Texas Football Offseason News: Transfer Portal, Roster Updates, Recruiting Outlook by Longhorns Insiders
As the 2025 football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns football program is entering one of the most crucial offseasons in recent memory. With high expectations surrounding the team, there are multiple moving parts: roster updates, the transfer portal, and ongoing recruiting efforts all shaping the future of the Longhorns. With the 2024 season in the rearview, Texas is now focused on bolstering its roster, solidifying its position in college football, and addressing key needs to make a push for a national championship in 2025.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll cover the latest updates from the Texas football program, including the impact of the transfer portal, important roster changes, and the recruiting outlook for the Longhorns. Texas football insiders have weighed in on all aspects of the offseason, providing an inside look at how the team is preparing for the upcoming season and the next steps in its journey back to national prominence.
Transfer Portal Activity: Key Additions and Departures
One of the most talked-about elements of the Texas offseason has been the transfer portal. Over the last several years, the transfer portal has significantly impacted college football, and Texas has been no exception. With both departures and new arrivals, the portal has been a key factor in shaping the Longhorns’ roster for the 2025 season.
Key Additions to the Roster
As Texas looks to strengthen its depth and fill critical needs, several key additions have been made through the transfer portal. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized bringing in high-impact players who can contribute immediately, and so far, the coaching staff has successfully added a mix of talent at key positions. Here are some notable additions:
- Jaden Greathouse – Wide Receiver (Notre Dame)
Jaden Greathouse is one of the most exciting additions to Texas’ offense. The 6’3″, 210-pound wide receiver transferred from Notre Dame after showcasing his talent in a competitive environment. Greathouse has the ability to stretch the field, make tough catches in traffic, and be a reliable target in the red zone. Texas’ receiving corps has the potential to be one of the best in the nation with the addition of Greathouse, who will bring experience and skill to a young but talented group of wideouts. - Jahari Rogers – Cornerback (Florida State)
One of the biggest needs for Texas heading into the offseason was bolstering its secondary, and Jahari Rogers has the potential to be a difference-maker. Rogers, who previously played at Florida State, is a 6’0″, 190-pound cornerback with excellent size, speed, and ball skills. Known for his ability to lock down receivers in man-to-man coverage, Rogers could provide immediate support to the Longhorns’ defense. His physicality and experience will be key in replacing some of the talent lost from last season’s defense. - Tyler Van Dyke – Quarterback (Miami)
Quarterback was one of the most significant question marks for Texas following the departure of Quinn Ewers. The Longhorns were able to find a potential solution in the form of Tyler Van Dyke, a seasoned signal-caller from Miami. Van Dyke’s 6’4″, 220-pound frame and powerful arm make him a dangerous weapon under center. Although he’s faced some inconsistency during his time at Miami, Van Dyke’s experience in high-pressure games could help the Longhorns transition smoothly into the 2025 season. - Dante Thornton Jr. – Wide Receiver (Oregon)
After losing some depth in the wide receiver room, Texas made a strategic move to bring in Dante Thornton Jr. from Oregon. Thornton, a tall and physical 6’5″, 200-pound receiver, will add another deep threat to the Longhorns’ offense. His ability to make plays down the field and use his size to his advantage will help the Longhorns stretch defenses and provide a vertical option to complement their existing receiving corps.
Key Departures from the Roster
Alongside the new additions, several key players have left Texas via the transfer portal, some in search of more playing time, while others are moving on to the next chapter of their careers. While roster turnover is a natural part of the college football landscape, Texas will need to replace the production of these key departures:
- Hudson Card – Quarterback
Hudson Card’s decision to enter the transfer portal was expected after he lost the starting quarterback job to Quinn Ewers. A talented quarterback in his own right, Card has decided to continue his career at a new program, seeking more playing time. While Card’s departure leaves a hole in the quarterback room, Texas is confident that the addition of Tyler Van Dyke will more than make up for the loss. - Brenen Thompson – Wide Receiver
Brenen Thompson, a highly touted wide receiver prospect, transferred out of Texas in search of a fresh opportunity. While Thompson showed flashes of his talent, he never fully emerged as a consistent contributor in the Longhorns’ offense. Texas will need to rely on its other talented wide receivers, such as Xavier Worthy and the incoming transfers, to fill the void left by Thompson. - Jalen Catalon – Safety
One of the most impactful players on Texas’ defense, Jalen Catalon decided to enter the transfer portal following a standout career at safety. Catalon’s ability to read the game and make plays on the ball was a key factor in Texas’ defensive success. However, his departure opens the door for other players to step up in the secondary, particularly with the arrival of transfer cornerback Jahari Rogers.
Roster Updates: Key Position Battles and Changes
As the team begins preparations for the 2025 season, several position battles will be closely watched, particularly as new players are integrated into the program. Texas is making changes to ensure that the roster is well-rounded and able to compete at a high level.
Quarterback Position: Tyler Van Dyke vs. Arch Manning?
One of the most significant updates for Texas is the quarterback position. After the departure of Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns must figure out who will take over as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Tyler Van Dyke, the transfer from Miami, is the most experienced candidate and will likely enter the competition as the frontrunner. However, Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is also a contender for the starting job.
Manning has long been viewed as a future star, and Texas fans are eager to see how quickly he can adapt to the college game. While it’s unlikely that he will start over Van Dyke immediately, Manning’s potential as a future franchise quarterback could lead to an exciting competition in fall camp.
Wide Receiver: A Deep Group of Playmakers
Texas boasts one of the most talented wide receiver groups in the nation, with standout players like Xavier Worthy leading the way. However, the team has added depth through the transfer portal with the additions of Jaden Greathouse and Dante Thornton Jr., making this a highly competitive position group. Worthy’s status as the top receiver on the roster is secure, but Greathouse and Thornton will be key contributors, and a fierce competition for the second and third spots will likely take place.
With a combination of speed, size, and physicality, Texas has one of the most balanced receiving corps in college football. The development of these players, along with the evolution of the quarterback position, will be critical to the success of the offense.
Defensive Line: Replacing Key Departures
The Longhorns’ defensive line will undergo some changes heading into the 2025 season. After the departures of key players like T’Vondre Sweat, the team will need to develop new leaders on the defensive front. Several young players have shown promise, and Texas has brought in new talent through the transfer portal to help fill the gap. The team is looking to maintain its status as one of the top defenses in college football, and the development of its defensive line will be crucial in that effort.
Recruiting Outlook: 2025 and Beyond
While the transfer portal has been a key focus for Texas this offseason, recruiting remains a critical element in the program’s long-term success. Texas has consistently been a top contender in recruiting, and the 2025 class is no exception. The Longhorns are expected to secure commitments from several elite prospects in the coming months, particularly as they continue to build their recruiting efforts under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
One of the biggest recruiting storylines for Texas this offseason is the pursuit of top-tier defensive prospects. With a focus on bolstering the defense, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker, Texas has its sights set on several blue-chip recruits. Additionally, the Longhorns are looking to add more talent to the offensive line and at wide receiver to ensure they can compete at the highest level for years to come.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Texas Football
The Texas Longhorns are entering the 2025 season with a renewed sense of confidence, bolstered by key additions in the transfer portal, important roster updates, and a strong recruiting class on the horizon. With position battles brewing, Texas will need to solidify its quarterback situation and continue to develop its playmakers at wide receiver and along the defensive line.
As Steve Sarkisian and the coaching staff continue to build a championship-caliber roster, Texas football is positioned to make a serious push for national contention in the near future. With a strong combination of experienced transfers, young talent, and high-level recruits, the Longhorns’ future looks bright as they aim to return to glory in 2025 and beyond. Fans will be eagerly watching as the offseason progresses, anticipating the next chapter in the storied history of Texas football.
