The University of Texas at Austin has long been celebrated for its ability to churn out elite running backs, a tradition that dates back to legends like Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams, who left indelible marks on college football history.
A year ago, however, the Longhorns' backfield faltered under a barrage of injuries and inconsistent performances, leaving the offense out of rhythm and the rushing attack underperforming.
Portal reinforcements
This offseason, the program turned to the transfer portal, securing the commitments of Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, two proven playmakers eager to bring fresh energy to the position.
Smothers, who topped the Wolfpack with 939 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2025, pairs with Brown, whose 1,000‑yard season at Arizona State came in a pass‑heavy scheme, giving Texas a blend of power and agility.
Both newcomers are adept in the passing game as well, combining for 37 receptions, 428 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season, a versatility that should help quarterback Quinn Manning find more open windows.
Alongside the newcomers, the depth chart also lists James Simon, Derrick Bown and Michael Terry III, providing additional options to keep defenses guessing.
With the new talent expected to shoulder the load, the Longhorns hope to restore a balanced attack and give Manning the protection he needs to thrive, aiming to climb back into contention in the Big 12.
Looking ahead
If the chemistry clicks, the revamped rushing corps could transform Texas from a team that struggled to find its identity into a contender capable of challenging for a conference title.