Sean Miller Targets Ball Security as No. 7 Texas Opens Season

Texas coach Sean Miller has identified ball security, defensive rebounding, and center play as the three key areas his team must improve before facing tougher opponents later in the season. The Longhorns open their 2026-27 campaign on Monday at home against Chicago State with a roster that includes eleven newcomers alongside only one returning starter following last year's Sweet Sixteen run.

Miller highlighted specific issues from an exhibition loss to St. John's, noting Texas turned the ball over ten times in the first half and sixteen overall, allowing opponents to score twenty points off those mistakes. The starting guards combined for nine turnovers during that game, with Isaiah Johnson and Austin Goosby each responsible for multiple errors despite being primary playmakers.

In contrast to last year's loss at Duke where Texas struggled against top-tier competition, the upcoming matchup presents a softer challenge that allows Miller time to correct these deficiencies. The team holds a ninety-nine percent win probability according to projections, though execution remains critical as they seek to extend their streak of twenty-four consecutive home season-opener victories.