Texas Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian suffer another impactful transfer portal loss, but Arch Manning and offense should still thrive
Texas loses another player to the transfer portal in offensive lineman Nick Brooks, and this one hurts more than most
The Texas Longhorns and head coach Steve Sarkisian have been making great additions via the transfer portal over the last couple weeks. Their transfer portal class now ranks second in the entire country with more than a dozen commits added. However, as many Texas fans are well aware, they’ve been shedding players left and right too.
A handful of the losses to the portal have been players who weren’t set to play significant roles in 2026, but some have hurt more than others. The latest loss stings more than perhaps any other because of how it could impact Arch Manning and the offense.
Texas Longhorns lose young OL star-in-the-making Nick Brooks to transfer portal
Texas is returning both of their starting offensive tackles in Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker (Goosby announced his return Sunday Jan. 11), and Connor Robertson is returning at center. However, it looks head coach Sarkisian and his Longhorns offense might have a problem at the guard positions now.
Cole Hutson and DJ Campbell are off to the 2026 NFL Draft — the team’s two primary left and right guards last season. Connor Stroh, who saw over 300 snaps in different spots along the interior line in 2025, has transferred out already. Now, young potential star-in-the-making offensive lineman Nick Brooks has chosen to the enter the transfer portal too.
He played over 200 snaps last year in the middle of the season as the Longhorns were shuffling things around to find their best five to protect Arch Manning and fighting through some injuries. Brooks was most definitely set to take over one of the starting guard spots, and even perhaps play some swing offensive tackle snaps if needed. Unfortunately, he’s now likely been lost to the transfer portal.
The Longhorns still do have some decent young offensive line depth. They’ve also added Dylan Sikorski from Oregon State — who might play a much larger role on the interior offensive line now. Still, this is a significant blow to the Texas Longhorns’ offensive line.
Arch Manning and the Longhorns offense should still thrive without Nick Brooks
Losing a critical offensive line contributor hurts, but Texas fans should rest easy knowing that it isn’t the end of the world. There’s still some time for Sarkisian and his staff to add additional offensive line help since the transfer portal window is open through Jan. 16. Also, even if Texas doesn’t add significant help, their talent has stacked up elsewhere to help Manning find a way to make the College Football Playoff in 2026 anyway.
Texas has added elite level transfers at key skill positions. Cam Coleman, the number one transfer portal wide receiver in the nation from Auburn. Raleek Brown, the explosive do-everything running back from Arizona State. Hollywood Smothers, the feature back runner from NC State. Plus a few other key contributors who should make immediate impacts.
Arch Manning should have a better set of offensive weapons he had this past season now. His offensive line returns three starters who all played over 800 snaps for Texas in 2025. Yes, losing Nick Brooks hurts right now, but if Texas figures out their interior offensive line then Texas should easily have a better roster in 2026.
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