5 Transfer Portal Needs Texas Longhorns Must Fill Ahead of 2025 Season
As college football programs gear up for the 2025 season, the Texas Longhorns have solidified their place as one of the top teams in the nation, securing the No. 1 recruiting class in 2025 and earning a solid reputation for their strong 2024 campaign. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have transformed into a legitimate championship contender with a blend of elite high school recruits and strong team development. However, despite the team’s promising trajectory, there are still areas that need improvement to ensure Texas is not just competitive but truly elite as they head into the 2025 season.
The transfer portal has become a crucial tool for college football programs, allowing teams to fill immediate needs with experienced players who can contribute right away. With Texas preparing for its entry into the SEC, a conference known for its depth and talent, the Longhorns need to strategically address specific gaps to maintain their national title aspirations. This article will outline five key positions Texas must target in the transfer portal ahead of the 2025 season.
1. Offensive Line Depth and Development
One of the most significant areas where Texas needs to address depth and experience is the offensive line. The Longhorns have invested heavily in recruiting elite offensive line prospects, but with the transition to the SEC and the physicality of the competition, the line needs more depth and experience to consistently protect quarterback Quinn Ewers and open up running lanes for the backs.
The Texas offensive line was decent in 2024, but with some key players graduating or entering the NFL draft, it leaves a gap in experience that could be troublesome against stronger defenses, especially in the SEC. While there are highly-rated freshmen coming in, relying solely on unproven talent to start in one of the toughest conferences in college football could be a risk. Bringing in a couple of proven transfer portal players—particularly those who have experience playing at a high level in Power 5 conferences—could go a long way toward stabilizing the offensive line.
The Longhorns could look for experienced tackles and interior linemen who have experience in pass protection and run blocking. With Bijan Robinson gone and new playmakers entering the backfield, ensuring the offensive line can create running lanes and provide ample time for Ewers to throw is crucial. A couple of seasoned transfers could be the difference between a line that holds its own against SEC defenses and one that struggles in the trenches.
2. Wide Receiver Depth and Playmaking Ability
While Texas has some talented wide receivers on its roster, there is a need for more depth and playmaking ability at the position to take the offense to the next level. Xavier Worthy, who had a breakout season, and Jordan Whittington, a reliable target, are among the top wideouts on the roster, but the Longhorns could use another playmaking wide receiver who can stretch the field and provide a more dynamic option.
The receiver corps has shown promise, but the SEC is known for its physical, fast defenses that can limit even the best pass-catching groups. Texas could benefit from bringing in a transfer receiver with significant experience in the Power 5, particularly one who excels at creating separation and making plays after the catch. Whether it’s a speedy deep threat or a big-bodied target who can win contested catches in the red zone, adding a wide receiver to complement Quinn Ewers’ skill set would allow Texas to fully unlock its offensive potential.
With the increased competition in the SEC, the Longhorns will need multiple receiving threats to ensure they’re not one-dimensional. Targeting a receiver with both experience and explosiveness would elevate the overall offensive attack and provide Ewers with a more diverse set of options, making it difficult for defenses to focus solely on Worthy or Whittington.
3. Defensive Line Reinforcements
Though Texas boasts a strong defense overall, one of the key areas that could use a boost is the defensive line. The Longhorns’ front seven is solid, especially with talents like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy clogging up the middle. However, the SEC’s physical nature demands even more from defensive lines, and Texas could use some depth and fresh talent along the front to stay competitive.
Adding a veteran defensive tackle or edge rusher through the transfer portal would help Texas maintain its ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Longhorns will face high-powered offenses and top-tier quarterbacks in the SEC, and improving their defensive line will help them not only compete but thrive in this elite conference. Whether it’s a disruptive pass rusher or a defensive tackle who can clog the line of scrimmage and eat up double teams, securing an impact player on the defensive line will make the Longhorns’ defense even more formidable.
Texas could target a transfer from a school that has a reputation for developing strong defensive linemen, as this player could step in and make an immediate impact. With David Hicks, a highly-ranked recruit, arriving, and a solid defensive line already in place, adding one or two experienced transfers would provide the depth necessary to keep players fresh and maintain a strong pass rush throughout the SEC grind.
4. Cornerback to Match SEC Speed
While the Longhorns have a strong secondary with the likes of Jalen Catalon and Austin Jordan, the cornerback position could still use some added depth and athleticism to contend with the speed and skill of SEC receivers. Texas has some talent at cornerback, but the SEC is home to some of the fastest and most dynamic wide receivers in the country, so the Longhorns will need to be well-equipped at the position.
The ideal transfer for Texas would be an experienced cornerback who excels in man coverage and has the speed to keep up with SEC-level wideouts. With teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU boasting deep and talented receiver rooms, Texas will need cornerbacks who can match up physically and athletically. Adding a corner with proven abilities to play at a high level in a Power 5 conference would provide Texas with the necessary reinforcements to handle the intense competition in the SEC.
Additionally, the Longhorns could use a cornerback who is strong in the red zone and can compete for contested balls. With defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski leading the charge, adding a corner who can thrive in a press-man scheme or fit into zone coverage schemes would allow Texas to better compete against SEC offenses and quarterbacks who are known for their ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
5. Linebacker Depth
Another critical need for Texas heading into the 2025 season is linebacker depth. While the Longhorns have some strong players at linebacker, such as Jaylan Ford, they still lack the kind of depth and experience needed to handle the physicality and speed of SEC offenses. Texas has done a good job developing talent at linebacker, but with the demands of the SEC season, adding a veteran presence at the position could provide the Longhorns with more stability and leadership.
A linebacker who can play in multiple schemes, is strong in coverage, and can stop the run would be a huge asset to Texas. With teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss relying heavily on the run game, the Longhorns need more bodies at linebacker who can step in and contribute right away. A transfer linebacker with experience in high-level college football could add that extra dimension to the defense, allowing Texas to rotate fresh bodies throughout the season and stay competitive against physical teams.
The key for Texas will be to identify a linebacker who has both the athleticism to cover in pass defense and the strength to play effectively against SEC running backs. Whether it’s a player with elite sideline-to-sideline speed or a more physical player capable of shutting down the run, securing a linebacker in the transfer portal could significantly enhance Texas’ defensive capabilities.
Conclusion: Filling the Gaps for Championship Contention
With the 2025 season quickly approaching, the Texas Longhorns are poised to compete for a national championship, but there are still areas on the roster that need improvement before the team can truly challenge for a playoff berth. By addressing key gaps through the transfer portal, particularly in areas like offensive line depth, wide receiver playmaking, defensive line reinforcements, cornerback athleticism, and linebacker depth, Texas can build a roster capable of thriving in the highly competitive SEC.
The SEC presents an entirely new level of competition, and while Texas’ 2025 recruiting class is loaded with talent, the Longhorns must continue to supplement their roster with experienced transfers who can make an immediate impact. If Sarkisian can successfully address these five areas, Texas will be well-positioned to compete for the top spot in the conference and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. With the right additions from the transfer portal, the Longhorns could be poised to take the next step toward returning to national championship contention.
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