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Texas Longhorns rebuild special teams with transfers ahead of 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 1:51 PM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Texas Longhorns rebuild special teams with transfers ahead of 2026 season

Summary

The Texas Longhorns focus on revamping their special teams for the 2026 season after losing both starting specialists from the previous year. Kicker Mason Shipley and punter Jack Bouwmeester have exhausted their eligibility, prompting special teams coordinator Jeff Banks to seek talent through the NCAA Transfer Portal. Gianni Spetic from Memphis will take over kicking duties, while Mac Chiumento from Florida State assumes the punting role. Dynamic wide receiver Ryan Niblett leads the return game, having recorded 476 punt return yards and two touchdowns in 2025. The Longhorns aim for improved reliability among their new specialists as the season approaches.

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Status Watch

•Mason Shipley and Jack Bouwmeester have completed their eligibility.
•Gianni Spetic replaces Shipley as kicker after a successful stint at Memphis.
•Mac Chiumento joins from Florida State to handle punting duties.
•Ryan Niblett excelled in the return game with 476 yards last season.
•The Longhorns are focused on developing newcomers for consistent performance.

Latest Updates

1:51 PMYahoo Sports — Longhorns Special Teams Preview: Rebuilding Texas football’s specialist squad

What they're saying

"
In subtle fashion, special teams was a strength at times for Texas football during the 2025 season. But while the third phase of the game managed to help the Longhorns control field position and enable plays that would inevitably create momentum for offense and defense as last year’s football calendar rolled across the weeks and […]
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 1:51 PM
Longhorns Special Teams Preview: Rebuilding Texas football’s specialist squad
In subtle fashion, special teams was a strength at times for Texas football during the 2025 season. But while the third phase of the game managed to help the Longhorns control field position and enable plays that would inevitably create momentum for offense and defense as last year’s football calendar rolled across the weeks and […]

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