Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns are set to lose lead running back Quintrevion Wisner after it was announced that he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Wisner led the Longhorns in rushing yards with 597 yards and four touchdowns.
The Longhorns are also set to lose CJ Baxter, Jerrick Gibson, and Rickey Stewart Jr after they also decided to enter the transfer portal. After firing first-year running backs coach Chad Scott, the Longhorns will look to reinvent their run game in 2026.
Arch Manning Could Land Nation’s Touchdown Leader
The Texas quarterback may have the nation’s leading touchdown scorer in his backfield next season after losing three of his best weapons. This comes after PFSN analysts named the Longhorns as a potential landing spot for North Texas star Caleb Hawkins.
“Hawkins is already playing in-state, and the Longhorns have seen multiple running backs depart via the portal. With significant NIL power and the chance to pair with Arch Manning, Hawkins could form one of the most dangerous backfield combinations in the SEC.” wrote PFSN’s Ryan Guthrie.
Last season, the North Texas running back led the nation with 23 rushing touchdowns in his true freshman season. With a PFSN Impact Grade of 89.2, Hawkins rushed for 1,236 rushing yards, added 345 receiving yards, ranking ninth nationally according to PFSN.
Meanwhile, according to PFSN’s impact grades, Hawkins would be a significant upgrade on the departing Wisner. Last year, after suffering from injury problems, the Longhorns’ star running back ranked 89th nationally with an impact grade of 75.2.
“My decision to enter the transfer portal comes with nothing but gratitude and respect for the University of Texas and everyone who has been part of my journey,” Wisner wrote in his farewell message to the university after announcing his decision.
Despite losing three of his star running backs, Steve Sarkisian will still have options to look towards. One of these options includes four-star running back Derek Cooper, who was the No. 10 RB in the class of 2026. However, adding Hawkins would also be massive for the Arch Manning-led offense.
“A proven touchdown machine next to a generational quarterback would be a nightmare for defenses.” PFSN’s analysts concluded. Despite a slow start to the season, Manning managed to showcase his potential in the second half of the season.
A MASTERCLASS PERFORMANCE FROM ARCH MANNING IN THE CHEEZ-IT CITRUS BOWL 🔥 @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/VsP0IXeX4J
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 1, 2026
In his first season as the starter, after taking over from the departing Quinn Ewers, Manning ranked 37th nationally with a PFSN’s QB impact score of 83.1. After throwing for over 2942 yards and 24 touchdowns, Texas will look to supply him with weapons as he continues to improve.
With the amount of resources that the Longhorns have, as well as recruiting another top 10-recruiting class, Texas could potentially look to make a push back to the playoffs next year, after narrowly missing out in 2025 following a loss to Georgia.
