Texas Football Navigating NFL Draft, Transfer Portal Decisions After CFP Loss
The Texas Longhorns have once again found themselves at a crossroads in the wake of a College Football Playoff (CFP) loss, a moment that has become all too familiar in recent seasons. After an impressive run in the 2024 season, the Longhorns ultimately fell short of their goal of capturing a national championship. Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, the Texas football program must navigate a complex set of decisions, particularly when it comes to player movement in the NFL Draft and the transfer portal.
While the team’s failure to secure the national title was a bitter pill to swallow, the loss has triggered a period of reflection and critical decision-making. Both coaches and players alike will need to decide whether they should leave their mark on the program one last time or move on to new opportunities. The coming months will be pivotal for the Longhorns, as they work through a series of decisions that could either propel them to greater heights in the future or set them back.
In this article, we will break down the challenges Texas faces as it navigates the NFL Draft and transfer portal decisions following the CFP loss. We will examine the players who are weighing their future in Austin, the potential impact of these choices, and how the Longhorns can position themselves for a return to national prominence in 2025.
Texas’ Disappointing CFP Exit: A Motivating Factor for Change
After a strong regular season and a solid playoff run, the Texas Longhorns entered the 2024 College Football Playoff with high hopes. They had a talented roster, a strong defense, and an offense led by a dynamic quarterback. Yet, despite all the promise, they were unable to overcome the final hurdle, falling short of a national championship. The loss, though painful, has ignited a sense of urgency within the program, with players, coaches, and staff alike aware that changes need to be made in order to get over the hump.
One of the first areas of focus for Texas will be the NFL Draft, as many key players will need to decide whether to forgo their final seasons of eligibility and enter the draft. For some, the decision will be easy; for others, it will be a difficult choice between the security of the NFL and the potential for another shot at a title in college. Texas has seen a steady stream of players leaving for the NFL in recent years, and 2025 could see even more names join the list.
Beyond the NFL Draft, another significant area of concern is the transfer portal. The NIL era and the rise of the transfer portal have fundamentally changed the college football landscape, making it easier for players to move between programs. For Texas, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Some players may seek new challenges at different schools, while others might be looking to join the Longhorns for a chance to compete for a national title. Texas will need to balance these two dynamics in order to maintain a competitive roster heading into the 2025 season.
NFL Draft Decisions: Who Stays, Who Goes?
The first major decision for the Texas Longhorns will be determining which players will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Texas has several talented players who could potentially make the leap to the professional ranks. These decisions are often influenced by a variety of factors, including player performance, draft projections, and the potential for improved draft stock with another season in college.
Quinn Ewers: The QB Dilemma
One of the most talked-about decisions facing Texas football fans is whether quarterback Quinn Ewers will declare for the NFL Draft or return to the program for one more season. Ewers had a solid 2024 season, showcasing his arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure. However, he also had moments of inconsistency, and some experts believe that a return to college football could help him refine his skills and boost his draft stock.
For Ewers, the decision to enter the draft is not just about his ability to succeed at the next level, but also about his potential financial future. With the rise of NIL opportunities in college football, Ewers could stand to make a significant amount of money if he chooses to stay in school for another season. Given the competitive nature of the NFL Draft and the high expectations placed on quarterbacks, Ewers may feel that staying at Texas for one more year is the best route for his development.
However, if Ewers feels that he is ready for the NFL and believes his stock will only rise in the professional ranks, he may decide to take the leap and declare for the draft. The decision will ultimately come down to how he weighs the risk of remaining in college against the potential rewards of entering the draft.
Defensive Standouts: A Crucial Decision
While Ewers’ decision is crucial, the future of the Texas defense is also at stake. The Longhorns’ defense was a major strength in 2024, and several key players could potentially make the jump to the NFL Draft. Names like Jalen Ford, Ovie Oghoufo, and Alfred Collins could all be in line for professional opportunities if they decide to declare.
The loss to the CFP could motivate some of these players to leave Texas in search of professional success. However, others may choose to stay and make another run at a national championship, especially considering the talent Texas has coming back on defense. If the defensive stars choose to stay, it could elevate the Longhorns’ chances of success in 2025 and give them a legitimate shot at returning to the CFP.
The Importance of Offensive Playmakers
On the offensive side of the ball, running back Bijan Robinson was one of the most dynamic players in college football in 2024. While Robinson has already declared for the draft, the fate of other offensive players like wide receiver Xavier Worthy and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will be just as significant for Texas. These players will have to decide whether to stay another year and improve their draft stock, or move on to the next chapter of their careers.
Ultimately, Texas will need to retain a core group of players on both sides of the ball in order to remain competitive at a national level. Decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the program.
The Transfer Portal: Navigating Player Movement
Alongside the NFL Draft decisions, the transfer portal will be another area where Texas must carefully navigate in the wake of the CFP loss. The NIL era and the portal system have given college athletes unprecedented freedom to move between programs, and Texas will need to decide how best to handle this new landscape.
Potential Losses from the Portal
After a season of high expectations and ultimate disappointment, some players may look for new opportunities. Texas could see some players transfer out of the program in search of more playing time or a change of scenery. While the Longhorns have built a strong culture under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the reality is that some players may feel that they are not getting the opportunities they deserve and choose to explore other options.
These departures could leave gaps in the roster, particularly at positions where Texas is already thin. For example, if key contributors on the offensive or defensive line decide to transfer, it could significantly impact the team’s depth heading into 2025. The Longhorns will need to be proactive in identifying these potential losses and recruiting from the transfer portal to fill those gaps.
Adding Talent from the Portal
On the flip side, Texas could also look to the transfer portal to add talent for the 2025 season. With the influx of talent entering the portal every year, the Longhorns will have the opportunity to land immediate impact players at key positions. The right additions could provide Texas with the depth and talent it needs to make another run at a national championship.
Texas will need to be strategic in how they approach the portal. They will need to target players who can come in and make an immediate impact while also fitting into the program’s culture. Additionally, NIL opportunities could play a major role in attracting top talent to the Longhorns, as Texas is one of the premier programs in the country when it comes to NIL deals.
Looking Ahead: Texas’ Path to Redemption
As the 2025 season approaches, the Texas Longhorns face a period of critical decision-making. The choices made by key players in the NFL Draft and transfer portal will have a major impact on the program’s future. Whether it’s retaining top talent, adding new playmakers, or solidifying the roster, the decisions made in the aftermath of the CFP loss will define Texas’ trajectory in the coming years.
While the College Football Playoff loss in 2024 was disappointing, it also serves as motivation for the Longhorns to come back stronger in 2025. With the right moves in the draft, the portal, and recruiting, Texas has the potential to compete for a national title once again. How the program navigates these decisions will determine whether the Longhorns can return to the top of the college football world or if they’ll need to regroup for another run.
