Comparing Ryan Wingo to DeVonta Smith Statistically

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Like most Texas fans, I'm excited about the potential of this Longhorn football team heading into the 2026 season. I'm hoping Steve Sarkisian, Arch Manning, and the rest of the offense put together a historic season filled with fireworks.

Much of the offseason attention has centered around Cam Coleman, both nationally and locally. While Coleman is certainly deserving of the hype, I wouldn't be surprised if Ryan Wingo ends up having a truly special season.

With another year in Sarkisian's offense, Wingo should have an even greater understanding of the system. That could allow Sarkisian to utilize him in more creative ways through different alignments, motions, and formations. The additions of Cam Coleman, Raleek Brown, and Hollywood Smothers should also make it much more difficult for opposing defenses to focus solely on taking Wingo out of the game plan.

I'm not suggesting that Wingo is about to win the Heisman Trophy in 2026 or post the eye-popping numbers DeVonta Smith produced during his historic senior season. However, is it possible that Wingo approaches—or even surpasses—Smith's outstanding junior campaign?

It's worth noting that Wingo has already surpassed Smith's production during both his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Smith exploded during his junior season, recording 68 receptions for 1,256 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 29 plays of 20 or more yards before producing one of the greatest individual seasons in college football history as a senior.

Can Wingo make a similar Year 3 leap? Time will tell. But based on his first two seasons and the talent surrounding him, it's certainly a conversation worth having. If Sarkisian continues to expand Wingo's role, Longhorn fans may be in for one of the most exciting seasons by a Texas wide receiver in recent memory.