The Texas Longhorns have made a decisive move to shore up their running back room, landing Arizona State standout Raleek Brown through the transfer portal in a development that has energized fans and coaches alike. Brown, who announced his commitment to Texas on January 8, 2026, arrives in Austin with one season of eligibility remaining and a resume that suggests he could be the answer to the Longhorns’ recent backfield woes.
Brown’s decision comes at a critical juncture for Texas. The Longhorns lost four running backs to the transfer portal this offseason—Quintrevion Wisner, CJ Baxter, Jerrick Gibson, and Rickey Stewart Jr.—leaving the program in urgent need of experience and proven production. Wisner, who led Texas in rushing last season with 597 yards on 131 carries, was the only back to eclipse 236 yards for the Longhorns in 2025. His departure, along with Baxter and Gibson, left a void that could not be filled by projection alone.
Enter Raleek Brown. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound back was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, ranked as the No. 4 running back and No. 67 overall player by 247Sports, and No. 3 running back and No. 50 overall by the On3 Industry Ranking. Brown chose Texas over Alabama and several other top programs, signaling the Longhorns’ commitment to restoring stability and explosiveness to their offense.
Brown’s journey to Austin has been anything but straightforward. A consensus four-star recruit and top-100 national prospect out of Mater Dei High School, Brown was heavily recruited by Texas before ultimately signing with USC. As a freshman Trojan, he flashed his potential with 227 rushing yards on 42 carries, 175 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns. However, a position switch to wide receiver in his sophomore year limited his opportunities and stunted his development. Seeking a return to his natural position, Brown transferred to Arizona State, where injuries initially slowed his progress.
But it was in the 2025 season with the Sun Devils that Brown truly broke out. As the full-time starter, he rushed 186 times for 1,141 yards—an average of 6.1 yards per carry—and scored four touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 34 passes for 239 yards and added two more scores through the air. Brown forced an impressive 53 missed tackles and delivered multiple explosive plays, including runs of 75 and 88 yards. Over his college career, spanning two seasons each at USC and Arizona State, he has amassed 1,864 total yards and 13 touchdowns.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke now have a player who not only brings production but also versatility and big-play potential. Brown’s speed and agility make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field, and his experience as a receiver allows the Longhorns to expand their playbook with screens, option routes, and motion concepts. According to Inside Texas, "Brown’s skill set allows him to transition smoothly into Texas’ mix of zone and hybrid concepts." This adaptability is especially valuable as the offense continues to evolve around quarterback Arch Manning, who is set to return for the 2026 season.
The timing of Brown’s arrival could not be better for Texas. With the offensive line anchored by Trevor Goosby and Manning entering a pivotal stage of his development, the Longhorns needed a running back who could command defensive attention and relieve pressure on the passing game. While Christian Clark has shown steady improvement, freshman James Simon has flashed potential, and incoming recruit Derrek Cooper brings size and upside, none have proven they can shoulder a consistent workload across a grueling SEC schedule. Brown’s addition raises the floor of the position group and provides much-needed stability.
Recruiting Brown was not without its challenges. Texas initially targeted Louisville’s Isaac Brown and Florida’s Jadan Baugh in the portal, but both opted to remain with their respective programs. This prompted a swift pivot to Raleek Brown, whose availability and proven track record made him a top priority. As CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported, "Texas lost four running backs to the transfer portal this offseason and is looking to add at least two ball carriers to the fold in the portal." Brown’s commitment represents a major step toward rebuilding the running back room, though the staff may still pursue another portal addition to provide a more physical presence or to balance the rotation for short-yardage situations.
Expectations for Brown are sky-high as he prepares to don the burnt orange. His 2025 campaign at Arizona State, where he set career highs in rushing yards and touchdowns, showcased his ability to be the centerpiece of an offense. The Longhorns now have a back with star potential, one who can take some of the heat off Arch Manning and help Texas compete in a loaded SEC.
Brown’s commitment also brings a measure of redemption to his college journey. After early flashes at USC and a challenging transition period, his resurgence at Arizona State proved he could overcome adversity and deliver at a high level. Texas fans are hoping that resilience translates into immediate impact in Austin. As one Inside Texas analyst put it, "Brown’s arrival restores stability and credibility to a position group that had quickly become a question mark."
Of course, questions remain about how the rotation will shake out. Will Texas bring in another back to complement Brown’s speed and versatility? Or will they trust the combination of Clark, Simon, and Cooper to handle power and short-yardage duties? The answer could shape the rest of Texas’ offseason and determine just how high the ceiling is for the 2026 squad.
For now, though, the Longhorns have addressed their most pressing need with a player who brings both production and promise. With Brown in the backfield, Texas has taken a significant step forward as it aims to reestablish itself as a contender in the SEC and on the national stage. The Longhorns’ running game, once a glaring weakness, suddenly looks a lot more dangerous heading into the new season.
As the 2026 campaign approaches, all eyes will be on Raleek Brown and the impact he can make in Austin. With a proven playmaker in the fold, Texas fans have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the future of their offense.
