How RB Raleek Brown transferring to Texas benefits QB Arch Manning

Quintrevion Wisner, who has since entered the transfer portal, led the team in rushing yards (597 on 131 carries). Manning, meanwhile, ranked second on the team in rushing yards (399 on 92 carries). 

Christian Clark flashed promise in a 41-27 win over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl, rushing for a season-high 105 yards. But after totaling just 55 carries last season, the Longhorns backfield needs a proven commodity. Brown, a Stockton, Calif., native, provides that. 

In 12 games in 2025, the RB ran for the 19th-most rushing yards in the FBS (1,141 on 186 carries), earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. He also proved to be a solid pass-catcher, critical for RBs in Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian's offense. The back logged 34 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdown catches.

An improved RB room should better protect Manning, who could assume a smaller, albeit still significant, role in the run game next season. It should also allow him to throw more play-action passes, one of his strengths.

Per Pro Football Focus, Manning completed 104-of-158 play-action passes (65.8 percent, above average) for 1,224 yards, 16 TDs and three interceptions last season. However, those accounted for just 172 of his 463 dropbacks (37.1 percent), explaining some of the QB's accuracy issues. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes in 13 starts, below average in the SEC, where 64 percent is the average. 

Brown transferring to Texas clearly helps Sarkisian better tailor his offense to Manning's skill set. That will be key for the Longhorns (10-3, 6-2 in SEC play), who are aiming to return to the College Football Playoff after missing it in 2025.