Position Group Rankings (Draft)
THE ROOMS
Texas enters the 2026 season with one of the most talented rosters in college football, but not every position group comes with the same level of certainty. Some rooms are loaded with proven difference-makers, while others will rely on talented players taking the next step.
From the game-wreckers off the edge to the production questions lingering at tight end, here’s how I rank all 11 Texas position groups heading into the season.
| RANK | POSITION GROUP | TIER |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EDGE | ELITE |
| 2 | QUARTERBACK | ELITE |
| 3 | OFFENSIVE TACKLE | ELITE |
| 4 | WIDE RECEIVER | ELITE UPSIDE |
| 5 | DEFENSIVE TACKLE | ELITE UPSIDE |
| 6 | SAFETY | ELITE UPSIDE |
| 7 | RUNNING BACK | QUALITY AND NUMBERS |
| 8 | CORNERBACK / STAR | QUALITY AND NUMBERS |
| 9 | LINEBACKER | VARYING LEVELS OF CONCERN |
| 10 | GUARD | VARYING LEVELS OF CONCERN |
| 11 | TIGHT END | VARYING LEVELS OF CONCERN |
Tier 1 - Elite
Proven difference-makers with quality depth
1. Edge — The game-breaking talent of Colin Simmons headlines a deep room full of athletic freaks (Zina Umeozulu, Colton Vasek) and promising young talent (Lance Jackson, Richard Wesley).
2. QB — Arch Manning has game-breaking, big-play ability in both the passing and running games. KJ Lacey has received rave reviews and should provide a quality backup option.
3. Offensive Tackle — Trevor Goosby may be the best offensive lineman in the country, with Melvin Siani rounding out one of the best tackle duos you'll find. Andre Cojoe provides veteran backup experience.
Tier 2 — Elite Upside
Deep rooms with breakout candidates looking to become game-changers
4. WR — The biggest X-factor for the Horns this year. The sky is the limit for Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo; it's just a matter of them matching production to their incredible talent. Emmett Mosley is a great third complementary piece, and a whole load of young talent (Bishop, Lockett, McCutcheon) sits behind the top three waiting for their chance.
5. Defensive Tackle — The second-biggest X-factor this year. Hero Kanu and Justus Terry are looking to take the next step up to become elite game-wreckers. Alex January, Ian Greffard, and Maraad Watson all provide unique skill sets for a deep rotation.
6. Safety — Jelani McDonald could be Texas' next All-American safety. Derek Williams looks to regain his pre-injury form, while highly touted recruits Kobe Black and Jonah Williams look to force their way onto the field.
Tier 3 — Quality and Numbers
Rooms with great depth pieces who may not have the ceiling of the groups in front
7. Running Back — Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown give Texas an experienced one-two punch on the ground. True freshman Derrek Cooper will look to establish a spot in the rotation.
8. Cornerback / Star — An even mix of veterans (Mascoe and Roberson) and youth (Littleton and Phillips). Many options, but we'll see who ends up being the most impactful cover guy.
Tier 4 — Varying Levels of Concern
Rooms with clear questions that need answers as the season unfolds
9. Linebacker — Rasheem Biles will be a game-changer, but after him, there is a lack of trusted depth and overall size. Does a now flu-free Ty'Anthony Smith have the bulk to man the middle? Can Brad Spence and/or Juice Cryer play SEC-level linebacker? I'm worried this group could be in trouble against a power-running team.
10. Guard — Inside Texas's entire business model is built on people clicking on articles about guard practice notes. Brandon Baker should be good on the right side, but left guard remains a spot of contention. Surely someone between Laurence Seymour, Dylan Sikorski, and Cole Hutson can provide solid play, right?
11. Tight End — This should be a better blocking group than last year, but how this group performs in the receiving game is a complete unknown. There is more intriguing talent than proven production at the moment.