Oklahoma Sooners add experienced guard from the SEC
Oklahoma Sooners bolster roster with guard Pop Isaacs from Texas A&M
Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian hints at a revamped running back lineup for 2026, featuring transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, alongside top recruit Derrek Cooper. The team also sees the return of James Simon and a position switch for Michael Terry III.
After one of the worst run games in program history in 2025, the Texas Longhorns running back room has been completely revamped from last year with two transfers, two freshman and a WR convert. But who starts?
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian added two big name backs through the transfer portal. The Longhorns added Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Raleek Brown from Arizona State.
UT also added one of the highest rated RB recruits in the nation in Derrek Cooper. Sark also signed what could be a diamond in the rough in speedy Georgetown RB Jett Walker.
James Simon returns and Michael Terry III will attempt to switch to running back from wide receiver. Terry looks like he has gained 10 pounds of muscle to help him survive the pounding he will get at running back as opposed to wide out. Ryan Niblett will also be given a bigger role at the position next year.
On paper, the options are a huge upgrade from the 2025 season. But who starts? A lot of speculation before spring practice was Hollywood Smothers was the logical choice, with Raleek Brown as a third down back. But that's not how the rotation has played out this spring.
For most of the spring, Brown has been the early down starter in practice, while Smothers and Derrek Cooper have rotated in behind him. Brown has also been handling kickoffs in practice.
For now, Sark seems to like the home run ability Brown gives him. The Mater Dei High School gradate reminds many of Jaydon Blue, but without the fumbling or motivation issues. Brown possesses remarkable straight line speed, elite pass catching ability and top end shiftiness in open space. Brown thrives more in between the tackles.
Smothers separates himself from his running mates with his yards after contact. Brown runs tough, but Smothers averaged 4.3 yards after contact per carry while Brown went for just 3.0 in 2025. Smothers could be the primary short yardage back when Texas needs a first down or TD.
The Texas Longhorns added transfers Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Raleek Brown from Arizona State for the 2026 season.
The running back room has been completely revamped with two transfers, two freshmen, and a wide receiver convert.
Michael Terry III is attempting to switch from wide receiver to running back and has reportedly gained 10 pounds of muscle to adapt to the new position.
Oklahoma Sooners bolster roster with guard Pop Isaacs from Texas A&M
Bryce Young is enjoying a familiar offseason as he prepares for Year 4 with the Panthers.
Red Sox make urgent roster changes after poor start to 2026 season.

Cincinnati FC and NYCFC end in a dramatic 4-4 tie with late goals!
Pistons bounce back to tie series with 98-83 win against Magic in Game 2!

Aliza Kulig shines as L-T Prep Athlete of the Week!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Sark has raved about early enrollee freshman Derrek Cooper this spring. The coach loves the youngster's desire, skill-set and the type of teammate he already is.
"What I like about him is, I've never felt our practice field is too big for him," Sarkisian said. "He takes the ball, he runs. When he has an opportunity to make plays in the passing game, he does. He's a really versatile player that way."
Things could change a lot before the start of the 2026 season against the Texas State Bobcats on Sept. 5. But for right now, it looks like Raleek Brown is your Texas Longhorns starting running back.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Do we know to Texas' starting RB will be in 2026? Sark gives us a hint