
A New Identity Up Front
The line’s composition also includes depth pieces like Trevor Goosby, Laurence Seymore and Connor Robertson, all of whom are expected to provide continuity and stability. Sarkisian points to the experience of players like Baker, who resembles Longhorn legend Justin Blalock in versatility, as a key factor in restoring physicality and run‑game efficiency.
Quarterback Arch Manning, who finished the previous season strong, will benefit from the improved protection, a storyline that could determine whether the Longhorns can finally break through the SEC gauntlet that has denied them a College Football Playoff berth in recent years.
Phil Steele’s annual ranking places Texas’s line at No. 18 nationally, trailing traditional powerhouses such as Tennessee and Georgia, but the coaching staff remains confident that a cohesive front could propel the team to a 10‑win season and a favorable postseason trajectory.