Longhorns Christmas Portal Wish List: OL rebuild, star RB top needs

As it is Christmas Eve, the anticipation of presents builds around the country. For college football programs, it’s no different. It’s no secret it will be a busy cycle for the Longhorns and they are hoping to get “gifts” in the form of impact players in the NCAA Transfer Portal. It’s a perfect time to break down the specific positions Steve Sarkisian and company are putting on this list to college football Santa. 

Experienced Interior Offensive Line 

This is the most obvious position and the one Longhorn fans will be watching the closest. The Connor Robertson decision is still pending, but it seems likely the Longhorns will be looking for three new starters on the interior. Experience is a must and there will be a myriad of options to elevate from the Group of 6 level. Shadre Hurst, multi-time All-AAC selection for Tulane at G, is an early name to watch for the Longhorns. This will be the most important position to follow and likely the single most important for Texas turning it around in 2026. 

1 sack and 7 pressures allowed in 477 pass pro snaps per PFF.

90.5 pass pro grade on the season. https://t.co/HPdWTeDIxY— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) December 24, 2025

Star Running back 

The position that has likely been discussed the most among the Longhorn fanbase, centered around rumors that Jadan Baugh(Florida) could enter the portal. That remains to be seen, but it’s fair to assume Texas would be very interested and the on odds favorite, with the addition of Jabbar Juluke. If that doesn’t come to fruition, names like Hollywood Smothers(NC State) could be ones to follow. Regardless of who the exact player is, the Texas RB room needs someone to pair with Tre Wisner and James Simon heading into 2026. 

Sources tell @CBSSports that Florida OC Buster Faulkner and new running backs coach Chris Foster are set to travel with head coach Jon Sumrall tomorrow to meet with Jadan Baugh in hopes of keeping the All-SEC running back at Floridahttps://t.co/9gqZEsoVT6pic.twitter.com/cENskactOO— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 23, 2025

Veteran Linebacker 

This is a must but it’s unknown if this player needs to be an immediate starter or not. Much of that hinges on the performance Ty’Anthony Smith and Bo Barnes play in the bowl game. One way or another, the Longhorns will need help and it will need to be smart, experienced players that can immediately contribute. An early name to watch here is Robert Woodyard, an All-SEC LB from Auburn, but this shouldn’t be a sparse position in the portal. How aggressive Texas will have to be here is unknown, but adding a veteran LB to a talented, but overall inexperienced group is a must. 

Auburn all-SEC LB Robert Woodyard plans to enter the portal, a source tells @mzenitz and me.

He posted 67 tackles, 7 TFLs and 2 sacks this year. 2nd-highest graded LB in the SEC, per PFF. Will be repped by Brandon Wassel at Legacy Trust Sports Group. https://t.co/YR6Fl92s1lpic.twitter.com/gxJgTjAg5q— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) December 23, 2025

Safety Help 

Another position where Texas is forced to add at least one player, but whether or not that player needs to slide in as an immediate starter is unknown. Xavier Filsaime, Jonah Williams and Jordon-Johnson Rubell to subside some of the urgency here, but help will be needed. Who Texas is looking at remains to be seen, but Khalil Barnes from Clemson and Jordan Castell from Florida could be names to watch. The Texas secondary will need help from the portal and a veteran safety to pair with Jelani McDonald next season is a must. 

BREAKING: Clemson Safety Khalil Barnes plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3sports

Through 3 seasons he’s totaled 139 tackles, 7 INT, 18 PD, 11 PBU, and 6.5 TFL

3 year starter and was named a Freshman All-American

Repped by @ShawnODarehttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhSpic.twitter.com/IEpigcTWll— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 9, 2025

Cornerback Help

This is a fascinating position, mainly because of the questionable future of Wardell Mack. If Mack returns to Austin in 2026, I would feel confident in him, Graceson Littleton and Kade Phillips leading the way. If Mack leaves, there is a need for the Longhorns to go get a true starter at CB, either nickel or outside. This is a position that will continue to fill out, but Jontez Williams from Iowa State could be a name to watch. How much resources need to be devoted to this position will be interesting to watch and could hinge on Wardell Mack’s decision. 

NEW: Iowa State DB Jontez Williams plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Williams has totaled 61 tackles and 5 interceptions in the past two seasons. https://t.co/kSYG7dZ8sRpic.twitter.com/9V1MeGVvfM— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) December 20, 2025

Other Possible Needs 

Slot WR - DeAndre Moore Jr. has left, but Daylan McCutcheon could very well shine in the bowl game and make this less of a need. Emmett Mosley V could slide back inside and make the math even easier. 

Pass Catching TE - Jack Endries delayed his NFL Draft decision until after the bowl game, which bodes well for the Longhorns. If he decides to move on, Texas will likely be looking to add another veteran pass catcher to a youthful room. 

Special Teamers - This is a relative unknown right now. Texas has talented freshmen coming in at kicker and punter, but do they opt for another year of transfer rentals on special teams instead? Caldwell-like QB - This is entirely dependent on how confident the staff feels about KJ Lacey. If he’s ready to be a snap away from starting an SEC game, this can be knocked off the list. If not, someone in a similar position to Matthew Caldewell last season would be a needed addition.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns Christmas Portal Wish List: Interior OL, star RB and more