We are just 77 days from toe meeting leather in Austin and the Longhorns “title or bust” season gets underway. For this “Prediction Saturday,” I wanted to take a step back from the player-centric predictions and turn to the head coach. Steve Sarkisian has a habit of “playing his guys” and not rotating often, particularly at RB and WR. I expect that to change this season.
From Bijan Robinson to Johnathon Brooks to Tre Wisner, Sarkisian has often leaned on one running back. He’s used Jaydon Blue, Keilan Robinson and Roschon Johnson effectively but the gap between the RB1 and others has been sizable. This season, I expect Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers to largely split carries, with Derrek Cooper getting his fair share as the season goes on. I could see a 40/40/20 carry split between the three running backs.
For the WRs, I believe there is just too much talent at this position not to rotate. Obviously, Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley will lead the way and get the majority of the snaps. However, Sterling Berkhalter is making waves, Daylan McCutcheon seems to have taken a step forward and Kaliq Lockett, despite the injury, still is viewed highly.
The backups are going to be able to keep the drop-off from the starters minimal. You add in Ryan Niblett and Jermaine Bishop Jr., you have eight players that are almost too good to keep off the field. It’ll be interesting to see the breakdown of the snaps but I expect it to be more equitable than year’s past.
It’s impossible to know exactly who Sarkisian trusts to be on the field consistently. I do think between Brown and Smothers, you’ll see the majority of carries and the starting trio of WRs will rack up the stats. I just believe this group of playmakers is better than Sarkisian has ever had, top to bottom. At practice, Derrek Cooper, Jermaine Bishop Jr., Sterling Berkhalter and more will make too many plays for him to not give him looks on Saturday.
The ultimate decision is up to Sarkisian and his staff but I do think the unique talent could force his hand. On top of that, I believe he’s approaching this season as if this team will play at least 16 games. He’ll be looking to keep players fresh, giving the starters moments to breathe.
Steve Sarkisian has utilized rotation effectively in the past. I believe this season, being effective will mean rotating more consistently. The RB and WR rooms are as deep as they’ve been during his tenure and he’ll use that to his advantage. We’ll have to wait to see if this prediction really comes true but this is one I feel very confident about. You’ll have the top playmakers but the depth will factor in heavily.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Sarkisian will rotate playmakers more in 2026
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
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By Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
