Texas is poised to dominate conversations around the 2026 college football season as Pro Football Focus places five of its own athletes inside the top 50 of its highly anticipated rankings. The list, which serves as an early barometer for NFL draft projections and All‑American considerations, showcases the Longhorns' blend of experience and emerging talent.
Colin Simmons: The Edge Rusher Who Redefined the Line
Junior edge defender Colin Simmons topped the SEC with 12 sacks in 2025, a performance that propelled him to No. 3 on PFF's overall list. Analysts view Simmons as the nation's premier pass‑rusher and project him as a top‑10 selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, underscoring his impact on both the defensive line and the program's national perception.
At quarterback, redshirt junior Arch Manning secured the No. 9 spot after a dramatic second‑half surge in 2025. Manning posted a PFF passing grade of 89.5 from Week 9 onward and tied for fifth among Power Four quarterbacks with 10 rushing touchdowns, illustrating his dual‑threat capability and the optimism surrounding his development.
Trevor Goosby: The Anchor of the Offensive Line
Redshirt junior left tackle Trevor Goosby earned a No. 21 ranking and is projected as a top‑10 prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. Goosby logged 80‑plus PFF grades as both a pass blocker and run blocker, positioning him as the sixth‑most valuable tackle in the FBS and a cornerstone of Texas' offensive line.
Linebacker Rasheem Biles, a senior transfer from Pittsburgh, landed at No. 22 on the list. Biles led all returning linebackers with 31 tackles for loss or no gain and matched the highest pass‑breakup total among Power Four returnees, cementing his status as the most valuable returning linebacker since 2024.
Cam Coleman: The Playmaker in the Spotlight
Junior receiver Cam Coleman, who arrived from Auburn, appears at No. 40 on PFF's rankings. In 2025 he led the SEC with 13 contested catches, a statistic that highlights his ability to win contested targets and adds a dynamic weapon to Texas' passing attack.
The concentration of talent across defense, offense, and special teams suggests that the Longhorns could be a formidable contender in the upcoming season. With multiple players projected as early‑round NFL draftees, the program's recruiting momentum and player development pipelines are drawing heightened attention from analysts and fans alike.
Implications for the Program
Texas' representation in PFF's top 50 not only reflects individual excellence but also signals a depth that could translate into a competitive edge within the SEC and beyond. The rankings amplify expectations for the Longhorns' performance in the 2026 campaign and reinforce the narrative of a program revitalizing its legacy.