Texas football fans have a reason to celebrate as the Longhorns lead the nation with four athletes named to the Associated Press preseason All‑America team. Offensive lineman Trevor Goosby, wide receiver Cam Coleman, defensive lineman Colin Simmons and linebacker Rasheem Biles earned spots on the first‑team roster announced Tuesday, underscoring Texas’ prominence in the upcoming college football season.
National Landscape of the Preseason Team
The AP panel of media members selected 27 first‑team players, with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) contributing the most selections—14 in total. The Big Ten placed eight players on the first team, while the Pac‑12, ACC and other conferences filled out the remainder.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore earned the quarterback slot, edging out Mississippi’s Trinidad Chambliss. The running back positions went to Mississippi’s Kewan Lacy and Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy. Among the offensive line, Indiana’s Carter Smith and Texas’ Trevor Goosby were chosen as tackles, while Cincinnati’s Evan Tengesdahl and Houston’s Shadre Hurst filled the guard spots. Iowa’s Kade Pieper, a fourth‑year player who switched from right guard to center, was voted first‑team center.
Longhorns on the Defensive Side
Defensively, Texas is represented by two first‑team selections. Colin Simmons anchors the edge rush, while Rasheem Biles anchors the linebacker corps. Both players have been praised for their consistency and leadership on a Longhorn defense that aims to improve on last season’s performance.
Other notable defensive selections include Oregon’s A’Mauri Washington and safety Koi Perich, South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart, and Georgia’s Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden. The defensive back group also features Alabama’s Bray Hubbard and Oklahoma’s David Stone.
SEC Dominance and Other Conference Highlights
The SEC’s 14 first‑team spots reflect the conference’s depth, with Georgia, LSU, and Alabama each contributing multiple players. Georgia’s tight end Trey’Dez Green and cornerback Ellis Robinson IV were among the SEC standouts.
From the Big Ten, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith—also the preseason offensive player of the year—was the sole Longhorn‑level representation from the conference. Smith joins returning AP first‑team honorees such as Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore.
Second‑Team Selections and Future Outlook
The AP also released a second‑team roster, featuring Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr., and a host of other talented athletes. While the Longhorns did not have second‑team selections, the depth of the Texas squad suggests additional players could emerge as the season progresses.
The full AP All‑America teams will be published in December, providing a mid‑season benchmark for evaluating player performance and team success.
What This Means for Texas Fans
Having four Longhorns on the preseason first team sets high expectations for the 2026 season. Coach Steve Sarkisian’s staff will look to translate individual accolades into collective success on the field. For families and alumni, the recognition offers a point of pride and a reminder of the role that strong, values‑centered programs play in shaping young men’s character and future.
As the season approaches, Texas supporters can anticipate a competitive schedule that will test the Longhorns against both conference rivals and non‑conference powerhouses. The preseason honors provide a hopeful glimpse into what could be a memorable campaign for the university and its faithful fan base.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
