3 Texas Football Players Under the Most Pressure Entering Fall Camp

It will be a massive preseason for these Longhorns.

Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Lance Jackson (40) during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The time for talk is nearly over. Well, the time for offseason talk. Soon, the Texas Longhorns will be taking the field with a lot to prove in the 2026 season.

After being crowned offseason champs a summer ago, it appears head coach Steve Sarkisian's squad will be dealing with those same expectations this year.

The Longhorns will have plenty of talent this season, but a few players are going to be dealing with a lot more pressure than others. Here are three players facing the most pressure as the team enters fall camp.

Lance Jackson, DE

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive end Brad Spence (14) and Texas Longhorns defensive end Lance Jackson (40) in the second half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Coming into his true sophomore season, defensive end Lance Jackson will have a lot to prove during fall camp.

Jackson saw enough time in his freshman season for this coaching staff to see the potential in his game. Now, Jackson needs to help Colin Simmons and the Longhorns become one of the most dangerous pass rushes in the game.

If Jackson can complement Simmons on the edge, this Lornhorns defense will bring this team up another level.

Laurence Seymore, LG

Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; A Texas Longhorns helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With the recent news of Cole Hutson's eligibility status, Longhorns transfer portal addition Laurence Seymore may have a tougher fight in securing a starting spot on the offensive line.

There's no doubt that if Hutson is suiting up for the Longhorns this fall, he will be in the starting lineup. However, Seymore has a chance to make a great impression during fall camp.

Seymore was going to be closely watched during camp anyway, but with the news of Hutson's potential return, things have gotten even more interesting.

Arch Manning, QB

Jul 23, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He's obviously not going to be fighting for a starting spot, but quarterback Arch Manning is going to be facing the most pressure at fall camp.

Manning has faced the most pressure since making the decision on where he was going to play his college ball.

After a slow start last season, Manning settled in as the season went along, becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. However, he has to make the next step in 2026.

There won't be a day that goes by during fall camp without an update on how Manning will be performing on the field. It's all eyes on the starting quarterback in Austin as the season rapidly approaches.

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