If the Texas Longhorns end up winning the College Football Playoff National Championship next January a result predicted by Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports two major contributors could be former Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, who has returned to Austin to replace Pete Kwiatkowski, and transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman.
Marcello argues that no team made more aggressive “money moves” than Texas this offseason. From unexpected staff changes including Muschamp taking over the defense to landing elite transfer talent like Auburn’s Coleman and NC State’s Hollywood Smothers, the Longhorns have assembled a roster he believes surpasses even last year’s squad that opened at No. 1. Marcello predicts that this time Texas will actually finish the season atop the polls and lift the national title trophy.
Arch Manning, who struggled early last season before settling in and throwing 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions over the second half, is expected to take another step forward. With much of the defense returning and Muschamp’s play-calling history, Marcello sees Texas as the complete package. He also suggests that Steve Sarkisian finally quiets his critics, delivering the program’s first national championship since Vince Young toppled USC Trojans football in 2005.
Muschamp brings a Mint Front-leaning 3–4 scheme that suits Texas’ strong defensive tackle group. Coleman pairs with Ryan Wingo and could emerge as the team’s WR1 if his chemistry with Manning develops.
Both Muschamp and Coleman represent a familiar Auburn storyline: high-potential talents who didn’t fully break out on the Plains but are now chasing bigger opportunities elsewhere in the SEC and beyond.
Could Muschamp be Texas’ coach-in-waiting?
Coleman appears NFL-bound if he finally realizes the five-star upside scouts projected. Muschamp, however, may be part of a long-term succession plan in Austin. Should Sarkisian decide to pursue the head coaching job at his alma mater the BYU Cougars football especially if Kalani Sitake departs during the next hiring cycle, Muschamp could be positioned to take over.
Texas might need a fresh play-caller and major roster retooling in 2027, with projected NFL departures including Coleman, Manning, Wingo, Smothers, Raleek Brown, and much of the interior offensive line. Still, Muschamp could be the one leading the program if circumstances line up.
We’ll soon see what the future holds in Austin. If things break the right way, Muschamp may find himself back in the head-coaching chair by 2027 and beyond.
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