The Longhorns are entering a critical stretch of preparation as they count down the 40 days until their season opener against the Texas State Bobcats. Fall camp in Austin serves as the laboratory where the coaching staff will test every hypothesis about the 2026 roster, with the depth chart still very much up for grabs.
Defensive line and secondary set for showdown
Among the most watched battles is the defensive end position, where Lance Jackson is projected to lock down a starting spot opposite veteran Colin Simmons. Jackson burst onto the scene as a true freshman, appearing in all 13 games and recording 16 tackles and two sacks, numbers that have earned him the early confidence of the staff.
On the secondary side, Jonah Williams is fighting to reclaim a starting role despite a shoulder surgery that cut short his baseball season in March. The injury forced him to miss the latter part of the previous campaign, but his 32 tackles in eight games as a freshman show he still possesses the playmaking instincts that made him a coveted recruit.
Coach Steve Sarkisian, who has guided the program through a period of transition, is expected to lean heavily on these emerging pieces as the team seeks to solidify its defensive identity before the first game. The staff also notes Jelani McDonald's experience as a valuable asset in the mix.