Texas Longhorns Add QB Depth with CJ Rogers’ Transfer Commitment
As the Texas Longhorns continue their march toward a potential national title in the 2025 season, their coaching staff, led by Steve Sarkisian, is focused not just on the present but also on securing the future of the program. One significant move they made recently was adding depth to their quarterback room through the transfer portal. On Saturday, Texas officially welcomed CJ Rogers, a former player for the Houston Christian Huskies, to the team for the 2025 season.
Though Rogers’ time at Houston Christian was relatively brief and his 2024 campaign didn’t feature a lot of opportunities, his decision to join the Longhorns speaks volumes about his potential and the faith that Sarkisian and offensive coordinator AJ Milwee have in his future growth. For Rogers, joining Texas is not only a chance to develop under two of the best offensive minds in college football, but it’s also an opportunity to be part of a championship contender and one of the premier programs in the country.
A Glimpse at CJ Rogers’ Career and Transfer to Texas
CJ Rogers’ journey to Austin comes after a somewhat limited but intriguing stint at Houston Christian, where he spent his 2024 season as a backup quarterback. Over the course of seven games, Rogers threw for 212 yards and two interceptions. While his playing time was sparse and his statistics may not jump off the page, Rogers had the opportunity to take snaps in critical matchups, including games against the SMU Mustangs and UTSA Roadrunners. These experiences, though not extensive, allowed Rogers to gain valuable exposure to the speed and complexity of collegiate football.
However, the primary reason Rogers is now a Longhorn is not his past performance, but his potential moving forward. With the Longhorns losing a few key quarterbacks over the past few seasons due to the natural attrition of college football, bringing in a player like Rogers gives Texas an added layer of depth and a valuable developmental asset at the quarterback position. Texas’ ability to attract top-tier quarterbacks to their roster, especially given their position as a national title contender, shows just how strong the program’s appeal is.
What Rogers Brings to the Table
Though his sample size is small, Rogers brings a skill set to the Longhorns that could make him a significant factor in the future of the team. At 6’4″, Rogers has the prototypical size and physical tools for a quarterback in Steve Sarkisian’s system, which relies on a strong passing game and well-timed decision-making from its quarterbacks. Rogers is a dual-threat quarterback with mobility, which makes him an appealing prospect for any system. His ability to move within the pocket and extend plays could fit well into the Sarkisian offensive system, which has become known for developing quarterbacks who can read defenses and make quick, decisive throws.
While Rogers’ limited playing time at Houston Christian may not show his full range of abilities, his future potential is undeniable. Sarkisian and AJ Milwee, who has worked with quarterbacks in various systems throughout his coaching career, will look to develop Rogers into a well-rounded player who could eventually compete for starting time down the line. Having quarterbacks who are capable of stepping in when needed is a critical component of any successful program, and the Longhorns seem to be preparing themselves with as much depth and flexibility as possible.
Another factor that could help Rogers succeed is the high level of coaching and mentorship he will receive in Austin. Texas’ staff has become known for cultivating and developing talent at the quarterback position. In 2024, Texas saw the growth of their young star quarterback, Arch Manning, who has already shown significant promise, while Quinn Ewers, another highly regarded signal caller, was instrumental in the team’s success. Rogers will have the chance to work alongside these players, giving him the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business.
Learning from Sarkisian and Milwee
For Rogers, this opportunity is more about learning than immediate playing time. In his statement to Inside Texas, Rogers expressed excitement about being able to learn from Coach Sarkisian and Coach Milwee, two coaches who are highly regarded for their ability to develop quarterbacks. Sarkisian, who has an extensive track record of developing quarterbacks such as Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama and Mac Jones, is known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to bring out the best in his quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, AJ Milwee, who joined Texas as the quarterbacks coach in 2024, is another key figure in Rogers’ development. Milwee has experience coaching quarterbacks at various levels, including at programs like Alabama and West Virginia, and his work with quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Jalen Hurts is well-respected throughout college football. Under Milwee’s tutelage, Rogers will have the chance to improve not only his passing mechanics but also his decision-making, his footwork, and his ability to read defenses.
For any quarterback, having the opportunity to learn from coaches with experience at the highest levels of college football is invaluable. Rogers’ time at Texas is a chance to absorb as much knowledge as possible, whether that be on the field during practice or off the field in film study and meetings. This kind of developmental environment is one that will allow Rogers to refine his skills and elevate his game, which could ultimately make him a key contributor for the Longhorns in the years to come.
The Texas Quarterback Room: A Competitive Landscape
Rogers’ commitment to Texas adds even more competition to what is already a crowded quarterback room. With Quinn Ewers expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation in 2025, and Arch Manning waiting in the wings, Rogers will have to prove his worth in a competitive environment. The Longhorns’ quarterback competition has the potential to be one of the most interesting storylines for the team as they head into the 2025 season.
Both Ewers and Manning are highly touted quarterbacks who will be competing for the starting job, and Rogers will need to work hard to carve out a place for himself in the depth chart. While it’s unlikely that Rogers will compete for the starting job immediately, his time at Texas will allow him to gain the experience necessary to be a reliable backup or even a future starter if he develops as expected. The depth at quarterback also means that the Longhorns will have options in case injuries or other circumstances affect the team.
Sarkisian has always emphasized the importance of building depth at every position, and the quarterback room is no exception. By adding Rogers, Texas not only strengthens its depth but also enhances the competition within the team, which is vital for ensuring that the best player takes the field each week. With the pressure of competing with top-tier talent, Rogers will have to elevate his game and prove that he has the skills and mindset to contribute to Texas’ championship aspirations.
Looking Ahead: Rogers’ Future at Texas
While the 2024 season was a developmental year for Rogers, his future with Texas is bright. He will have the chance to grow under the guidance of some of the most accomplished offensive minds in college football, all while contributing to a team that has national championship aspirations. With the Longhorns’ continued success and their clear focus on building depth, CJ Rogers will have a key role to play in Texas’ long-term success.
As the 2025 season approaches, Texas’ quarterback room will continue to be one of the most closely watched storylines. Whether Rogers becomes the team’s future starter or plays an important role as a developmental backup, his decision to transfer to Texas is a significant step in his football journey. With the right coaching, opportunity, and development, CJ Rogers could become a pivotal piece of the Longhorns’ future success.
In the meantime, Rogers’ excitement and eagerness to learn under Coach Sarkisian and Coach Milwee show that he is ready for the challenge. As the Longhorns continue their push for a national title, Rogers’ commitment represents another piece of the puzzle as Texas builds for both the present and the future.
