Ryan Wingo has officially announced that he will return to Austin for the 2026 season, giving Texas back one of its top targets and one of the SEC’s most dynamic playmakers in the passing game. His decision solidifies a receiver room that recently added former Auburn star receiver Cam Coleman, and keeps Arch Manning’s go-to weapon in burnt orange for another year.
Wingo, Texas’ leading receiver in 2025, confirmed his decision by sharing a “run it back” message on social media, ending any speculation about a jump to the NFL Draft or transfer portal. The former five-star recruit chose to remain in Austin after emerging as the focal point of the Longhorns’ passing attack last season.
His return arrives at a critical moment for Steve Sarkisian’s program, which has spent the early weeks of January trying to balance the exodus of offensive players to the transfer portal with roster upgrades. Locking in a proven commodity in Wingo gives Texas stability at wideout and sends a clear message that the Longhorns intend to chase a championship in 2026.
In 2025, Wingo led Texas in receiving with 54 catches for 834 yards and seven touchdowns. He repeatedly showed up in big moments, posting 24 receptions for 293 yards and four scores in marquee SEC games against Florida, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Texas A&M.
