4 Texas Longhorns Climbing Up The Depth Chart During Fall Camp

The Texas Longhorns have no shortage of star power on the 2026 roster, and fall camp has given these players a chance to show off ahead of the upcoming season

However, many players that aren't quite household names have also been making noise and could be working their way up the depth chart as a result.

Here are four players that are vying for an increased role before the regular season begins:

Justin Cryer, LB

It wasn't quite clear what Texas would be getting in Cryer after landing him out of the portal this offseason but he's continued to be a name that's come up during fall camp.

With Ty'Anthony Smith missing most of the spring coming off of injury, he's still been trying to find his footing, something Steve Sarkisian pointed out on Monday when he said Smith

On the flip side, Sarkisian has praised Cryer and named him as one of the players that's been the most physical during fall camp, putting him on a list that included other obvious names like Colin Simmons, Justus Terry, Hero Kanu and Jelani McDonald.

"I love Justin Cryer," Sarkisian said Monday. "I mean, this guy is a pro's pro. He's smart. He's physical. I think he's done a great job of changing his body since he's come in to our program. He's really leaned his body up. He's playing fast. He's been a great addition."

Jaydon Chatman, OL

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Jaydon Chatman (98) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

It will be tough for Chatman to break through as a starter once the season begins but it's become clear during fall camp that the coaching staff has confidence in him as one of the offensive line's best depth pieces.

With Laurence Seymore missing spring ball and Cole Hutson being a late addition during fall camp after the NCAA court ruling, Chatman has received some first-team reps at left guard during practice as Kyle Flood continues to figure out what the starting five up front will look like this season.

Seymore or Hutson will likely take over that starting spot once Week 1 kicks off but Chatman's rise has been notable.

Dia Bell, QB

Bell entered the spring seen as the fourth quarterback behind Arch Manning, KJ Lacey and MJ Morris, but he's impressed during fall camp. As a result, he could be moving past Morris, who can sometimes struggle with accuracy on routine throws during drills.

Sure, climbing up to QB3 on the depth chart doesn't have too much of an impact on the Longhorns this season, but it certainly shows how bright the future is for Bell if he's outplaying a veteran like Morris.

Spencer Shannon, TE

Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The Texas tight end room is filled with talent, but after spring ball, it didn't appear that much was separating the team's most notable names at the position.

Shannon has had something to say about that during fall camp, and could very well be moving past Michigan State transfer Michael Masunas as the starting Y tight end in the Texas offense.

At 6-7, 260 pounds, he has one of the most impressive physical frames of anyone on the roster and could prove to be an underrated red zone target for Arch Manning in the passing game.

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