The Texas Longhorns might still sign a top running back in 2026 despite their significant coaching staff shift.
Texas Longhorns Might Still Sign a Top Running Back in 2026 Despite Their Significant Coaching Staff Shift
The Texas Longhorns are a program rich in history and tradition, known for their successful football programs and producing top-tier NFL talent. However, as with many elite programs, Texas has faced challenges in maintaining consistent success and navigating coaching changes. With the 2026 college football recruiting class on the horizon, one of the key areas of focus for Texas has been the running back position. Despite significant shifts in the Longhorns’ coaching staff, including changes to the offensive staff and key position coaches, the program remains in a strong position to potentially sign a top running back in 2026.
Running back has historically been a position of prominence at Texas, with legendary players like Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, and Bijan Robinson making a lasting impact on the program. Given the program’s recent struggles to develop an elite, consistent running game, securing a high-level running back recruit for the 2026 class is a critical priority. However, the Longhorns’ coaching staff shake-up, including the departure of some key personnel, has raised questions about how such a transition will affect recruiting, particularly for a player in the running back position.
In this article, we will explore the significance of Texas’ coaching changes and how the Longhorns’ staff still remains in a strong position to sign a top-tier running back, even amid significant staff turnover. Additionally, we will look at the role of running backs in the Texas offense, how the coaching change impacts recruitment, and the prospects of the program landing one of the top recruits at the position for 2026.
Texas Longhorns and Running Back Development
Running back has always been a cornerstone of Texas football. The program has a long-standing tradition of producing elite players at the position. In fact, Texas is home to some of the most famous running backs in college football history. Earl Campbell, a Heisman Trophy winner, is perhaps the most iconic figure in Longhorns’ football history. Similarly, Ricky Williams set numerous records and won a Heisman himself, while Bijan Robinson, who was drafted into the NFL, represented the latest iteration of elite Texas running backs.
The tradition of dominant running backs in Texas football has made the position one of the most highly anticipated areas of recruitment for the Longhorns. However, in recent years, the program has struggled to develop the same level of sustained success at running back. Although Texas has had flashes of brilliance with running backs like Robinson, they’ve lacked the consistency and depth to compete at the highest level, particularly in the highly competitive Big 12.
This gap in development is what makes the 2026 recruiting class so important for the Longhorns. With the right recruit, Texas could find the next great running back who could help lead the offense for years to come. The Longhorns have been recruiting heavily at running back for the 2026 class, hoping to land a prospect who could bring both immediate impact and long-term success.
Impact of Coaching Changes on Recruitment
Every coaching staff change brings uncertainty, particularly when it comes to recruiting. The departure of key position coaches or offensive coordinators can create a sense of instability within a program. For Texas, one of the most significant changes has been the departure of offensive coordinator and running backs coach, who played a major role in the recruitment and development of the running back position. This change has naturally raised questions about how it will affect Texas’ ability to sign elite running back prospects for the 2026 cycle.
The Longhorns’ new offensive coordinator, who brings in a new offensive system, will have to navigate the challenges of ensuring stability and continuity in recruiting. When there is a transition in coaching staff, recruits often question whether the new system will be a good fit for their skill set, and whether the program’s direction is aligned with their future aspirations.
Moreover, a running back recruit may be particularly sensitive to the identity of the position coach. Running backs often rely on the expertise of position coaches to develop their skills, learn offensive schemes, and build relationships with coaching staff. The success or failure of running backs under a new coach can have a major impact on the recruit’s decision-making process.
However, the Texas coaching staff, including head coach Steve Sarkisian, has worked diligently to make the transition as smooth as possible, emphasizing continuity and the long-term vision for the program. Sarkisian, who has shown a strong commitment to building a balanced and explosive offense, has reassured recruits that the changes will not hinder Texas’ ability to compete for top talent at the running back position.
The Texas Running Back System Under Steve Sarkisian
Head coach Steve Sarkisian is no stranger to offensive innovation and has proven his ability to develop explosive offenses during his tenure at both Alabama and Texas. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Longhorns have developed a more modern, dynamic offense focused on both the passing game and a potent running game. This approach is crucial to the program’s chances of landing a top running back in 2026.
Sarkisian’s system relies on a balanced attack that forces defenses to respect both the pass and the run. This creates opportunities for running backs to excel, especially when combined with a talented offensive line and skill players. His use of tempo, play-action passes, and spread concepts puts a premium on running backs who can be effective both between the tackles and in space. The ability to work in a system that creates mismatches for defenders is a significant selling point for top running back recruits, and it has positioned Texas as an appealing destination for athletes seeking to showcase their talents.
In particular, Sarkisian’s offense can be highly beneficial to a running back with a versatile skill set. His ability to integrate running backs into the passing game—whether through screens, checkdowns, or designed routes—helps keep defenses off balance. This type of offensive philosophy allows running backs to contribute in a variety of ways and gives them opportunities to put up impressive numbers, whether on the ground or through the air.
For top running back prospects considering Texas, the opportunity to play in this system is a major attraction. Sarkisian has demonstrated an ability to maximize the potential of his running backs, and this track record has likely helped reassure recruits that Texas remains one of the best places to develop their skills and prepare for a future in the NFL.
Potential Running Back Targets for Texas in 2026
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the coaching changes, Texas remains firmly in the hunt to land one of the top running back recruits in the class of 2026. Among the high-profile targets for the Longhorns are several five-star and four-star running backs who could have an immediate impact in Sarkisian’s system. Some of the top names in the 2026 recruiting class include:
- Ezavier Crowell – A dynamic running back with an ideal combination of size, speed, and agility. Crowell has drawn attention from programs across the country, including Texas, due to his ability to be a dual-threat player out of the backfield.
- Jahlil Fleming – Another highly-rated running back, Fleming is known for his explosiveness and ability to break away for long runs. His combination of vision and athleticism makes him an ideal fit for Texas’ offensive system.
- Deion Allen – A smaller but equally explosive back, Allen is known for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in the open field. His versatility could be a major asset in Sarkisian’s offense.
These running backs and others will likely continue to evaluate their options as the recruiting cycle progresses. However, Texas’ pitch remains strong due to the program’s storied tradition at running back, the stability brought by Sarkisian, and the opportunities available in his offensive system.
Texas’ Recruiting Resilience Despite Staff Changes
Although coaching changes can bring a sense of uncertainty, they also present an opportunity for a program to reaffirm its vision and rebuild its relationships with recruits. Texas has a rich history of success, and while changes to the coaching staff are inevitable, the program remains a premier destination for elite talent.
With Sarkisian at the helm and a strong recruiting staff in place, the Longhorns are well-positioned to continue to attract top recruits, including running backs, even amidst the coaching staff shifts. Texas has remained committed to landing top talent, and the program’s ability to adapt and evolve will only strengthen its recruiting efforts moving forward.
