These Three Returning Longhorns Are Positioned for Career-Best Seasons

Massive roster retention is a rare achievement in the current collegiate athletics climate. Every offseason has turned into free agency, where programs convince players to stay while others are already on their way out the door.

The Texas Longhorns have the luxury of returning some of their top contributors. That sort of retention has positioned Texas as a potential SEC title contender heading into this season.

Some returning starters are already coming off fantastic seasons, but these three players could turn in career years.

Ryan Wingo

Wide receiver Ryan Wingo is already coming off a tremendous season. He posted team highs in catches (54), receiving yards (834), and receiving touchdowns (7). But in 2026, Wingo could have an even better year.

The addition of Cam Coleman is the key here. The Auburn transfer dazzled coaches with an impressive one-handed catch in fall camp. He could be one of the premier wide receiver talents in college football, which makes life easier for Wingo.

Wingo struggled with drops last season, so to take the next leap, he'll have to clean up that part of his game. The potential is there for the junior wideout. If he puts it all together, watch out.

Colin Simmons

Truthfully, there is not much I can say that hasn't already been said about Colin Simmons. It's no secret he is the key to the Longhorns' defense and he'll command attention from oppposing offenses.

Simmons is a rare talent in college football, and Texas is lucky to have him. The 6'3" edge rusher is coming off a 12-sack season, and there is no reason to believe he can't eclipse that. Simmons was named to the Bronko Nagurski Watch List, an award given to the nation's best defensive player.

Simmons is entering historical territory among Longhorns' defensive linemen, and he should be hungry to join the all-time ranks this season.

Arch Manning

This truly feels like the season Arch Manning culminates everything into a special year. He caught fire in the second half of 2025 with 14 passing touchdowns and two interceptions over his final six games.

Few quarterbacks have more pressure than Manning. Head coach Steve Sarkisian gave him loads of talent through the transfer portal. He added the top wideout, multiple offensive linemen, and two explosive running backs.

Manning has a great chance to eclipse last season's totals and become one of the best talents in the sport. If he does, there is no ceiling Texas cannot reach this season.

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