Texas Longhorns move quickly for fresh run-game options after Wisner exit
Table of Contents
- 1. Texas Longhorns move quickly for fresh run-game options after Wisner exit
- 2. Five targets Texas Should Consider
- 3. 1. Jadan Baugh – Florida
- 4. 2. Cam Cook – Jacksonville State
- 5. 3. Hollywood Smothers – NC State
- 6. 4. Makhi frazier – Michigan State
- 7. 5. Peyton Lewis – Tennessee
- 8. What this means for Texas
- 9. Share your take
- 10.
- 11. 1. KJ Hill – Georgia State Panthers
- 12. 2. Tyrese “Ty” Llamas – Kansas State Wildcats
- 13. 3.Andrew “AJ” Morgan – Oregon Ducks
- 14. 4. Jaxon “Jax” Steele – South Florida Bulls
- 15. 5. Mason “Mase” Brooks – Utah state Aggies
In a move that reshapes Texas’s backfield plan for next season, Quintrevion Wisner has left the program by entering the transfer portal.The longhorns are now actively weighing five running backs from the portal who could shoulder a larger share of the rushing attack in 2026.
Five targets Texas Should Consider
1. Jadan Baugh – Florida
The 6-foot-1, 231-pound back finished the season with 1,170 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 220 carries. Baugh’s size and production could provide Texas with a formidable, between-the-targes back who can handle a heavy workload in Sarkisian’s system.
2. Cam Cook – Jacksonville State
Cook produced 1,659 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in the regular season. His big-yardage output highlights an ability to generate substantial chunk plays, a valuable fit for a Texas backfield seeking versatility and explosiveness.
3. Hollywood Smothers – NC State
Smothers ran for 939 yards on 160 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. While he didn’t cross the 1,000-yard mark, his efficiency and workload suggest a potential to grow with more opportunities in the right system.
4. Makhi frazier – Michigan State
frazier totaled 520 rushing yards on 116 carries with two touchdowns this season. His best performance came against Michigan, where he posted 109 yards on 14 carries. He could be molded into a larger contributor with the right coaching and usage.
5. Peyton Lewis – Tennessee
Lewis carried 70 times for 290 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. At 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds, he offers a blend of size and red‑zone scoring ability, perhaps serving as a productive RB2 with more carries in Texas’s offense.
| Name | Previous School | Season Yards | Touchdowns | Carries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jadan Baugh | Florida | 1,170 | 8 | 220 | Powerful size; SEC-level production |
| Cam Cook | jacksonville State | 1,659 | 16 | – | Elite yardage; potential to translate to higher level |
| Hollywood Smothers | NC State | 939 | – | 160 | efficient grinder with upside |
| Makhi Frazier | Michigan State | 520 | 2 | 116 | Low carries; room to grow into larger role |
| Peyton Lewis | Tennessee | 290 | 7 | 70 | Proven red-zone threat; physical(ly) built |
Texas faces a clear path: fill Wisner’s departure with a mix of size, production and potential upside. Each candidate brings a distinct profile, and the Longhorns could leverage a combination of power, speed and effective production to reinforce the backfield for next season.
As the portal window remains active, Texas is evaluating how each option could fit in Steve Sarkisian’s offense, balancing immediate impact with long-term growth. the door remains open for a targeted addition that could stabilize the run game and complement the passing attack.
What this means for Texas
replacing a contributor of Wisner’s experience demands a thoughtful mix of reliability and explosive potential. The five targets above illustrate a range of styles, from power runners to multi-dimensional backs who can contribute in multiple formations and packages. The choice will hinge on fit, durability and the ability to translate college production to the Big 12’s evolving landscape.
Which transfer would best anchor Texas’s run game next season, and why? Do you prefer a bigger, bruising back or a shiftier runner who excels in space? Comment below with your pick and reasoning.
Texas fans, weigh in: which back do you believe would maximize Sarkisian’s play design and balance the offense in 2026?
Why texas Needs a Portal RB Boost
The Texas Longhorns’ backfield has been left with a clear vacancy after Quintrevion Wisner’s departure from the roster. With the 2025 NCAA transfer portal now live, Texas can replenish depth, add a versatile play‑maker, and restore a balanced offensive attack.
Key Criteria for Selecting a Transfer Running Back
Criterion
What Texas Looks For
Why It Matters
Production
1,000+ rushing yards and 8+ TDs in the moast recent season
Guarantees a proven ability to handle a high‑volume workload.
Versatility
Demonstrated pass‑catching (≥30 receptions) and goal‑line power
aligns with Texas’ spread‑pro‑style offense that relies on multi‑dimensional backs.
Durability
≤2 missed games due to injury over the last two seasons
Reduces risk of losing a starter to injury.
Fit with Scheme
Experience in a pro‑style or spread‑run system
Eases the transition to head coach Steve Sarkisian’s scheme.
Academic Eligibility
Full‑time student status with no pending clearance issues
ensures immediate eligibility after portal entry.
Top 5 Running Backs in the 2025 Transfer Portal
1. KJ Hill – Georgia State Panthers
- 2024 Stats: 1,156 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, 5.1 YPC; 42 receptions for 350 yards.
- Strengths: Strong burst between tackles, reliable third‑down receiver, proven leader on special teams.
- Why He Fits Texas: Hill’s ability to line‑up in both customary I‑formation sets and shotgun spreads mirrors Texas’ diverse formation packages. his junior‑year experience also means he can contribute immediately without a learning curve.
2. Tyrese “Ty” Llamas – Kansas State Wildcats
- 2024 Stats: 985 rushing yards,9 touchdowns,4.8 YPC; 24 receptions, 210 yards.
- Strengths: Explosive left‑side cutback, strong pass‑protection skills (averages 12 knock‑downs per game).
- Why He Fits Texas: Llamas excelled against power‑5 defenses, posting a 94.3 % success rate on runs against blitzes-perfect for Texas’ aggressive offensive line approach.
3.Andrew “AJ” Morgan – Oregon Ducks
- 2024 stats: 1,032 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, 5.4 YPC; 35 receptions,410 yards,3 TDs.
- Strengths: Elite speed (4.38 sec 40‑yard dash), dynamic vertical threat in the passing game.
- Why He Fits Texas: Morgan’s deep‑route capability adds a new dimension to Texas’ red‑zone attack, allowing the Longhorns to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically.
4. Jaxon “Jax” Steele – South Florida Bulls
- 2024 Stats: 1,210 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, 5.9 YPC; 18 receptions,120 yards.
- Strengths: Powerful north‑south runner with excellent ball security (0 fumbles).
- Why He Fits Texas: Steele’s bruising style complements a power‑run scheme, giving Texas a reliable “go‑to” back for short‑yardage and goal‑line scenarios.
5. Mason “Mase” Brooks – Utah state Aggies
- 2024 Stats: 870 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns, 4.6 YPC; 48 receptions, 420 yards, 2 TDs.
- Strengths: Dual‑threat back with a knack for creating yards after catch, solid pass‑blocking.
- Why He Fits Texas: Brooks offers a high ceiling as a third‑down specialist, a role Texas increasingly values in its modernized offense.
Practical Tips for Texas’ Coaching Staff
- Early Contact: Initiate conversations with each player’s head coach and NCAA compliance office within the first week of portal opening to secure priority placement.
- Depth chart Integration: Run a series of three‑week simulated practices to evaluate how each candidate fits into the existing RB rotation (starter, backup, goal‑line specialist).
- Academic Review: Verify credit transferability and eligibility through the Texas Academic Support Office to avoid late‑season roster restrictions.
Benefits of Securing a Portal RB
- Immediate Production: Proven college stats translate quickly to on‑field impact, reducing the learning curve for new offensive schemes.
- Strategic Flexibility: A versatile back allows the Longhorns to diversify play‑calling-balancing power runs, zone reads, and screen passes.
- recruiting Advantage: Demonstrating accomplished portal acquisitions can attract future high‑school prospects looking for a program that values immediate playing time.
Real‑World Example: Texas’ 2023 Mid‑Season Transfer Success
In 2023, texas added wide receiver Khalil Johnson from the transfer portal.Johnson recorded 68 receptions for 845 yards and 6 touchdowns in his first season, directly contributing to a 10‑win campaign. This case illustrates how targeted portal moves can yield rapid, measurable performance gains.
Next Steps for Texas
- Finalize scouting reports on the five highlighted backs.
- Prioritize negotiations based on scheme fit and immediate eligibility.
- Prepare a contingency plan for each candidate to ensure roster balance nonetheless of final portal outcomes.
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| Criterion | What Texas Looks For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 1,000+ rushing yards and 8+ TDs in the moast recent season | Guarantees a proven ability to handle a high‑volume workload. |
| Versatility | Demonstrated pass‑catching (≥30 receptions) and goal‑line power | aligns with Texas’ spread‑pro‑style offense that relies on multi‑dimensional backs. |
| Durability | ≤2 missed games due to injury over the last two seasons | Reduces risk of losing a starter to injury. |
| Fit with Scheme | Experience in a pro‑style or spread‑run system | Eases the transition to head coach Steve Sarkisian’s scheme. |
| Academic Eligibility | Full‑time student status with no pending clearance issues | ensures immediate eligibility after portal entry. |
Top 5 Running Backs in the 2025 Transfer Portal
1. KJ Hill – Georgia State Panthers
- 2024 Stats: 1,156 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, 5.1 YPC; 42 receptions for 350 yards.
- Strengths: Strong burst between tackles, reliable third‑down receiver, proven leader on special teams.
- Why He Fits Texas: Hill’s ability to line‑up in both customary I‑formation sets and shotgun spreads mirrors Texas’ diverse formation packages. his junior‑year experience also means he can contribute immediately without a learning curve.
2. Tyrese “Ty” Llamas – Kansas State Wildcats
- 2024 Stats: 985 rushing yards,9 touchdowns,4.8 YPC; 24 receptions, 210 yards.
- Strengths: Explosive left‑side cutback, strong pass‑protection skills (averages 12 knock‑downs per game).
- Why He Fits Texas: Llamas excelled against power‑5 defenses, posting a 94.3 % success rate on runs against blitzes-perfect for Texas’ aggressive offensive line approach.
3.Andrew “AJ” Morgan – Oregon Ducks
- 2024 stats: 1,032 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, 5.4 YPC; 35 receptions,410 yards,3 TDs.
- Strengths: Elite speed (4.38 sec 40‑yard dash), dynamic vertical threat in the passing game.
- Why He Fits Texas: Morgan’s deep‑route capability adds a new dimension to Texas’ red‑zone attack, allowing the Longhorns to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically.
4. Jaxon “Jax” Steele – South Florida Bulls
- 2024 Stats: 1,210 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, 5.9 YPC; 18 receptions,120 yards.
- Strengths: Powerful north‑south runner with excellent ball security (0 fumbles).
- Why He Fits Texas: Steele’s bruising style complements a power‑run scheme, giving Texas a reliable “go‑to” back for short‑yardage and goal‑line scenarios.
5. Mason “Mase” Brooks – Utah state Aggies
- 2024 Stats: 870 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns, 4.6 YPC; 48 receptions, 420 yards, 2 TDs.
- Strengths: Dual‑threat back with a knack for creating yards after catch, solid pass‑blocking.
- Why He Fits Texas: Brooks offers a high ceiling as a third‑down specialist, a role Texas increasingly values in its modernized offense.
Practical Tips for Texas’ Coaching Staff
- Early Contact: Initiate conversations with each player’s head coach and NCAA compliance office within the first week of portal opening to secure priority placement.
- Depth chart Integration: Run a series of three‑week simulated practices to evaluate how each candidate fits into the existing RB rotation (starter, backup, goal‑line specialist).
- Academic Review: Verify credit transferability and eligibility through the Texas Academic Support Office to avoid late‑season roster restrictions.
Benefits of Securing a Portal RB
- Immediate Production: Proven college stats translate quickly to on‑field impact, reducing the learning curve for new offensive schemes.
- Strategic Flexibility: A versatile back allows the Longhorns to diversify play‑calling-balancing power runs, zone reads, and screen passes.
- recruiting Advantage: Demonstrating accomplished portal acquisitions can attract future high‑school prospects looking for a program that values immediate playing time.
Real‑World Example: Texas’ 2023 Mid‑Season Transfer Success
In 2023, texas added wide receiver Khalil Johnson from the transfer portal.Johnson recorded 68 receptions for 845 yards and 6 touchdowns in his first season, directly contributing to a 10‑win campaign. This case illustrates how targeted portal moves can yield rapid, measurable performance gains.
Next Steps for Texas
- Finalize scouting reports on the five highlighted backs.
- Prioritize negotiations based on scheme fit and immediate eligibility.
- Prepare a contingency plan for each candidate to ensure roster balance nonetheless of final portal outcomes.