Longhorns adds more depth to offensive line with SMU transfer

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While the start of the 2026 college football season is still months away, the Texas Longhorns are not done adding to their roster. On Tuesday, they boosted their offensive line with the addition of Paris Patterson through the transfer portal. The former SMU Mustang still has two years of eligibility remaining. 

Coming out of high school, Patterson signed with Arkansas. The former three-star recruit chose the Razorbacks over Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, LSU, Nebraska, and Tennessee. He was ranked as the No. 585 player nationally and the No. 51 interior offensive lineman in the 2023 class by 247Sports.

After struggling to carve out a role with the Razorbacks for two seasons, Patterson entered the transfer portal before signing with SMU. With the Mustangs, he saw a slight increase in playing time, appearing in 21 snaps over four games at left guard. Although the sample size is small, the Illinois native caught the eye of Texas and will now be competing for playing time in the Forty Acres. 

As Patterson joins his third collegiate program, he will be part of an offensive line loaded with talent. He will battle for playing time with Trevor Goosby, Connor Robertson, Jaydon Chatman & John Turtine III, Jordan Coleman, Brandon Baker, Devin Coleman, and Melvin Siani. At the moment, Goosby, Robertson, Baker, and Siani are projected to be the starters. 

Regardless of what role Patterson takes on, he will get to learn from some of the best coaches in the nation. If he continues to improve his game, he could be a valuable depth piece over the next two years. That will be key for a team that has elite quarterback options to protect in Arch Manning and Dia Bell. 

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas football signs SMU OL Paris Patterson from transfer portal

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