2026 Texas Longhorns Depth Chart

1️⃣ Depth Chart Reasoning: Arch Manning is the undisputed QB1 for Texas, entering 2026 as a Heisman favorite with an improved supporting cast. His job security and pedigree are unmatched, and while he’s not a run-first QB, he’s athletic enough to contribute occasional rushing scores (as seen in the bowl game) to pad his fantasy totals. Texas added blue-chip freshman KJ Lacey and veteran transfer MJ Morris behind Manning, but neither holds standalone value unless an injury forces them into action. In short, Manning’s combination of talent and situation makes him an elite fantasy quarterback, and the backups are mere insurance.

The Longhorns’ backfield will feature a new one-two punch of Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, two dynamic portal additions. We give Smothers a slight edge as RB1 due to his all-around game and likely steady workload – he racked up 15 TDs over two seasons at NC State and can grind between the tackles or catch passes reliably. Brown is just as vital, offering game-breaking explosiveness and receiving ability; he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors with a 1,000-yard breakout at Arizona State. Essentially it’s a 1A/1B situation: expect them to share the workload in Sarkisian’s revamped outside-zone attack, making both fantasy relevant (with Smothers perhaps a touch safer and Brown a home-run threat). Beyond them, former four-star James Simon slots in as the next man up – valuable as a handcuff but unlikely to see big touches unless injury strikes, given how heavily Texas will ride its two new backs.

Texas’ receiving corps is headlined by five-star transfer Cam Coleman, who profiles as the clear alpha target. Coleman amassed 93 catches and 13 touchdowns over two years at Auburn and is “expected to immediately become the No. 1 receiver” for Arch Manning in 2026. Lining up opposite him, sophomore Ryan Wingo has the talent to be one of the nation’s best #2 options – he’ll get plenty of single coverage thanks to Coleman, and Texas should scheme him deep shots. In the slot, Emmett Mosley V (a Stanford import) is poised for a big role, as coaches view him as an upgrade over last year’s slot receiver; his route-running and quickness should translate to a high target share underneath. The top three receivers are relatively set, but Texas has intriguing depth: freshman Kaliq Lockett is a future star being groomed (likely to flash in limited opportunities this year), and sixth-year transfer Sterling Berkhalter brings a 6’3″ frame and veteran savvy to rotate in as a red-zone threat and mentor. At tight end, Nick Townsend steps up as the primary pass-catcher after the previous starter’s departure, and he should see most of the routes and red-zone looks at the position. New transfer Michael Masunas offers a sturdy blocking presence in two-TE sets and enough receiving ability to keep defenses honest, but his fantasy ceiling is lower than Townsend’s. Finally, Texas addressed its kicker spot by bringing in Gianni Spetic, who hit 75% of his FGs at Memphis and went 4-for-5 from 50+ yards last year. With the Longhorns’ offense expected to put up plenty of points, Spetic projects as a reliable fantasy kicker who can capitalize on both frequent PATs and long-field goal opportunities.

2️⃣ Final Depth Chart Output: