The University of Texas will be without one of its cornerstone offensive linemen for the remainder of the season after senior left tackle Trevor Goosby suffered a left-knee injury in Saturday's 34-27 victory over Ole Miss.
Goosby, a 6-foot-7, 325-pound senior from Melissa, Texas, left the game in the first quarter and was carted off the field. He will not return this season, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel. Senior backup Andre Cojoe replaced Goosby and saw action for the rest of the contest.
Impact on the Longhorns' line and NFL prospects
Goosby has been a regular fixture on the Texas offensive line, starting 22 games over the past three seasons. He carried national draft interest as one of the top offensive tackle prospects for the 2027 NFL draft and was listed at No. 8 in the most recent ESPN mock draft by Field Yates. The injury will not only disrupt Texas' protection plans this season but also complicate Goosby's pre-draft evaluation timeline.
Earlier this year, Goosby suffered a bone bruise in the same left knee during preseason camp in August but returned to start the Longhorns' first seven games. The recurrence and escalation to a season-ending injury raise immediate questions about his rehabilitation timetable and whether he will participate in pre-draft workouts.
Depth test for Texas ahead of Mississippi State
The timing of the injury comes with challenging roster dynamics for Texas. The Longhorns were already without key contributors: pass rusher Colin Simmons — who leads the FBS with 10.5 sacks this season — and running back Hollywood Smothers were not available. Wide receiver Cam Coleman also left the Ole Miss game with an apparent shoulder injury.
Texas climbed to No. 11 in the AP Top 25 after the Ole Miss victory and is scheduled to host Mississippi State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The loss of Goosby forces offensive coordinator and line coaches to shift depth and potentially reshape game plans to account for different pass-protection and run-blocking personnel.
What the Longhorns must adjust
Replacing a starting left tackle midseason is a significant tactical challenge. Left tackle is the blindside protector for a right-handed quarterback and typically tasked with handling opponents’ premier pass rushers. Texas' coaching staff will need to evaluate whether to:
- Insert senior backup Andre Cojoe as a direct replacement at left tackle for continuity;
- Shift another experienced lineman from the right side to the left and plug Cojoe in elsewhere to preserve edge protection; or
- Employ extra tight ends or chip-blocking schemes to help protect the quarterback while a new starter settles into the role.
Which approach the staff adopts will depend on practice performance this week and the matchup Mississippi State presents up front.
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor Goosby | LT | Out for season (left knee) |
| Andre Cojoe | Backup LT | Active — expected starter vs. Miss. State |
| Cam Coleman | WR | Left Ole Miss game with shoulder issue |
| Colin Simmons | DE | Unavailable — leads FBS with 10.5 sacks |
Local and program stakes
Goosby is a native of Melissa, Texas, and his development into a potential first-round tackle had become a point of pride for Longhorns fans and local scouts. For Texas, losing an experienced starter in a critical position could affect offensive rhythm, particularly in pass protection and edge-setting on outside runs.
From a broader perspective, the injury shifts attention to Texas' depth chart evaluation and the urgency of the program's medical and performance staff to manage his recovery. With the team ranked just inside the top 15, maintaining momentum is essential as the Longhorns head into a later-season stretch that often defines conference positioning and postseason opportunities.
Coaches and trainers typically provide updated medical information once players undergo definitive imaging and evaluation. For now, the Longhorns will prepare for Mississippi State while adjusting their offensive-line plan and monitoring other injuries sustained in the Ole Miss game.
Expect the program to release further details after Monday's walkthroughs and any additional medical statements regarding Goosby's recovery and potential 2027 NFL draft outlook.
