Over the offseason, the Texas Longhorns completely reshaped their running back room. Their additions included Hollywood Smoothers and Raleek Brown, both coming off career years at other programs. While Smoothers has taken on the lead role, Brown has made the most of his opportunities and been a welcome addition to a team chasing a national title.
Through his first three games as a Longhorn, Brown has recorded 129 yards on 31 carries. The California native has also found the end zone twice while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. While the season is far from over, Brown only needs two more rushing touchdowns to match his career high.
Hard to not be excited for what RB Raleek Brown will bring to the #Texas offense in 2026. 2nd most missed tackles forced
(55), and 2nd most runs of 10+ yards (31) last year in the Big 12. OTF: https://t.co/E50v22GR92 pic.twitter.com/AkDci0qbLE
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) July 14, 2026
As Brown has made an impact with his legs, he has also contributed in the passing game. He has hauled in seven receptions for 22 yards and helped make Arch Manning's life easier. That has been a welcome sign for Texas, as it has allowed them to use Brown in various ways. If Brown stays healthy, that should continue.
Although Brown's Longhorn career is just getting started, he is showing that his 2025 campaign was no fluke. In his final season as a Sun Devil, the Longhorns' newest weapon set career highs in rushing yards with 1,141 and rushing touchdowns with four. It also marked the first time that Brown had over 100 carries in a season. That is partly why Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian made Brown a priority when he entered the portal.
Raleek Brown says he learned “a lot” about Arch Manning in Texas’ win vs. Ohio State.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 14, 2026
“I learned he got nice grit. He’s tough. He’s tough. Yeah, for sure.”
“He keeps us going. He always tells us, ‘Let’s go. Next play. Keep going. Run the ball.’ Whatever he say, we’re gonna go.” pic.twitter.com/9b6lA46Ldv
With SEC play on the horizon, Brown will continue to be an important piece. As long as he hangs onto the football and continues to frustrate defensive coordinators, Brown could have a memorable run in the burnt orange.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Former ASU RB Raleek Brown making most of his time as a Longhorn
