Texas football offseason news: roster changes, transfer portal, and Longhorns experts’ predictions for recruitment

Texas Football Offseason News: Roster Changes, Transfer Portal, and Longhorns Experts’ Predictions for Recruitment

As the Texas Longhorns’ 2024 season concluded with a tough loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal, the program is already shifting its focus toward the offseason. For Steve Sarkisian and his staff, the next few months are crucial. With roster changes, the transfer portal in full swing, and an ever-evolving recruiting landscape, Texas will need to make strategic moves to maintain its upward trajectory and continue building a championship contender.

Here’s a breakdown of the key offseason developments for the Longhorns, including the impact of roster changes, the influx of transfer portal talent, and expert predictions for the future of the program in recruiting.

Roster Changes: Departures, Returns, and Position Battles

The first big news for Texas came quickly after the conclusion of the Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State. As expected, there were a number of players who opted to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, while others chose to stay for another season in Austin. Additionally, there were a few surprise decisions, as some upperclassmen elected to enter the transfer portal in search of more playing time.

Declared for the NFL Draft:

1. Jalen Ford (Linebacker): One of the top defensive players in college football this season, Ford’s decision to leave for the NFL was widely anticipated. After finishing with over 120 tackles and earning All-American honors, Ford is seen as one of the top linebackers available in the draft. While Texas fans were hoping for one more season from the defensive leader, his draft stock is high, and his decision to turn pro was inevitable.
2. Xavier Worthy (Wide Receiver): Worthy has been one of Texas’ most explosive players on offense, and after another stellar season, he announced that he would declare for the NFL Draft. With his speed and playmaking ability, Worthy has the potential to be a first-round pick. Despite the unfinished business at Texas, he is ready to take the next step in his career.
3. Derrick Brown (Offensive Tackle): Brown’s decision to leave for the NFL is another big loss for Texas. Brown had been a key component of the Longhorns’ offensive line and was expected to anchor the front for years to come. His decision to declare early speaks to his strong NFL potential, but Texas will now have to replace a reliable veteran.

Returning Players:

1. Arch Manning (Quarterback): Perhaps the most important decision for Texas was Arch Manning’s choice to return for his sophomore year. After a solid first season, Manning showed glimpses of his potential and helped lead the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff berth. With another year of development, he could be a Heisman Trophy contender and is expected to be the face of the offense moving forward.
2. Jonathon Brooks (Running Back): Brooks made the decision to return for his senior season, which was a huge boost for Texas. As one of the best running backs in the country, his return solidifies the Longhorns’ backfield for 2025. With his ability to both run and catch out of the backfield, Brooks is a dual-threat weapon that will be central to the offensive scheme.
3. Tarique Milton (Wide Receiver): Milton, who had a solid 2024 season as a secondary target to Worthy, will return for his senior year. His experience and ability to stretch the field will be vital in helping replace Worthy’s production in the receiving corps.

Key Departures via Transfer Portal:

1. Hudson Card (Quarterback): After a few years backing up Manning, Card made the decision to enter the transfer portal. Though he showed flashes of potential during his time at Texas, Card’s playing time was limited behind Manning. The Longhorns’ loss will be another program’s gain as Card looks to find a starting role elsewhere.
2. Jalen Catalon (Safety): Catalon, who transferred from Arkansas to Texas as a highly touted transfer, has opted to enter the portal again after a productive but injury-plagued season. His leadership in the secondary will be missed, but his departure opens the door for younger players to step up.

While these departures are certainly significant, Sarkisian and his staff are well-positioned to fill the gaps through both the transfer portal and their recruiting class.

Transfer Portal: Key Additions and Targets

The transfer portal has become a crucial aspect of building a college football roster, and Texas is no stranger to utilizing it to enhance its team. The Longhorns have already made moves to add depth to several positions, with a particular focus on areas that could use an immediate upgrade heading into 2025.

Key Additions via Transfer Portal:

1. Jaheim Singletary (Cornerback – Transfer from Georgia): After losing Jalen Ford to the NFL Draft and a few key contributors in the secondary, Texas made a splash by adding Jaheim Singletary, a former five-star cornerback from Georgia. Singletary brings elite speed and ball skills to the Texas secondary, and his ability to lock down wide receivers will be key for the Longhorns’ defense in 2025.
2. Tyler Van Dyke (Quarterback – Transfer from Miami): With Hudson Card transferring, Texas needed to add some quarterback depth behind Manning. Van Dyke, who was a highly productive starter at Miami, chose Texas as his next destination. While he will likely serve as the backup to Manning, Van Dyke’s experience gives the Longhorns a reliable option in case of injury and will provide solid competition throughout the offseason.
3. Olu Fashanu (Offensive Tackle – Transfer from Penn State): The loss of Derrick Brown to the NFL Draft created a hole on the offensive line. Enter Olu Fashanu, a 6’6”, 325-pound offensive tackle from Penn State who started at tackle for the Nittany Lions. Fashanu’s addition provides a veteran presence to an otherwise young offensive line, helping to protect Manning and open up lanes for Brooks.
4. Brayden Lindsey (Wide Receiver – Transfer from Notre Dame): With Xavier Worthy declaring for the NFL, Texas needed to add depth to its wide receiving corps. Brayden Lindsey, a talented wideout from Notre Dame, provides the Longhorns with another experienced receiver who can stretch the field. Lindsey’s speed and agility will be an asset to Texas’ offense, as Manning looks for new weapons in the passing game.

Transfer Portal Targets:

1. Defensive Line (Multiple Targets): One area where Texas will likely continue to look for reinforcements is the defensive line. After losing a few key contributors to the NFL, the Longhorns are in search of more depth up front to help counter the power running games of teams like Alabama and Oklahoma. Names like Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) and Javon Baker (Florida State) have surfaced as potential additions.
2. Linebacker Depth: With Jalen Ford’s departure, Texas will be keeping an eye on linebackers in the transfer portal. Daiyan Henley from Washington State has been a name to watch, as he would provide the Longhorns with the athleticism and leadership to replace Ford’s production.

Recruiting: Longhorns’ Class of 2025 Predictions

Recruiting is a major focus for Texas as it looks to build a championship contender for years to come. The 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the most talented in the nation, with several key targets remaining on the board for the Longhorns.

Key 2025 Targets:

1. Eli Bowen (Cornerback – Duncanville, TX): Bowen is considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the nation and is a Texas native. With the need to strengthen the secondary, Bowen is a top priority for Sarkisian’s staff. Texas is in a strong position, but competition from other programs like Alabama and Georgia remains stiff.
2. Travis Hunter (Wide Receiver/Defensive Back – Jackson State): Hunter, a five-star recruit and one of the most dynamic players in the country, is being heavily pursued by Texas. Though he is currently at Jackson State, his recruitment remains fluid, and the Longhorns are optimistic about landing him. Hunter could be a game-changer on both sides of the ball, adding immediate depth to the wide receiver and secondary positions.
3. Dominic McKinley (Defensive Tackle – Lafayette, LA): McKinley is one of the top defensive tackles in the country, and Texas is in a strong position to land him. With a need for more depth on the defensive line, securing McKinley would be a huge win for the Longhorns as they continue to build a physical, dominant defense.
4. Caden Durham (Running Back – Duncanville, TX): With Jonathon Brooks likely entering the NFL Draft after 2025, the Longhorns are looking for their next star running back. Durham, a dynamic playmaker out of Duncanville, has Texas high on his list and could be the future of the Longhorns’ backfield.

Expert Prediction:

Texas is expected to finish with a top-5 recruiting class in 2025, largely due to the program’s resurgence under Sarkisian’s leadership and the added momentum from a College Football Playoff appearance. The Longhorns are poised to land a mixture of elite in-state talent and top national recruits, particularly in the secondary and defensive line. The recruitment of top-tier offensive playmakers like Durham and Hunter will also be crucial for maintaining a balanced, explosive roster.