OTF Premium Which Longhorns Would Fit the USMNT Starting XI

Comparing the USMNT Starting XI to the 2026 Texas Longhorn Roster

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Ahead of Team USA's knockout round matchup with Belgium this evening, a couple of us thought it would be a fun exercise to compare the starting 11 for USMNT and who their comparisons would be from the 2026 Texas Longhorn roster.

A few things before we get started. First, I am no soccer expert, so if you follow the team any bit closer than I do and do not agree, cut me a but of slack! Secondly, yes, we are deep deep into the college football offseason when pieces like this are the topic of the day. And lastly, hopefully this was a fun exercise for all.

By the way, Go USA tonight.

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Team USA: F Folarin Balogun is WR Cam Coleman

Balogun is without question the big play finisher for the Americans in this World Cup. Currently he is the only American with multiple goals in the tournament, as he netted his third against Bosnia & Herzogovina in the round of 32. Balogun is a tall, athletic strike who uses his strength and positioning to put the ball in the back of the net. If the ball is centered for Balogun, he is putting it away, just like Coleman is expected to do this fall in the red area.

Team USA: LW Christian Pulisic is Texas QB Arch Manning

Pulisic might not play in the heart of USMNT's attack, but without question he is the engine that makes the unit work. Pulisic creates the most scoring opportunities for Team USA, and just as Arch Manning was for the Horns in 2025, he is the total heartbeat of the offensive attack.

Team USA: M Weston McKennie is Texas EDGE Colin Simmons

Motor is the name of the game as a central midfielder and so far, McKennie has been superb. Often being tasked going box to box to shore up the defensive side while being tasked with being a scoring threat on the offensive attack, effort and hustle have to be at 100% at all times and that's where the comparison to Colin Simmons comes in.

Team USA: RW Sergino Dest is Texas RB Raleek Brown

Perhaps the most fun to watch with the ball on his foot, Dest is known for flair on the right wing. I draw the similarity to Raleek Brown for that exact reason. Brown is one of just 13 running backs from 2025 with 30+ attempts of 10+ yards gained while having over 55 missed tackles forced. With the ball in possession, both are very exciting watches.

Team USA: Midfielder Tyler Adams is Texas LB Rasheem Biles

When you talk about havoc creation on the defensive side, these two names come up immediately. Biles was a 1st Team All-ACC selection a year ago at Pitt, and found the end zone on three different occasions in 2025. Tyler Adams is the best defensive midfielder for the Americans, often times being the key to counterattacks and defensive stability. 

Team USA: Midfielder Malik Tillman is Texas LB TyAnthony Smith

A pretty similar story between the two. Tillman was a guy who struggled to see the field early on in his Team USA career, though after earning his role in the rotation, his impact has been undeniable. Tillman scored from a beautiful free kick against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the round of 32, to which I liken Smith's two interception performance against Michigan in the Cheez–It Bowl to wrap up 2025 season.

Team USA: Left Back Antonee Robinson is Texas WR Ryan Wingo

Speed is the name of the game here. Robinson plays left back, but he is often in the mix on counter attacks or advantage opportunities due to his ability to blaze down the sideline and insert himself into the play. That to me, screams a comparison to Ryan Wingo who made his presence known immediately in games on screens and vertical shots down the sidelines.

Team USA: Center Back Tim Ream is Texas DL Hero Kanu

Ream is a rock in the middle of the defense for the Americans, and while the comparison isn't apples to apples, I look at Hero Kanu's ability to stymie opposing rushing threats as the closest equivalent to Ream. Ream is the oldest member of Team USA, similarly to Kanu's experience and veteran leadership capabilities on the Texas defense.

Team USA: Center Back Chris Richards is Texas LT Trevor Goosby

Might be a bit of a stretch to compare a left tackle to a center back, but Goosby is nails when it comes to shutting down opposing pass rushing threats, similarly to Richards who has become a star for the Americans shutting down opposing runs at goal. Richards is very physical in the box, and beyond anything, has become ultra-reliable. He has completed 95% of passes through three starts so far in the World Cup – that looks like Trevor Goosby's win rate to me.

Team USA: Right Back Alex Freeman is Texas CB Kade Phillips

Freeman is relatively young for the American starting 11, similarly to Kade Phillips at cornerback this year. Freeman makes plays for the Americans, he has a goal and an assist so far in four games, to which I liken Phillips' ability to play the ball in the air. In limited time last year, Phillips ended tied for the most pass breakups of any Texas defender. Things just happen when the are on the field, and more times than not they work out in a positive manner. 

Team USA: Goalkeeper Matt Freese is Texas DB Jelani McDonald

Freese is the eyes and mouthpiece for the entire USMNT defense. He sees everything, he aligns everyone in front of him and of course, he is the last line of defense. That is Jelani McDonald for the Longhorns. Both have the mentality of claiming the ball when it is up in the air around them and aren't afraid to get physical in the process.