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Looking ahead to 2026: Assessing the next iteration of the Texas offensive line

by: Jackson Buss3 hours ago
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Brandon Baker (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Priority No. 1 for the Texas staff next offseason is no doubt going to be improving the offensive line, namely the interior. DJ Campbell and Cole Hutson will be gone, so Texas will be losing two of its most experienced lineman from what has been an underwhelming unit ahead of Arch Manning‘s second season as starter.

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Expect Texas to learn its biggest preseason mistake and utilize the portal to revamp the offensive line with multiple players on the interior. That being said, the transfer portal is only so abundant, and Texas can’t quit developing the players it has and will carry into 2026.

Let’s start with the former four-star prospect at right tackle in Brandon Baker. Baker has been playing noticeably better over the past three games and is still only a true sophomore. Needless to say, Baker has a big offseason ahead of him, and his development is crucial for the 2026 Longhorns. If he can cut out the penalties and step into the reliable category in run-blocking, he can take some pressure off Texas in the portal. Joe Cook has a great story on his season development.

On the other side is Trevor Goosby, a third-year sophomore who has stepped into Kelvin Banks‘ left tackle spot nicely. Goosby is Pro Football Focus’ second-highest graded regular on the Longhorn offense behind Manning and has only surrendered two sacks on the year. His potential return, as expanded upon by Eric Nahlin, would be massive for the Longhorns in 2026.

Next up is Nick Brooks, the massive freshman who has shown an ability to play with some fire but to also play with fire when it comes to pass protection. Brooks’ entrance into the starting lineup was more a function of “well, it can’t get any worse, right?” While there were some flashes, his play has been mostly struggles. The kid is still a true freshman and has measurables that don’t come around often. The best case for Brooks would be to compete for a starting role on the interior with one of the imported players the Longhorns add. Brooks is another guy that needs to cut out the penalties considering his four this year. Ideally, Brooks continues to make strides and Texas is more comfortable with the idea of him playing in 2026 compared to now even if there’s another player in front of him.

The focus on the interior includes center, though Connor Robertson played much better against Mississippi State and Vanderbilt after a woeful outing versus Kentucky. Though he has grabbed hold of a starting spot at the current moment, he falls into a similar category as Brooks just without the remaining years of eligibility. Robertson will be a senior next year, so the impetus for him to keep what’s currently his starting center role will be great no matter who Texas adds via the portal.

While John Turntine is highly ranked and will be on the roster next year, the Longhorns can’t depend on freshman saviors for Manning during what could be his final season in burnt orange in 2026. Development from players like players mentioned above plus Daniel Cruz, Nate Kibble, Jaydon Chatman, Andre Cojoe, and Connor Stroh is of course welcomed.

But the Longhorns could and should put their aspirations on the backs of more experienced players unless some of the developmental leaps surpass even lofty expectations.

Baker and Goosby will provide that experience on the outside. Robertson, Brooks, and others have some experience in their own right. Their ability to develop will be key, but so too will Texas’ ability to land additional starters for interior spots via college free agency.

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