Texas Football Offseason News: Transfer Portal, Roster Updates, and Recruiting Outlook by Longhorns Experts
As the Texas Longhorns football program enters its offseason following the conclusion of the 2024 season, there is much to discuss in terms of roster updates, recruiting, and the key developments surrounding the team’s plans for the upcoming year. After finishing the regular season with an impressive record and with their sights set on a future in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Texas is poised for significant changes and growth. The 2025 offseason promises to be critical in shaping the team’s success moving forward.
As head coach Steve Sarkisian prepares his team for the challenges of an increasingly competitive environment in the SEC, the Longhorns are busy with several ongoing processes that will directly impact the future of the program. The transfer portal, roster updates, and recruiting are key focal points for the Longhorns as they look to address weaknesses, add depth, and strengthen areas of the team heading into the next season.
In this article, we’ll dive into the most important aspects of the Texas football offseason, based on insider analysis and expert opinions. We’ll break down the latest developments in the transfer portal, roster adjustments, and the outlook for recruiting as Texas prepares for the challenges of an SEC schedule in 2025.
1. Transfer Portal: Key Additions and Departures
The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football in recent years, and Texas is no exception when it comes to utilizing this tool to improve the roster. Following a solid 2024 campaign, the Longhorns are looking to reinforce several positions, whether to address depth concerns, enhance talent, or add competition for starting jobs.
A. Key Additions via the Transfer Portal
One of the primary goals for the Longhorns this offseason is to continue building on their already talented roster. To do so, they are seeking key additions, particularly in positions of need. Among the areas where Texas is looking to add depth or high-level talent are offensive line, defensive back, and wide receiver.
- Offensive Line: The Longhorns’ offensive line showed improvement throughout the 2024 season, but there is still work to be done, particularly in terms of depth and consistency. Offensive line play is critical, especially in the SEC, where the competition is fierce. Texas is actively pursuing experienced offensive linemen in the transfer portal to bolster this group.
Texas has reportedly expressed interest in Daniel Langston, a veteran offensive tackle from the University of Alabama, who could bring much-needed leadership and size to the offensive front. Langston, who has extensive starting experience in the SEC, could come in and provide immediate help in pass protection and run blocking. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line would make him a highly valuable addition to the Longhorns.
- Defensive Back: The defensive backfield is another area of focus for Texas as they head into the offseason. While the Longhorns’ secondary showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, there were also moments of vulnerability, especially against high-powered passing offenses. Texas is looking to add a playmaker at cornerback or safety to solidify its secondary.
One potential target is Khalil Grier, a cornerback from Georgia Tech, who is known for his ball-hawking ability and his ability to make key interceptions in critical moments. Grier’s ability to defend against both fast wide receivers and taller targets could provide the Longhorns with the flexibility needed in a tough SEC environment.
- Wide Receiver: Despite having talent at the position, Texas is also looking to add another dynamic wide receiver through the transfer portal. The Longhorns’ receiving corps was potent in 2024, but adding a proven playmaker with experience could elevate the offense, particularly as they head into the more competitive SEC.
One name to watch is Marcus Scott, a wide receiver from Miami, who could add the speed and deep-threat capability Texas needs. Scott’s versatility and ability to stretch the field would complement the team’s existing receiving talent and provide quarterback Quinn Ewers with another explosive option in the passing game.
B. Key Departures via the Transfer Portal
While Texas has focused on adding talent, the offseason has also seen some departures. The transfer portal can be a double-edged sword for college football programs, as players may choose to leave in search of more playing time or a new opportunity. For Texas, there have been a few notable departures that will affect the roster.
- Quarterback: One of the most high-profile departures has been Hudson Card, who had been a backup quarterback for the Longhorns throughout his career. After losing out on the starting job to Quinn Ewers, Card decided to enter the transfer portal in search of more playing time. While this leaves Texas with one fewer quarterback on the roster, it also solidifies Ewers as the unquestioned starter moving forward.
- Wide Receiver: Another departure of note has been Jordan Whittington, who entered the transfer portal after his productive tenure with the Longhorns. Whittington’s decision was somewhat expected given his injury history, but his presence on the field will be missed. Texas will look to replace his production and leadership in the receiving corps, with younger players stepping up or potential transfer portal targets coming in.
- Defensive Back: In the secondary, Tyreek Johnson, a defensive back, opted to leave the program for more opportunities elsewhere. Texas will need to replace Johnson’s experience and playmaking ability, but the addition of new transfer portal players and continued development from younger players could help mitigate this loss.
2. Roster Updates: Key Position Battles and Leadership Changes
With several departures and new arrivals via the transfer portal, there will be plenty of position battles throughout the offseason as the Longhorns prepare for the 2025 season. The coaching staff will need to identify which players will step into key roles and lead Texas both on and off the field.
A. Quarterback: Quinn Ewers and the Backup Situation
At quarterback, Quinn Ewers is the clear starter heading into the 2025 season. His performance in 2024, including a standout year in which he threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, earned him the starting role heading into his junior season. Ewers will have the opportunity to build on his success and solidify his position as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
The key question for Texas, however, will be who will emerge as the backup quarterback. With Hudson Card transferring, the Longhorns will need to rely on Maalik Murphy, a highly-touted sophomore, to provide depth at the position. Murphy’s development throughout the offseason will be crucial for the Longhorns, particularly in the event of an injury to Ewers. The quarterback battle for the backup spot will be one to watch closely throughout the spring and summer.
B. Wide Receiver: Replacing Whittington and Bond’s Legacy
The wide receiver position will be a focal point for the Longhorns in 2025, particularly with the loss of Jordan Whittington and Isaiah Bond, both of whom declared for the NFL Draft. Texas will need to rely on experienced players like Xavier Worthy to take on a larger role, but it will also give opportunities for younger players to step up.
Isaiah Neyor, a transfer from Wyoming, will likely have the chance to become a key contributor in the receiving game. He has proven himself as a playmaker, and with increased opportunities in 2025, Neyor could emerge as one of Ewers’ top targets. Additionally, newcomers like Evan Stewart will compete for immediate playing time and could be key pieces in the Longhorns’ passing attack.
C. Defensive Line and Linebackers: Maintaining Strong Play
While the offense may grab headlines, Texas’ defense will be crucial to their success in the SEC. The Longhorns return several key players along the defensive line and at linebacker, but there will be competition for starting spots. With the departure of a few contributors, the staff will rely on both returning players and new additions through the transfer portal to fill in the gaps.
One key player to watch is Barrett Carter, a linebacker who will likely take on a more prominent role after the departure of some seniors. Carter’s ability to read plays and play sideline-to-sideline will be important for Texas’ defense in 2025.
3. Recruiting Outlook: Top 2025 Prospects and the Future of Texas Football
As the Longhorns transition to the SEC, recruiting will be a crucial factor in their ability to compete at the highest level. Texas’ 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, with several blue-chip prospects already committed to the program.
A. 2025 Recruiting Class
The Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class is headlined by several elite prospects, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Longhorns have already secured commitments from Derrick LeBlanc, a 5-star defensive tackle, and Dylan Thomas, a 4-star safety. Both players are expected to make an immediate impact when they arrive on campus, adding depth and talent to Texas’ defensive unit.
On the offensive side, Texas has also landed commitments from top-tier recruits like Jaden Riley, a 5-star wide receiver, who will help bolster the receiving corps and provide a long-term solution at the position. The combination of defensive and offensive talent in the 2025 class makes Texas one of the top programs to watch in the years to come.
4. Conclusion
The offseason for Texas Longhorns football is shaping up to be one of significant change and growth. With key additions and departures in the transfer portal, the Longhorns are making moves to solidify their roster for the 2025 season and beyond. The team will look to address key needs at positions like offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive back while also continuing to develop its core group of talented players.
Recruiting is also a key focus for the Longhorns, as they continue to build a future that is not only competitive in the Big 12 but also poised for success in the SEC. The 2025 recruiting class, with its focus on both sides of the ball, should provide Texas with the depth and talent necessary to thrive in the demanding SEC environment.
As Texas prepares for the next chapter of its football journey, fans can expect a season of intense competition, development, and high-level play from the Longhorns. The foundation for sustained success has been laid, and the offseason moves made by the program will determine whether Texas can continue to rise to prominence in college football.
