The Longhorns face off against Michigan in less than 24 hours, but the transfer portal is looming. The portal window is open from January 2nd-16th and it’s no secret it will be the busiest cycle of Sarkisian’s time at Texas.
The position most fans are interested in(outside of OL) is running back. Tre Wisner, CJ Baxter and multiple other RBs have hit the portal, leaving the Longhorns with just three RBs currently on the roster. One will be added shortly in the form of #1 RB recruit, Derrek Cooper, who rolls in right after the bowl game. Despite that, Texas will be adding to the RB room.
Advertisement
These are the five names I’m watching closest heading into the portal window:
Jadan Baugh – Florida
Jadan Baugh has not made his intentions to enter the portal known and Florida is trying to keep him in Gainesville, so this is purely rumors. That being said, where there is smoke, there’s fire and there is smoke around the Gators’ star RB hitting the portal. If he does, I expect Texas to not only be interested, but be the on odds favorite to land Baugh. Jabbar Juluke joining the staff, the NIL package Texas can offer and Sarkisian’s history with RBs should give Texas the inside road, but it’s far from a sure thing he’s even available this time next week.
Caleb Hawkins – North Texas
Hawkins has officially decided to enter the portal and the early reports are Texas is interested in the Mean Green star. Hawkins was just a freshman this year, but exploded for 1,400+ rushing yards and 25 TDs. Oklahoma State and Oklahoma are also reportedly interested, and the Cowboys could have the inside track, having just hired Eric Morris from North Texas. If Baugh does not enter the portal, this is someone I’d expect Texas to push to get. Hawkins not only can be the immediate RB1 for Texas, but can be the top guy for multiple years.
Hollywood Smothers – NC State
Smothers is a name Longhorn fans likely aren’t too familiar with, but he’s a true difference maker. Smothers nearly topped 1,000 yards this season for the Wolfpack in just 11 games. At 195lbs, he possesses some elite shiftiness but also packs a punch in between the tackles. Notre Dame seems to be a team to watch in this recruitment, but Texas can’t be counted out for any elite RB in the portal right now. If the top choices fall through, a push for Smothers could be something Texas explores and I believe he’d fill the RB1 need perfectly.
Cam Cook – Jacksonville State
Cam Cook is a rather interesting case. Cook grew up in the Austin area, going to Stony Point High School before committing to the TCU Horned Frogs. After two disappointing years, he decided to transfer to Jacksonville State where he shined this season. He led the FBS in rushing with 1,659 yards on the ground, adding nearly 300 yards receiving. There is a question whether Cook is ready to step back up into the Power 4 level, but the ability is clear. If Texas adds Cook, I’d bet they feel confident in the room as a whole in 2026 rather than needing to add a true star RB1.
Adam Mohammed – Washington
This would be proof of ultimate confidence in the unit as a whole. Mohamed is not the true star these other guys are, but is plenty capable and adds a physicality to the run game that Texas needs. Mohamed had just over 500 yards for Washington in 2026 as the RB2 behind Jonah Coleman. If Texas adds Mohammed and only Mohammed, either something went very wrong in portal recruitments or very right within the current RB room.
Reminder: This is not an exhaustive list. There will be more RBs to enter the portal and the next Longhorn star could very well not be on this list. We will keep you updated as this list develops, but don’t get it twisted: if Jadan Baugh enters the portal, he’s the center of Steve Sarkisian’s attention.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas Football Portal Watch: Best running back targets for Longhorns
