Texas Longhorns add RB Raleek Brown to stabilize backfield after transfer portal losses
Texas addressed a major offseason need by landing Arizona State transfer RB Raleek Brown, adding proven production and stability to a backfield reshaped by the transfer portal.
Texas addressed one of its most pressing roster needs this week by securing a commitment from Arizona State transfer running back Raleek Brown.
After a significant wave of departures at the position, the Longhorns entered the offseason facing real uncertainty in the backfield. Quintrevion Wisner, CJ Baxter, and Jerrick Gibson all exited via the transfer portal, leaving Texas with returning talent but limited proven production.
With quarterback Arch Manning set to return and the offensive line anchored by Trevor Goosby, the foundation of the offense remained intact. What was missing was an experienced, reliable running back. Brown’s addition provides that stability.
The former four star recruit arrives with one season of eligibility remaining and gives head coach Steve Sarkisian and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke an immediate contributor capable of handling a significant role.
Why Texas needed a portal RB — urgently
Wisner led the team in rushing last season. Baxter handled early down responsibilities. Gibson provided developmental depth. Their departures created a gap that could not be addressed through projection alone.
Christian Clark has shown steady improvement. Freshman James Simon flashed potential. Incoming recruit Derrek Cooper brings size and long term upside. However, none of those options had proven they could carry a consistent workload across an SEC schedule.
Texas needed a back with experience, production, and the ability to command defensive attention. Brown fits that profile and immediately raises the floor of the position group.
Raleek Brown’s long road back to relevance
Brown’s journey to Texas has been marked by transition and perseverance.
A standout at Mater Dei, Brown was a consensus four star recruit, ranked among the top 100 players nationally and the No. 3 running back in the 247Sports Composite. Texas recruited him heavily out of high school before he ultimately signed with USC.
Brown showed early flashes as a freshman, recording 227 rushing yards on 42 carries and adding 175 receiving yards with six total touchdowns. A subsequent position switch to wide receiver limited his opportunities and disrupted his development.
Seeking a reset, Brown transferred to Arizona State with the intent to return to running back. Injuries slowed his first season in Tempe, but his 2025 campaign marked a turning point.
Brown rushed 186 times for 1,141 yards, added 34 receptions for 239 yards, and became the centerpiece of the Sun Devils’ offense. He forced 53 missed tackles, generated significant yardage after contact, and produced multiple explosive runs, including gains of 75 and 88 yards.
What Brown gives Texas schematically
Brown brings a level of explosiveness that Texas lacked following the portal departures.
His speed has long been a defining trait, and it consistently translates on the field. Brown has the ability to create big plays without requiring ideal blocking and can turn routine carries into substantial gains.
He also adds value in the passing game. Texas has emphasized versatility at the running back position, and Brown’s experience as a receiver allows Sarkisian to expand the playbook. Screens, option routes, and motion concepts are all viable components of his role.
Arizona State’s offense leaned more heavily on gap schemes, but Brown’s skill set allows him to transition smoothly into Texas’ mix of zone and hybrid concepts. That adaptability is important as the Longhorns continue to structure the offense around Manning.
The bigger roster question still looming
While Brown’s commitment addresses the most immediate concern, it does not finalize the backfield picture.
Texas must still determine how it wants to balance the rotation. The staff could pursue an additional portal option with a more physical profile, or it could rely on Clark and Cooper to handle short yardage and power situations while Brown provides speed and versatility.
That decision will shape the remainder of the offseason.
What is clear is that Texas could not afford to miss on this addition. Brown’s arrival restores stability and credibility to a position group that had quickly become a question mark. With Manning entering a critical stage of his development, securing a proven running back may prove to be one of the most consequential moves of Texas’ offseason.
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