The Texas Longhorns have a fatal flaw right in front of Arch Manning that may doom their massive NIL investment
The Texas Longhorns don't have a contingency plan at the center position, threatening a deep run for Arch Manning in his final collegiate season.
The Texas Longhorns have a fatal flaw right in front of Arch Manning that may doom their massive NIL investment originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Texas Longhorns spent at least $28 million on a roster that should be good enough to win it all during generational quarterback Arch Manning’s final collegiate season in 2026.
Adding Auburn Tigers transfer receiver Cam Coleman , Pitt Panthers transfer linebacker Rasheem Biles, NC State Wolfpack transfer running back Hollywood Smothers, and Arizona State Sun Devils transfer RB Raleek Brown moved the needle nearly all the way to a title. If they don’t get there, though, it could be because the center spot wasn’t addressed beyond the starting spot in front of Manning. At least that’s CBS Sports’ Cody Nagel ’s take on how things may unfold in Austin this coming fall.
“The Longhorns went all in on building a stronger supporting cast around star quarterback Arch Manning for 2026, adding weapons at receiver and in the backfield. Overall, the offensive line remains one of the more stable units in the SEC, returning a trio of starters and adding key transfer additions. Still, depth at center is a lingering concern that could become a problem for a national championship-caliber roster if injuries strike,” Nagel wrote.
“Connor Robertson has the starting job locked in, but behind him, redshirt freshman Jackson Christian has no prior experience. Incoming transfer Dylan Sikorski, who played left guard at Oregon State last season, has the versatility to slide to center if needed, but that would require reshuffling an already settled front and asking him to transition to a position he has not played extensively at the college level. ” Longhorns failing to properly build offensive trenches betrays Texas football’s ethos A program as prestigious as Texas shouldn’t be relying on non-specialized interior linemen in a pinch.