Texas football offseason news: transfer portal, roster updates, and recruiting outlook by Longhorns analysts.

As the 2024 college football season wraps up and teams look forward to the offseason, Texas Longhorns football finds itself at a pivotal moment. With an impressive season in the books, the Longhorns are shifting their focus to key areas for improvement, player development, and bolstering the roster for a strong 2025 campaign. As always, the transfer portal, roster updates, and recruiting class developments will play a huge role in shaping the trajectory of the team. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the latest Texas football offseason news, from the transfer portal to updates on returning players, and an outlook on the recruiting class that promises to continue the Longhorns’ march toward excellence.

Transfer Portal Updates: Key Additions and Departures

The transfer portal has been an essential tool for Texas football, allowing them to address roster needs and plug gaps that could make a difference in their pursuit of Big 12 and national championships. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has utilized the portal effectively, adding key contributors to the program. In the 2024 offseason, Texas continues to be active in securing talent from the portal, whether it’s for immediate impact players or building depth for the future.

Notable Additions:

1. QB Tyler Van Dyke (Miami): The addition of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke from Miami has sent shockwaves through the Texas football community. A former standout for the Hurricanes, Van Dyke brings significant experience to the table, having been one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks over the past few seasons. Van Dyke has the potential to make an immediate impact, providing depth and competition for the Longhorns’ quarterback room. While Quinn Ewers showed promise in 2024, Van Dyke’s veteran presence gives Texas valuable insurance at the most important position on the field, especially in the event of injuries or changes to the starting lineup.
2. RB Braylon Allen (Wisconsin): Another notable transfer is running back Braylon Allen, who comes to Texas from Wisconsin. Allen is a bruising back with a combination of speed and power that makes him difficult to tackle. His ability to dominate between the tackles will add another dimension to Texas’ running game, complementing Bijan Robinson’s departure and giving the Longhorns more depth at the position. With Allen joining the backfield alongside Jonathon Brooks and Keilan Robinson, Texas will have a loaded and dynamic running back group that can provide balance to their offense.
3. LB Ernest Jones (Missouri): Texas added some much-needed experience and talent to its defense with the addition of linebacker Ernest Jones from Missouri. Jones has been a standout for the Tigers and is known for his ability to cover ground quickly, making him a solid addition to the Longhorns’ linebacker corps. His presence should help solidify the defense, which remains one of the program’s most important focuses as they look to remain one of the top teams in the Big 12 and eventually the SEC.
4. WR Jermaine Burton (Alabama): Wide receiver Jermaine Burton’s transfer from Alabama has sparked excitement in Austin. Burton is a highly athletic receiver who possesses both the speed and ball skills to be a threat down the field. His ability to stretch the field will complement the already talented wide receiver group at Texas, including Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, and give the Longhorns a more complete passing attack as they transition into the SEC.

Key Departures:

1. RB Bijan Robinson (NFL Draft): Bijan Robinson’s departure to the NFL draft is one of the most significant losses for Texas football. Robinson was one of the top running backs in the nation, possessing a rare combination of vision, power, and explosiveness. His ability to impact the game in both the run and passing game made him the focal point of the Longhorns’ offense. Texas will need to rely on the emergence of players like Jonathon Brooks and Braylon Allen to fill the void left by Robinson’s departure.
2. CB D’Shawn Jamison (NFL Draft): Another key loss for Texas comes in the secondary with cornerback D’Shawn Jamison heading to the NFL. Jamison had been a mainstay in the Texas defense, providing solid coverage and leadership in the defensive backfield. The Longhorns will need to find a replacement at cornerback, and the coaching staff will likely look to the transfer portal or younger players to step up and fill Jamison’s shoes.
3. DL T’Vondre Sweat (NFL Draft): Defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat has declared for the NFL draft, leaving a hole in the Longhorns’ defensive front. Sweat was a force against both the run and pass, helping to anchor a defensive line that was critical to Texas’ success in 2024. With his departure, Texas will need to develop or recruit new players who can match his level of play in the trenches.

Roster Updates: Key Returnees and Breakout Candidates

Texas returns a number of key players who will be central to the team’s success in 2025. These returning players have the potential to become leaders and help guide the Longhorns as they transition to the SEC. Here’s a breakdown of the most crucial players returning to the Longhorns’ roster.

QB Quinn Ewers:

After a rollercoaster sophomore season, Quinn Ewers will enter 2025 with the chance to build on his progress and take his game to the next level. Ewers showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency at times during the 2024 season. However, his arm strength, mobility, and potential make him a high-upside quarterback for Texas moving forward. With an increased focus on developing his decision-making and efficiency, Ewers has the tools to become one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.

WR Xavier Worthy:

Xavier Worthy returns as Texas’ primary receiving weapon. After a standout 2024 season, Worthy demonstrated his explosive ability to stretch the field and create big plays. His speed and agility make him a threat every time he touches the ball, and he’ll be looking to continue his upward trajectory in 2025. With additional depth at wide receiver following the arrival of Jermaine Burton, Worthy will likely see increased attention from opposing defenses, but his ability to make plays will remain crucial for Texas’ offense.

DE Baron Sorrell:

One of the breakout stars on defense in 2024, Baron Sorrell returns as one of Texas’ most dynamic pass rushers. Sorrell’s relentless motor and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks made him a key component of the Longhorns’ defensive success. Heading into 2025, Sorrell will be counted on to anchor the defensive front and help Texas continue its strong defensive play in the SEC.

LB Jaylan Ford:

A standout linebacker for Texas, Jaylan Ford will be expected to lead the defense in 2025. Ford’s sideline-to-sideline range and leadership make him an essential piece for the Longhorns’ defensive unit. His ability to play both the run and the pass will be invaluable as Texas continues to improve under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.

Recruiting Outlook: The 2025 Class

The 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of Texas’ best in recent memory. Coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have already secured some key commitments and are poised to continue adding talent to their roster. The Longhorns’ recruiting class is ranked highly by various outlets, with multiple 5-star and 4-star recruits pledging to join the program.

Top Recruits:

1. QB Arch Manning: The crown jewel of Texas’ 2025 recruiting class is, of course, Arch Manning, the highly coveted quarterback from New Orleans. Manning, a 5-star recruit and the top quarterback in his class, has the potential to be the future of Texas football. With a strong arm, football IQ, and leadership qualities, Manning could eventually take over the starting role, but for now, he will join the quarterback room and compete for playing time. His decision to join Texas has already added tremendous momentum to the program’s recruiting efforts, and his presence on the roster will have long-term benefits for the Longhorns.
2. DL Braylen McReynolds: Another key recruit for Texas is defensive lineman Braylen McReynolds, a 4-star prospect with the size and skill set to make an immediate impact. McReynolds is a dominant force in the trenches, capable of both rushing the passer and stopping the run. His addition to the defensive line will help fill the void left by T’Vondre Sweat and further strengthen Texas’ defense.
3. WR Jonah Wilson: Wide receiver Jonah Wilson is another highly ranked recruit in the 2025 class. Wilson brings great size, speed, and ball skills, and he will provide a much-needed boost to Texas’ receiving corps. With the departure of some key veterans, Wilson could make an immediate impact alongside Xavier Worthy and Jermaine Burton.
4. OL Jaden Chapman: Offensive lineman Jaden Chapman is a 5-star recruit who is expected to bolster the Longhorns’ offensive line. With the departure of several key contributors along the line, Chapman’s addition will help solidify the line and provide protection for Quinn Ewers and the rest of the offensive skill players.