Texas Longhorns fixing their biggest roster problem via transfer portal wins and visits
Steve Sarkisian added Jonte Newman and is hosting more offensive line talent as the transfer portal window is about to close
The Texas Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian have suffered some critical losses to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal this offseason along their offensive line. Yes, Arch Manning and the offense has been given plenty of fun new weapons via the portal. However, with the transfer portal set to close Jan. 16, it was clear that Texas’ greatest remaining roster problem on the offensive front needed to be addressed. The good news? Sarkisian and his staff have already been making sure it’s resolved.
Texas Longhorns add Texas A&M OT Jonte Newman via transfer portal
Offensive tackles Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker, center Connor Robertson, and a handful of other offensive lineman are returning to Texas for the 2026 season. Unfortunately, the depth behind that crew was looking extremely thin prior to this week. Luckily for Texas fans, Steve Sarkisian and his staff convinced former four star offensive tackle Jonte Newman to join the team this week.
Newman spent 2025 with the Texas A&M Aggies for his true freshman season, but played minimally. He’ll now have four years of eligibility to continue developing and growing with the Texas Longhorns.
Although Newman’s natural position is right tackle, considering the Longhorns need to fill both starting offensive guard spots this season (with Nick Brooks, DJ Campbell, and Cole Hutson now gone), he’ll likely be in the mix to win one of the two open starting offensive line spots on the interior. That still leaves at least one offensive guard spot up for grabs, and the team most certainly needs more depth at every offensive line position. Knowing that, Sarkisian and his staff are hosting yet another big-bodied offensive tackle as of Thursday Jan. 15.
Texas Longhorns hosting OT Mason Barton from Jackson State
Mason Barton is on campus with the Texas Longhorns Thursday to see if he would like to be the next addition that Sarkisian hopes can protect Arch Manning in 2026. Barton is a left tackle from Jackson State who has already logged nearly 1,000 snaps in his first two collegiate seasons.
At 6-6, 315 pounds with decent length, Barton could certainly plug in as a possible swing tackle, relieving either Goosby or Baker some throughout the 2026 Texas Longhorns season. He could also slide inside and operate as the other starting offensive guard if Jonte Newman wins one of those spots.
If Barton does join Texas following his visit, the Longhorns offensive line — at least their most likely starters for this season — could be solidified. If not, Texas will have to continue scrambling to finalize their offensive line depth. Players have until Jan. 16 to hop into the transfer portal, so the remaining options for the Longhorns might become rather finite here soon.
Once the transfer portal window closes, new players cannot enter. However, Texas does not have to have all their players signed ahead of the Jan. 16 portal window deadline.
Sarkisian knows he still has to get his offensive line figured out if he wants Arch Manning and his offense to be where it needs to be in pursuit of a 2026 national championship. Fans might be worried, but there’s still time. And the rest of the transfer portal haul for the Longhorns has been ridiculously impressive over the last two weeks.
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