The window has closed for everyone except Indiana and Miami. Texas has welcomed the top portal categories so far, but will there be more fireworks? Or is this the end of it for the Longhorns? It’s hard to know, partly because more changes could happen in the coming days that could alter the situation. From where I stand now, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
offensive line
This is where there is still clear work to be done. The additions of Melvin Ciani and Dylan Sikorski bring up two possible starters, but the problems begin when you look outside the starting five. Currently, Texas’ starting offensive line appears to be Trevor Goolsby-Dylan Sikorski-Connor Robertson-Brandon Baker-Melvin Ciani. It’s not a bad group by any means, but it needs help.
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So who might the Longhorns add? A name that started popping up after the national championship was Indiana guard and Austin native Bray Lynch. Despite the rumors, he hasn’t even entered the transfer portal yet, leaving the Longhorns with few options inside. The only name left in the portal that I believe could start immediately within the Longhorns’ ranks is Lawrence Seymore from Western Kentucky.
The Longhorns have done a good job of improving on a major hurdle heading into the 2025 season. The 2026 Longhorns’ starting five will be better than the 2025 team, especially in pass protection. Behind them are questions. Jayden Chatman will likely be a swing OT option and the Coleman twins will be options inside, but the biggest piece is Andre Kodjoe. Cojoe’s health and ability to be ready as the No. 6 OL are must-haves for this unit (as currently constructed).
Depth will be a major issue if the Longhorns are unable to add another offensive lineman in the portal. I hope they add at least one more, potentially two if we see Lynch hit the portal in the next two days. Long story short, there’s still a lot of work to be done here. In my opinion the unit has improved, but I’m not sure it’s become a championship level unit yet. It may be in place within the next few days, but time is running out.
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Defender?
This is a position the Longhorns could add to, but probably don’t need to. The Longhorns have added three LBs in the portal, Rasheem Biles, Justin Cryer and Markus Boswell. Byers will be the Day 1 starter, while Clare and Boswell will likely be part of the depth chart. Having an argument is not enough, but I tend to be on the other side of that argument.
Not only does keeping LB in the portal make no difference, but I believe the units Texas has are good enough for now. Raheem Biles and Ty’Anthony Smith will likely be solid starters, with Brad Spence also expected to play a role. That leaves Clare, Powell and freshmen Tyler Atkinson and Rocky Cummings as depth players this season.
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I believe the starting tandem of Biles and Smith can be as good as any in the country. Brad Spencer, Boswell and Clare bring a ton of athleticism to the table. Another player here is Tyler Atkinson, who I believe will contribute immediately and possibly become a starter later in the season. On top of that, Will Muschamp is widely regarded as one of the best linebacker developers in college football.
Safety?
This is the only other position Texas could add. Currently, Derrick Williams Jr. and Jelani McDonald are expected to start at the safety position. Xavier Felsom, Jonah Williams, Jordan-Johnson-Lubell and Zellers Hicks fill out the depth. To me, nothing needs to be added to this unit for it to be one of the best in the country.
There may be an increase in the security department, but I would be surprised if that is Steve Sarkisian’s current focus. If the right names come up in the portal, you might see Texas get involved, but the safety situation isn’t just a concern for me heading into 2026. If they can stay healthy, this will be a strong team under Blake Gideon.
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in conclusion
I don’t believe the Longhorns are done in the transfer portal. That being said, I don’t expect them to “make a splash” either, at least not without traveling from Bloomington, Indiana. Beyond that, the Longhorns could add high-ceiling, depth players to provide more safety at OL, LB, and the secondary, but I don’t expect to add many starters at this point.
If the Longhorns can stay healthy, I don’t think these positions will be a major issue, but Texans fans understand how big of a “what if” that is.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: OL Depth Remains an Issue as Portal Window Closes