Countdown to Kickoff: Is Ryan Niblett being overlooked this offseason?

We are just seventy-nine days from Texas football being back. Today, I wanted to shed light on a player that I feel is being overlooked this offseason: Ryan Niblett. The junior made national waves on special teams last season and that’s expected to continue, but is he being overlooked as an offensive playmaker? We saw Sarkisian look to get him involved more later last season and I expect that to continue in 2026. 

“I thought Michael Terry and James Simon did some nice things running the ball and let’s not forget about Ryan Niblett.” — Sarkisian on the running back room. https://t.co/HRGnQwiorZ

— Eric C. Henry (@EricCHenry_) March 9, 2026

Niblett has shown he’s special with the ball in his hands. The ability to create something out of nothing is as good as anyone on the team. Sarkisian is going to look for ways to get him on the field and give him chances on screens, end arounds and more. While the return game is the headline, I believe Niblett as an offensive playmaker will be a gamechanger this season. 

Last season, Niblett tallied just 5 carries for 15 yards and 8 catches for 60 yards. He was moved to the defensive side of the ball before the season and never found a permanent home. This season, I’d bet he is consistently in at RB, especially on 3rd downs. Partly because other teams know how dangerous he is, which can open opportunities for others. 

Ryan Niblett’s motion opens up a man advantage in the box for Texas’ blockers. Wisner does the rest on a cutback.

Finally, Sarkisian is putting Niblett on the field to help get other players involved, not just to force feed it when the entire defense is watching him. pic.twitter.com/SnPfmX4LO8

— Evan Vieth (@EvanVieth) November 5, 2025

With names like Arch Manning, Cam Coleman and Colin Simmons on this team, it’s easy to lose track of the depth pieces. However, it’s those players that will decide if Texas lifts a trophy this season. Niblett fits firmly into that group. He won’t be the most talked about or the headliner of the team, but he can fundamentally change games just like he did last season. 

Ryan Niblett is known as a special teamer. I believe he’s just a special player and it seems Steve Sarkisian does as well. This season, Niblett will find the field on offense and will make a game changing play or two. He might be overlooked heading into the season but I find it unlikely he’ll be overlooked by season’s end.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: One of Texas’ top playmakers being overlooked?