Longhorns Spring Depth Chart: Arch Manning Limited as Draft Declaration Voids Shape Defense

The Texas Longhorns are facing crucial depth chart evaluations heading into 2026 spring football, highlighted by two major developments: head coach Steve Sarkisian's confirmation of physical limitations for quarterback Arch Manning, and the soaring NFL Draft stock of key defensive departures following the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Arch Manning's Spring Limitations and the QB Room

Steve Sarkisian recently confirmed that starting quarterback Arch Manning underwent an off-season surgical procedure and will be limited during the upcoming spring practices. While Manning is firmly entrenched as the starter following a highly productive 2025 campaign, his restricted reps create a ripple effect across the quarterback depth chart.

From a roster management perspective, these limitations provide an invaluable, accelerated development window for the players behind him. True freshman and 5-star signee Dia Bell, alongside returning backup Trey Owens, are expected to share the bulk of the first-team and second-team repetitions. Evaluating how Bell and Owens command the offense against the starting defense will be the primary objective for the offensive coaching staff. Securing a reliable backup is critical for Texas to maintain its SEC championship aspirations should Manning miss any time during the regular season.

Replacing Elite Speed: Defensive Adjustments Post-Combine

The defensive side of the ball is undergoing a massive transition, a fact underscored by the breathtaking performances of former Longhorns at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Texas sent seven players to the Combine, but the linebacking corps stole the show.

Anthony Hill Jr. registered a blistering 4.51-second 40-yard dash, ranking among the top five fastest times for linebackers and EDGE rushers. He paired that with a 37-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-5 broad jump. Fellow linebacker/EDGE Trey Moore followed closely with a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, a 38.5-inch vertical, and a 10-foot broad jump.

The sheer athleticism displayed by Hill and Moore in Indianapolis translates to massive voids on the defensive front seven. Texas must find players capable of replicating that sideline-to-sideline speed and backfield disruption.

On the current depth chart, the Longhorns return senior David Gbenda, who brings veteran stability to the linebacker room. However, to replace the pure explosiveness of Hill and Moore, the coaching staff will heavily evaluate incoming transfers like Markus Boswell, as well as the development of younger roster pieces. The spring period will test whether the Longhorns have successfully recruited and developed the next wave of elite athletes required to compete in the demanding SEC.