Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers Give Texas a New Look at Running Back

Texas added two running backs via the transfer portal, Raleek Brown (via Arizona State) and Hollywood Smothers (NC State), who and they are expected to change the game for the Longhorns offensively

The Longhorns are expected to turn to their running back room as backfield receiving targets much more often this season.

Smothers had 56 receptions for 452 yards and three touchdowns over two seasons in Raleigh. Brown had 46 targets in 2025 alone, making him the second-most targeted running back in the passing game across the country.

Of course, Brown and Smothers will get plenty of handoffs as well. Not to mention, Derrek Cooper is playing his way into a share of snaps in fall camp. Cooper is a physical downhill runner and he's more ready than what was expected from the freshman. This won't be an attack that abandons the run completely by any stretch.

It will be one that puts more trust into Manning's decision-making, though. Steve Sarkisian's offense is typically one with a good mix of gap/zone concepts and RPO, there will be more unpredictability in RPO sets with running backs who are so dangerous in the passing game.

That unpredictability could be the difference between 9-3 and out of the playoff again to giving Manning a legitimate chance to do damage in the CFP.

Texas Brought in Another Transfer to Boost the Running Game

Defenses knew what was coming at an alarmingly high rate last year. Sarkisian went to 12 personnel sets frequently to establish the run early in games. Being that the Longhorns ranked No. 15 the SEC for rushing yards per game, they did not accomplish that mission.

That wasn't all on Quintrevion Wisner by any stretch. Wisner led the team in yards per carry with 4.6. This went beyond the backs. There was a lack of blocking from the tight ends, which limited the entire running back room.

Michael Masunas came over from Michigan State to solve that issue. While the Spartans' poor run game helped Masunas end up with a pedestrian PFF run-blocking grade, he lined up as a blocker for almost 400 snaps. The hope is that former Mater Dei star Spencer Shannon can take a step forward in that department this fall to help the cause. If not, Masunas has clearly proven he can handle a heavy volume of snaps.

Texas Has the Pieces to Make the Running Game a Strength

A strong running game takes a village. It also takes a well thought out gameplan.

Well, there's a strong interior offensive line, an upperclassman tight end who's ready to put his hand in the dirt, and several running backs who could hurt you from many angles and a clear gameplan from Sark on the Forty Acres this go-round.

The pieces are in place for the running game to become a strength for the Longhorns after being a negative asset a season ago. Sark, Jabbar Juluke, and Co. now have to make sure the cogs in the machine run as necessary.

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