TEXAS REWARD: 5 Longhorns players were directly rewarded by head coach Steve Sarkisian after Texas’s dominant win over Texas State…

🚨 TEXAS REWARD: 5 Longhorns Players Were Directly Rewarded by Head Coach Steve Sarkisian After Texas’s Dominant Win Over Texas State

The Texas Longhorns opened the 2026 college football season with exactly the kind of performance that immediately raises expectations. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas overwhelmed Texas State 59–7 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, putting together a statement victory that showcased the talent, depth and explosiveness of a roster built with championship expectations.

While the scoreboard told one part of the story, the performances of several individual Longhorns told another. Five players in particular emerged from the season opener with their stock soaring after making significant contributions to one of Texas’ most convincing opening-day performances in recent memory.

Ryan Wingo was one of the biggest names to emerge from the victory. After an offseason in which the talented wide receiver focused heavily on becoming more consistent, Wingo delivered the type of performance Texas coaches and fans had been waiting to see. He finished the afternoon with seven receptions for 121 yards on eight targets, giving quarterback Arch Manning a dependable weapon throughout the game.

What made Wingo’s performance particularly impressive was his efficiency. He avoided the mistakes that had occasionally frustrated the Longhorns during the previous season and repeatedly created separation against the Texas State defense. His performance provided an early indication that the junior receiver could be ready for a major breakout campaign.

Cam Coleman also made an immediate impression in his first game wearing the burnt orange. The former Auburn standout demonstrated the explosiveness that made him such a highly regarded addition to Texas’ roster. Coleman caught three passes for 70 yards and found the end zone twice, showing the big-play ability that could become increasingly important as the Longhorns move deeper into SEC competition.

Coleman’s chemistry with Manning was especially encouraging. His two touchdown receptions showed how dangerous Texas can become when its quarterback has multiple elite-level options on the perimeter. With Ryan Wingo commanding attention on one side and Coleman capable of winning vertically on the other, opposing defenses now have another major problem to solve.

Hollywood Smothers provided another important spark. The running back, who transferred to Texas after previously playing at NC State, immediately showed why the Longhorns targeted him during the offseason. Smothers finished with 98 all-purpose yards and scored a touchdown through the air, while also producing a spectacular 45-yard run that energized the Texas offense early.

His ability to contribute in multiple phases could prove extremely valuable for Sarkisian. Texas has spent considerable time trying to build an offense capable of attacking defenses in different ways, and Smothers gives the Longhorns another player who can create explosive plays whenever he touches the football.

On defense, linebacker Rasheem Biles announced himself in emphatic fashion. The Pitt transfer made his presence felt with five tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Those two takeaways demonstrated the instincts and physicality Texas hoped it was adding when Biles arrived in Austin.

The forced fumble became even more significant when Graceson Littleton recovered it and raced 59 yards for a touchdown. Moments like that can completely change the momentum of a football game, and Biles’ ability to create turnovers gives Texas another dimension on defense.

Then there was Trevor Goosby, whose performance might not have generated the same highlights as the receivers and defensive playmakers but could ultimately prove just as important. The offensive tackle returned to action after dealing with a knee bone bruise and protected Manning effectively against the Texas State pass rush.

Goosby surrendered no pressures during the game, helping Texas maintain a clean pocket for its quarterback. Manning was able to operate comfortably, distribute the ball and keep the offense moving without constant disruption from the Bobcats’ defensive front.

For Sarkisian, performances like these represent exactly what the offseason roster-building process was designed to produce. Texas entered 2026 with enormous expectations, and the program has made no secret of its championship ambitions. The Longhorns have assembled a roster filled with returning talent and high-impact transfers, and the Texas State game offered the first opportunity to see how all those pieces would function together.

The five standout performances also demonstrated the balance of this Texas team. Wingo and Coleman provided explosive receiving production. Smothers supplied versatility and speed from the backfield. Biles created havoc on defense. Goosby helped keep the quarterback protected from the offensive line.

That balance could become one of Texas’ greatest strengths as the season progresses.

Still, Sarkisian knows that the Texas State victory is only the beginning. The Longhorns now face a dramatically more difficult challenge, with Ohio State waiting in Week 2. The Buckeyes represent the kind of opponent against whom individual performances will be tested at the highest level.

That makes the lessons from the Texas State game particularly important. Wingo will need to continue winning against elite defensive backs. Coleman will face greater attention from opposing coordinators. Smothers will encounter tougher defensive fronts. Biles will be challenged by a more physical offense, while Goosby will face a considerably more sophisticated pass rush.

The reward for these five Longhorns, therefore, goes beyond recognition following one blowout victory. Their performances have earned them increased attention, greater expectations and potentially larger roles as Texas moves into the heart of its schedule.

Sarkisian has repeatedly emphasized competition, accountability and development since taking control of the Longhorns. The 59–7 victory showed what can happen when those principles translate onto the field.

Texas did not simply win its opener. It established an early identity.

And if Wingo, Coleman, Smothers, Biles and Goosby continue playing at the level they displayed against Texas State, the Longhorns could have far more than five players demanding attention as their championship pursuit continues.