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#11602
13 minutes ago, Sir Ulrich said:

Waiting to see the OL haul before crowing Sark/Texas for 2026

I'm very happy to be in "wait and see" mode going into 2026. Our defensive skill and offensive skill changes look great.

Obviously it would've been great to CLEARLY upgrade the interior of the lines, but we aren't seeing that and I guess we hope for "good enough" and trust the corches to corch 'em up. Yes, we know where that often leads, but it is what it is and hey, it actually does work a lot of the time. Will probably be fine.

Not doomed, by any stretch of the imagination. And hey, maybe the fireworks hit on IOL and we all overdose on optimism.

#11603
Just now, billfromlaketravis said:

He’s from Georgia originally so it wasn’t a geography/familiarity thing. I assume Oregon told him he would start at LT, and Goosby is returning at Texas. Them’s the breaks.

Oregon is losing both starting tackles. He was likely paid and gets a great chance to start at tackle for a good program.

#11604
2 hours ago, closetojumping said:

The Texas approach is to lock up the key roles now. Once that work is finished, we may see a flurry of additions that don’t cost anything more than scholarships. If some of those guys play their way into snaps, they’ll get some upside in future rev share. This is what they started doing in recruiting in the 2026 cycle and it sounds like they’re amplifying that in 2027.

There is only so much time, employee headcount and money. No org can do everything. It’s great to plan, but also be flexible because who does or does not go into the portal becomes a real time issue. I know they fucked up the OL situation, but I’m interested in seeing if they can course correct with who is actually out there now. Everything else has gone according to plan A, or then plan B, or then plan C. OL? They flunked plan A and now we cross our fingers.

With the number of guys in the portal, I have to imagine there are going to be a ton of players left homeless when the NIL wheel stops turning. My guess is that there will be some quality depth available for next to nothing once the musical chairs stop.

With Bennett gone, I don't think they have any available OLs who have visited now. Might be on to plan C there...

#11606
1 minute ago, satyanash said:

Sark runs a lot of slower-developing PA plays though. They get our WRs in open space more often than not, and that's where Coleman/Wingo will be deadly, but the OL has to hold up.

Sark ran fewer of those plays down the stretch last year but it felt more like a short-term change due to lack of confidence in the OL than a permanent one.

For sure. You can't be terribad there, even with great skill position players- but if the defense is worried about 5 guys that are pretty damn good and can only bring 5, and the tackles and center are good, you just need to not get buttfucked Connor Stroh style at guard and you are ok. Part of the problem we had this year with the line sucking was our skill position players weren't good enough to put a ton of fear in the opposing defenses so they could get after them. With the new RB's and a top 15 WR in the NFL draft and Arch being fully weaponized it gets pretty tough on the other team.

#11609
3 minutes ago, Tex-19 said:

With the number of guys in the portal, I have to imagine there are going to be a ton of players left homeless when the NIL wheel stops turning. My guess is that there will be some quality depth available for next to nothing once the musical chairs stop.

With Bennett gone, I don't think they have any available OLs who have visited now. Might be on to plan C there...

The Wisconsin guard hasn't signed yet, or even anounced, right? I know everyone has him to Indiana, and he's likely going there, but that would be fireworks worthy.

#11611
Just now, Wulaw Horn said:

The Wisconsin guard hasn't signed yet, or even anounced, right? I know everyone has him to Indiana, and he's likely going there, but that would be fireworks worthy.

Seems like the reporting on him has been inconsistent. I don't think OTF is saying he has visited. They think he stays in the Midwest

#11612

We struck out on plan A at RB and LB and still ended up with badasses, which gives me some hope for OL. That said, I'm ready for shit to start happening.

#11613
1 hour ago, JBJ said:

Pretty sure people mean 65 Revshare players.

Revshare is the new scholarship.

Scholarship will eventually be the new PWO.

That’s a good way of thinking about it.

#11614

super odd we rally back on all other positions to arguably have the top portal class at each such position or at least nab some of the best at those positions, yet at OL we are striking the fuck out. it's kind of remarkable actually.

#11616
Just now, tokamak said:

We struck out on plan A at RB and LB and still ended up with badasses, which gives me some hope for OL. That said, I'm ready for shit to start happening.

The problem is there are no badasses in the portal for OL. At least in comparison with RB and LB. I'm convinced they're tampering with somebody that isn't in the portal. Even landing the Yale OT is a lukewarm addition in comparison to other positions.

#11617

Justin Wells: New transfer portal OL names to know

Inside Texas delivers the latest from the NCAA Transfer Portal and the upcoming Junior Day on Saturday, January 17th in Monday’s Inside Scoop.

Delano Townsend, OL, Ole Miss

Texas has eyes on the 6-foot-5, 335-pound former UAB player and starting left guard in Oxford last fall. We’re in the dead period for three days, but we’re watching Townsend’s potential movement. He’s definitely someone to know when discussing UT’s portal prospects, especially with Yale’s Michael Bennett committing to Oregon.

Joe Brunner, OL, Wisconsin

On the heels of his Indiana visit that went well but did not result in a signature, we now wait to see the next step for the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder after the dead period. Brunner has started the last 24 games for Wisconsin, mainly at left guard. He has appeared in 39 games over the last four years. Earlier this season, Brunner stated his intentions to remain with the Badgers or enter the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s now changed. At this moment, we’re checking with sources on Brunner’s potential next move.

Eric Nahlin: Texas Football’s Portal Strategy Explained — Plus Positions to Watch Next

Portal chaos has been more difficult to navigate than anyone expected, especially for blue bloods. It’s always tough for the smaller programs who are punished for success — look no further than North Texas. But typically the blue bloods have it much easier. That hasn’t been the case this cycle for reasons we’ve covered. Essentially, the rev-share has made everyone “buyers,” not just the football-rich schools.

Steve Sarkisian saw this coming, at least to a certain extent. He already had a plan to not take the NCAA and SEC up on their offer to go to 105 scholarships and even told the team the roster was going to be more of an NFL-designed team. He was speaking about economics there, which ties into his recruiting approach this past cycle.

You may remember that approach. It brought the typical exasperation out of fans, but it contained more nuance than normal. Sark was looking for elite players who could cut in line or cheaper players who would wait their turn and be developed. Dead cap space had been bothering Sark for a while, but sometimes — and at some positions — you just have to bite the bullet.

After landing the elite players he needed this summer, Sark and his staff pulled back the reins on high school recruiting. The intention was already to go harder in the portal than ever before — 2026 was always Arch’s last year — but the season further crystallized the need to go big. It quickly became obvious they needed more immediate help than they originally believed.

As Texas landed each of the Exciting White quartet — Jett Walker, Kaden Scherer, Charlie Jilek, and Rocky Cummings — I did a little fist pump. Rounding out the class with more affordable developmental players was yet another sign the staff was repurposing budget to the portal. You might not have liked that No. 10 high school ranking, but what about the current No. 1 portal ranking (per 247)? Do you want to win now or in three years? Well, with Sark’s approach you can do both. But had Sark gone for back-to-back No. 1 high school rankings, you probably wouldn’t have Cam Coleman on your roster. Enough preamble:

Quarterback

Grad transfer, FCS kid, someone fungible who will become known down the road.

Running Back

A bigger back is possible, but they have confidence they can develop both James Simon and Derrek Cooper into 2026 contributors. Christian Clark was made a very fair offer.

Wide Receiver

IT has been saying if Texas lands Coleman they could still be in the market if anything interesting materializes. That’s still the case, but they like what they have.

Tight End

Should be done unless someone departs. If they were going to depart, they probably already would have.

Offensive Line

The need in the class. There are some interesting guys out there now, but I’m also still watching the portal. Agent circles are buzzing a bit. I hope they can get Mikey Bennet (Yale). Joe Brunner (Wisconsin) apparently left Indiana without signing. Keeping an eye on him because you never know. I’ve heard a little scuttle on Delano Townsend (Ole Miss), but he’s not one they push chips in for just yet. I don’t think anyone can predict the Texas OL next year — including Steve Sarkisian. The pursuit of Andrew Sprague told us tackle is on the table.

Defensive Tackle

Done.

Defensive End

Wendell Gregory (Oklahoma State) is one we’re keeping tabs on. Caleb Herring (Tennessee) has been mentioned, but he seems like a backup plan to Zina Umeozulu returning (which he did) and Gregory.

Linebacker

Cade Uluave (Cal) is the most obvious name to follow. Michigan needs him badly. Texas has been aggressive while also not going full send. This is another position where we continue to watch for portal activity. The trade of Bo Barnes for Juice Cryer should have told everyone bigger things were in store.

Defensive Back

I can see another DB being added with it being BPA (best player available). I’m also watching Wardell Mack once again.

Texas still needs to find a kicker, punter, and snapper. You can’t play football without those pieces. They play a big role, especially in big games when margins are razor thin. Oh wait, no — they locked those guys up early, much to the chagrin of the doomers. I forgot about that.

Edited by satyanash

#11618

There’s another week to figure it out up front. Texas is not going to hamstring the Coleman/Brown/Smothers acquisitions with a shitty Oline.

#11619
1 hour ago, Chuckie Finster said:

Another logical next step is schools creating a defacto minor league system and aligning with lower division teams for development. Imagine if Sark had a say in the offensive schemes run by Texas State or UTSA and we could essentially "call up" standouts at the end of each season who have spent the last year or two getting playing time in our system but have not yet hit our payroll. I imagine the quality of players willing to consider these schools would increase if there was a "UT could call you up if you stand out" carrot being dangled.

1 hour ago, Burt Macklin said:

Sounds great for UT, but why would a recruit want to sign up for any of that? If they ball out at UTSA or Texas State, then they can just hit the portal and have every school in the country offering them huge money. Or they can go to another school, ball out and transfer to UT anyways. What is the upside for them to sign up for some minor league system that limits their options if they breakout?

Ironically enough, this may be part of Choate's recruiting pitch at Nevada. "Come play for us and if you do well, you can transfer to Oregon."

He's being a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it's not like the idea is completely alien or unpalatable to G6 coaches. Especially if it nets them some good talent.

Edited by Park Gothic

#11622

Sam Khan Jr.: Texas bolsters offense, lands coveted transfers Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers

Texas quarterback Arch Manning will be throwing to one of the most talented receivers in college football in 2026. Former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman — arguably the most coveted target in the transfer portal — is heading to Austin, he announced Sunday afternoon. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns were expected to be a major player for Coleman from the moment the portal opened on Jan. 2, and the Longhorns were the first among interested programs to host Coleman on an official visit.

He later took visits to Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Alabama before committing to the Longhorns, where he’ll join Ryan Wingo to make up one of the most talented receiving duos in the country. “Best player in the portal,” a Power 4 general manager said of Coleman, who has two years of eligibility remaining. “He’s a freak. The numbers aren’t what you’d expect because of (Auburn’s) quarterback play, but he’s an absolute difference maker.”

If landing Coleman wasn’t enough, Texas made another big splash on Sunday when the Longhorns flipped NC State running back transfer Hollywood Smothers from Alabama, according to program sources. Smothers, The Athletic’s No. 1 running back in the portal, originally committed to Alabama on Tuesday. Smothers will give Texas a top-tier running back duo in 2026 as the Longhorns also recently landed Arizona State transfer Raleek Brown, another top transfer.

Smothers was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2025. In 11 games, he rushed for 939 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per rush. He was also a weapon in the passing game, catching 37 passes for 189 yards and a score. He averaged 85.3 rushing yards per game, tops among ACC running backs. Smothers has two years of eligibility remaining.

The 6-foot-3, 197-pound Coleman was one of the only bright spots on a 5-7 Auburn team that struggled mightily in 2025. Coleman finished the year with 56 catches for 708 yards and five touchdowns despite quarterback Jackson Arnold struggling for much of the season before things improved when Auburn benched Arnold for Ashton Daniels. Coleman was almost certainly a top priority for new Auburn head coach Alex Golesh to retain, but rumors started to circulate nearly two months ago that Coleman might be on his way out. As a true freshman, Coleman finished with 37 receptions for 598 yards and eight touchdowns.

Coleman first committed to Auburn in December 2023 after he flipped to the Tigers from Texas A&M. He is still Auburn’s second-highest rated recruit and highest-rated receiver of the modern era, dating back to 2000, and was expected to command seven figures in the portal market. According to a source familiar with Auburn personnel, Coleman was offered around $2 million to stay with the Tigers. A Power 4 general manager said he expected $2 million to be the floor for teams interested in Coleman, considering how well-funded all the teams in the race for his services are.

With this addition, Texas should be an immediate College Football Playoff contender in 2026, possibly even a trendy pick to win the national championship. The Longhorns opened the 2025 season as the nation’s No. 1 team but took their lumps early as Manning needed time to get accustomed to his duties as QB 1. A costly loss to Florida in October ultimately kept the Longhorns out of the Playoff this year. But Manning only got better as the season progressed, capping things off with arguably his best performance of his career when he threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and rushed for a career-high 155 yards with two more scores in a win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

Manning, who is already confirmed to be returning to Texas in 2026, will have no shortage of weapons in the passing game with Coleman joining Wingo and Emmett Mosley V. Even with Parker Livingstone and DeAndre Moore Jr. entering the portal, the Longhorns should field an elite receiver group, and Coleman could go down as their most important acquisition of the offseason.

What missing out on Coleman means

Texas A&M is getting the speedy Mario Craver back in 2026, and snagging Coleman would have given the Aggies one of the best receiver duos in the country for the second consecutive year. They were hopeful to get a high-level portal receiver just like they did a year ago when signing KC Concepcion, who’s on his way to the NFL after declaring for the draft in December.

For Alabama, two of the Crimson Tide’s top three receivers are departing, Germie Bernard (eligibility) and Isaiah Horton (transfer portal). Adding Coleman would have been a huge boost to the passing game for its next starting quarterback, whether that’s Keelon Russell or Austin Mack. There’s still talent on the receiver depth chart, with Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks, but Coleman would have helped elevate that group to another level.

Texas Tech had been looking to add an impact receiver in this portal cycle, but the Red Raiders have already landed commitments from three transfers at that position: Kenny Johnson (Pitt), Donte Lee (Liberty) and Jalen Jones (Alabama State). Landing Coleman would have been huge for Tech — especially to pair with No. 1 QB transfer Brendan Sorsby — but the Red Raiders have already done well to address that position thus far.

What Smothers’ flip means for Alabama

Losing Smothers after getting his commitment is a major blow to the Crimson Tide, especially this deep into the portal cycle. Smothers was the signature acquisition for Alabama at a major position of need: running back. The Alabama run game struggled mightily at the end of the year, and it’s the top priority that needs to be addressed.

With less than a week remaining until the portal closes, the options at running back are dwindling, at least in terms of the level of back that would be in the same stratosphere as Smothers. Could Michigan running back Justice Haynes return to Alabama, where he began his career? Former Texas running back CJ Baxter is available, but Indiana is in heavy pursuit. Outside of those two, the Tide may have to try to poach someone from elsewhere who isn’t currently in the portal, but time is running short to do so, because the portal closes on Friday.

#11624
45 minutes ago, Wulaw Horn said:

I mean, there is also the idea that your OLine doesn't have to be as good if you have skill position talent and a QB that manipulates the pocket as well as Arch does. You don't need to block a long time to throw swing passes to the running backs, drags to Wingo or fades to Coleman. I'm not saying that we don't get some more dudes that are starter level (I believe we will) but it's just not as big a deal if your center is snapping the ball well and your tackles are good.

It only becomes a big deal when you want to get in from the 1 yard line. (See: Oklahoma once and Ohio State twice)

Edited by DanTheHorn

#11625
Just now, DanTheHorn said:

It only become a big deal when you want to get in from the 1 yard line. (See: Oklahoma once and Ohio State twice)

Someone needs to show Sark how creative the Rams get inside the five. The way they utilize Adams and Puka and don’t just rely on powering it in from the 1 four times in a row.

#11627

Brunner is almost a must have at this point. Doesn't seem like anyone near that competent is available. There are a couple of unsigned JUCO iol but seems unlikely we get them to qualify. The Baylor center Price signed with Kentucky quick, wonder if we even tried?

Edited by pacman

#11628
4 minutes ago, elguapo said:

bill murray this man has no dick GIF by Ghostbusters

objection, non responsive. what the fuck did you read from that 9.95 report, that stud can't miss OLs are on the way? I tend to think given the success at all other positions in the portal texas will land a few top players at IOL, but where are they? who are they? when? and if not, what does that say about Sark? Flood? Harris?

Edited by scramblyn

#11629
Just now, scramblyn said:

objection, non responsive. what the fuck did you read from that 9.95 report, that stud can't miss OLs are on the way? I tend to think given the success at all other positions in the portal texas will land a few top players at IOL, but where are they? who are they? when?

Calm Down Golden Girls GIF by TV Land

#11631
31 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Sadly, Lane backs into the best portal QB. Dude will be handful at night in Death Valley.

We are gonna be in his head. Last time we faced him we picked him off with the game on the line.

#11632
7 minutes ago, satyanash said:

Sam Khan Jr.: Texas bolsters offense, lands coveted transfers Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers

Maybe after being used by Parker Livingstone’s agent to put out that incorrect puff piece, he should stfu.

  • Popular Post
#11633

Stop acting like a god damned 6 year old and just wait. Your bellyaching does nothing but clutter up the thread and makes fuck all difference in the ultimate outcome. Go do something productive with your time and check back next week.

#11634

I tend to see the LB need different then some of y’all. I think Ty Smith and Biles together could be two of the most athletic LBs we’ve had but I’d love the Cal Lb for a bigger body that can thump. Other wise I think they have ppl we can find to feel a backup role

I think a starting safety is a bigger need than anything right now outside of the O-line. Filsame wasn’t good last season, and we still don’t know if Jonah or Derek Williams will be ready.

#11635
14 minutes ago, Js1 said:

Someone needs to show Sark how creative the Rams get inside the five. The way they utilize Adams and Puka and don’t just rely on powering it in from the 1 four times in a row.

The rams use Jordan Whittington as a fullback too

#11636
44 minutes ago, Tex-19 said:

With the number of guys in the portal, I have to imagine there are going to be a ton of players left homeless when the NIL wheel stops turning. My guess is that there will be some quality depth available for next to nothing once the musical chairs stop.

With Bennett gone, I don't think they have any available OLs who have visited now. Might be on to plan C there...

Panicking about guards is weird. There are a ton of qualify D1 guards in the portal. It would be much more difficult if we were desperately looking for tackles. We aren't. We have plenty time to pick up a few guards. I think you'll see us get another 2 or 3 before February and then add depth throughout summer. There are a lot of guys to evaluate in the portal. We'll fill the minimum need before spring practice starts and then take our time to add depth. No need to rush that portion of it.

#11637
37 minutes ago, avidhornslurker said:

The problem is there are no badasses in the portal for OL. At least in comparison with RB and LB. I'm convinced they're tampering with somebody that isn't in the portal. Even landing the Yale OT is a lukewarm addition in comparison to other positions.

I’m sure you’ve dove a tremendous amount of film work on the Yale OL. The guy covered by Texas, Oregon, and Indiana.

#11639
5 minutes ago, D3zii said:

I tend to see the LB need different then some of y’all. I think Ty Smith and Biles together could be two of the most athletic LBs we’ve had but I’d love the Cal Lb for a bigger body that can thump. Other wise I think they have ppl we can find to feel a backup role

I think a starting safety is a bigger need than anything right now outside of the O-line. Filsame wasn’t good last season, and we still don’t know if Jonah or Derek Williams will be ready.

Derek Williams is going to be your other starting safety. Filsame flashed enough that with additional training, I don't have concerns with him as depth. Jonah is much more difficult to evaluate.

#11641
1 minute ago, Huckleberry said:

I'm gonna start negging serifs.

You can take my serifs and Century from my cold, dead, slightly curled hands.

#11643
29 minutes ago, satyanash said:

Sam Khan Jr.: Texas bolsters offense, lands coveted transfers Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers

He doesn't even try to hide his bias.

  • Popular Post
#11644
Just now, Huckleberry said:

I'm gonna start negging serifs.

Thank you. This board needs standards.

#11646

54 minutes ago, CurlyDumps said:

Wha? Huh? Coach Meh?

My estimation of Dan Lanning as a coach just fucking plummeted.

Just goes to show that even the best ones (Kirby, day, Lanning, ect) still are stubborn meatheads that make stupid decisions.

  • Popular Post
#11647

I think Mehringer's real job is making sure Lanning always has plenty of coke.

#11648
13 minutes ago, Dahobbs said:

Panicking about guards is weird. There are a ton of qualify D1 guards in the portal. It would be much more difficult if we were desperately looking for tackles. We aren't. We have plenty time to pick up a few guards. I think you'll see us get another 2 or 3 before February and then add depth throughout summer. There are a lot of guys to evaluate in the portal. We'll fill the minimum need before spring practice starts and then take our time to add depth. No need to rush that portion of it.

thank you for a legit response. ftr, i'm not panicked I'm trying to get a read on it. so once the portal closes the only ramification is no one can enter after that time, so the players in the portal can continue to visit and figure out what they want to do? the only rush right now on the buy side is so the player can enroll for spring "classes" and therefore participate in spring camp, etc.

is that correct?

if there is a surplus of decent IOL in the portal and we can take our time then fuck yeah.

Edited by scramblyn

#11649
3 minutes ago, chainsaw said:

He doesn't even try to hide his bias.

The best part of his podcast (The Audible) is Bruce Feldman giving him piles of shit for his terrible twitter takes. "So last week, Stew, you posted something on twitter that was a little controversial..."

#11650

Most portal OL are committed at this point while Flood was eating paste. This is what's left and not sure if any of these dudes have even been contacted.

Tegra Tshabola, Ohio State

Josiah Thompson, SoCar

Zach Cochnauer, Nevada

Leon Bell, Cal

Paul Mubenga, LSU

Paki Finau, Wash

Bo Hughley, UGA

Tyrell Green, Purdue

https://247sports.com/season/2026-football/transferportaltop/?positiongroupkey=4

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