Andre Cojoe Emerging as the Answer at Left Tackle for Texas

The Texas Longhorns avoided a huge disaster with star left tackle Trevor Goosby after sustaining an injury during practice last Monday. Fortunately for the Longhorns, Goosby's non-contact knee injury was diagnosed as a bone bruise, keeping the left tackle's 2026 season alive.

The Longhorns were more than pleased with the diagnosis; however, Texas will obviously be cautious with Goosby in bringing him back to practice so soon, leaving a void that Steve Sarkisian will need to fill for the rest of Fall Camp.

And with the Longhorns now in the final weeks of Fall Camp, with the season opener being right around the corner on Sept. 5, Texas is turning to a veteran option to step in for Goosby, and so far the returns are promising.

Texas Has Andre Cojoe Stepping Up for Trevor Goosby

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Andre Cojoe (77) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

With Goosby out likely for the time being, the Longhorns need somebody to step up and take over the first-team reps at left tackle. And so far, senior offensive lineman Andre Cojoe is the player taking advantage of the opportunity.

Following Texas' second scrimmage of Fall Camp on Saturday, Sarkisian talked about how Cojoe has been looking since taking over the spot on the offensive line.

“I would argue there was two or three days this week you didn’t notice that it was him at left tackle, and that’s a great thing as an offensive lineman. When you’re not noticing who it is, that just means the guy’s doing his job really well."

While a senior Cojoe hasn't seen much of the field during his four years on the Forty Acres, having only played in four career games. During the ramp-up to his junior season in 2025, Cojoe sustained a season-ending ACL injury during Fall Camp as he was competing with junior Brandon Baker for the starting right tackle spot.

Now getting the opportunity to showcase his skillset, the time has been beneficial for Cojoe, getting reps against the top rushers on the Longhorns' roster, like Colin Simmons, who is one of the best edge rushers not just in the SEC but in the country, among others.

"I also know that Andre Cojo is getting some invaluable reps at left tackle right now," Sarkisian said. "And if he goes into the season which is looking like as our third tackle, the fact that he's getting these quality reps right now with the one. Having to block Colin (Simmons) and Lance (Jackson) and Zina (Umeozulu) and these guys, Rasheem Biles coming off the edge, I think those are great opportunities for him."

While Goosby won't be out for the full season, Cojoe will undoubtedly continue to work with the ones throughout the last few weeks of Fall Camp and could be in line to start Week 1 against Texas State if Goosby is not at 100 percent.

However, when Goosby does return, Cojoe will have plenty of experience as he continues to develop in a new role and will give Sarkisian a trusted piece on the offensive line for the rest of the season.

"He's still got room to grow and still can continue to improve," Sarkisian said. "I have been pleased with his ability to step in at that position, and I think it gives us confidence for the future if something were to occur that he could step in and play for us."

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google