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Deep Dive: Crucial role players who are coming for a starting spot

On3 imageby: Ian Boyd03/26/26Ian_A_Boyd

Ian Boyd and Paul Wadlington go through eight Longhorns who aren’t currently expected to start but might end up playing major roles for the 2026 team.

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Below is a brief summary of the players mentioned and why they might be in line for a big role.

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Zina Umeozulu. A defensive end who could be first in line to get snaps behind either Lance Jackson or Colin Simmons while likely to get 30-40 snaps a game in rotation.

Jermaine Bishop. The freshman wide receiver is drawing rave reviews and may be so talented that Steve Sarkisian won’t want to wait to get him on the field and involved.

Andre Cojoe. The 6-foot-6, 340 pound offensive lineman probably would have ended up as a starter a year ago and is now in the mix as a potential third tackle.

Derrek Cooper. A terrific athlete with size, the freshman is possibly the best NFL-level athlete at running back on the current roster.

Michael Masunas transferred in from Michigan State and offers Sark a classic inline tight end who will play heavily in 12 personnel and may tempt Sark to live there.

Jordon Johnson-Rubell is a versatile safety with a high football IQ that will probably play heavily both in rotation and also in sub-packages.

Brad Spence, one of the bigger and more disruptive linebackers on the team who will at least be a situational pass-rusher and is a dark horse to claim the starting Mike linebacker job.

Justus Terry, one of the most talented players on the team who will need to get healthy for fall camp where he could emerge very suddenly.

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