It’s Christmas Eve and people all over the country are looking forward to receiving gifts. For college football programs, it’s no different. It’s no secret that this is going to be a busy cycle for the Longhorns, who are looking to acquire “gifts” in the form of impact players in the NCAA transfer portal. Now is as good a time as any to break down the specific positions Steve Sarkisian and company have listed to college football’s Santa Claus.
Experienced interior offensive line
This is the most obvious location and the closest Longhorn fans can get to watching. Connor Robertson’s decision is still pending, but it appears the Longhorns will be looking for three new starters on the interior. Experience is a must, and there are several options for moving up the 6-player level. Shadre Hurst, a multiple-time All-AAC Class G selection at Tulane, is a player to watch early on for the Longhorns. This will be the most important position and possibly the most important position for Texas to turn around in 2026.
star running back
Probably the most discussed position among the Longhorn fan base is the rumor that Jadan Baugh (Florida State) could enter the portal. That remains to be seen, but it’s fair to assume that with the addition of Kareem Juruk, Texas will be very interested and the odds-on favorite. If this doesn’t come to fruition, names like Hollywood Smothers (North Carolina) may become copycats. Regardless of who the exact player is, the Texas RB room needs someone heading into 2026 with Tre Wisner and James Simon.
veteran guard
That’s a must, but it’s unclear whether the player will need to start immediately. A lot of that will depend on how Ty’Anthony Smith and Beau Barnes perform in bowl games. The Longhorns need help no matter what, and they need smart, experienced players who can contribute immediately. An early name to watch here is Robert Woodyard, an All-SEC LB out of Auburn, but this shouldn’t be a sparse position in the portal. How aggressive the Texas offense will need here is unknown, but adding an experienced LB to a talented but overall inexperienced unit is a must.
security help
Texas was forced to add at least one player at another position, but it’s unclear whether that player will be needed as an immediate starter. Xavier Filsaime, Jonah Williams and Jordon-Johnson Rubell can alleviate some of the urgency here, but help is still needed. It remains to be seen who Texas is eyeing, but Khalil Barnes from Clemson and Jordan Castell from Florida State could be names to watch. This Texas secondary needs help from the portal and must have a veteran safety to pair with Jelani McDonald next season.
cornerback help
It’s a fascinating position, mostly because Waddle Mack’s future is in doubt. If Mack returns to Austin in 2026, I’d be confident in him, Graceson Littleton, and Kade Phillips leading the charge. If Mack leaves, the Longhorns need to find a true starter at CB, whether at nickel or outside. The position will continue to be filled, but Jontez Williams from Iowa State could be a name to watch. How many resources need to be dedicated to the position will be interesting to watch and may depend on Wardell Mack’s decision.
Other possible needs
Slot write – DeAndre Moore Jr. is gone, but Daylan McCutcheon will likely shine in a bowl game, making that less necessary. The Emmett Mosley V slides back inside to make math even easier.
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Catch and pass TE – Jack Endries delayed his NFL Draft decision until after the bowl game, which bodes well for the Longhorns. If he decides to move on, Texas may look to add another veteran pass catcher to a young room.
Special team—— This is still a relatively unknown situation at the moment. Texas has talented freshmen at kicker and punter, but will they opt to rent another year on special teams? Caldwell quarterback – It all depends on how confident the staff is in KJ Lacey. If he’s ready to start an SEC game, that could be taken off the roster. If not, someone in a similar position to Matthew Caldwell last season will be a necessary addition.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns Christmas portal wish list: Indoor OL, star RB and more