Countdown to Kickoff: Depth Chart Analysis of Longhorns Running backs

We are officially under 90 days until Texas football is back and it’s another “Depth Chart Monday”. Today, we are breaking down the room that underwent the largest makeover, the running backs. Two star transfers and one five-star freshman entered while four RBs from a year ago left via the portal. 

Here is how the rebuilt room stands heading into the summer: 

It’s impossible to discern a starter at this point. Both Brown and Smothers will get a chance in the season to earn the lion’s share of the carries. Both are capable of taking over the true starting role or the split could be a true 50/50 proposition. Either way, the duo gives Texas a solid talent upgrade from a year ago and I expect this duo to represent 80+% of the carries for the Longhorns this season. 

The RB duo the Texas Longhorns got out of the transfer portal could be one of the best in the COUNTRY.

They went and portaled in:

– Hollywood Smothers (No. 2 RB): 939 yards, 6 TD
– Raleek Brown (No. 4 RB): 1,141 yards, 4 TD

Both players averaged over 5.9 yards per carry last… pic.twitter.com/YDQJvA8t5v

— Will Thomas (@wthomassports) April 26, 2026

This is the biggest variable in this room. I said Brown/Smothers would account for at least 80% of the carries this season, but Cooper could change that. The five-star freshman made a strong first impression during spring camp and could parlay that into consistent carries this season. The question is: do those carries come against Ohio State in Week Two or does it take time for Cooper to get consistent touches? Either way, I expect Cooper to step into a true third down/short yardage for Texas this season. 

Some of UT’s top recruits Jermaine Bishop and Derrek Cooper in their first week of practice pic.twitter.com/YbaX7l0wKJ

— Travis Recek (@TravisRecek) March 11, 2026

This is the trio of players Longhorns fans are unlikely to see much of this season. That being said, Michael Terry III, because of his size and physicality, does have a path to the field early in the season. It’s far from a given that Derrek Cooper is ready to step in against Ohio State in big moments. That could be a place they trust the veteran more. 

James Simon is a solid depth option in the event Brown or Smother go down, because of his ability to run outside zone well. As for Jett Walker, this season is all about learning and developing so this time next year, he’s in the spot Derrek Cooper is right now. 

Michael Terry is Now Playing RB for Texas 👀

He’s Gonna Be a Problem for Sure 🔥 pic.twitter.com/w26ItgEuzf

— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) October 16, 2025

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: How’s the rebuilt Texas RB room coming together?