Texas football offseason news: Longhorns insiders’ predictions for recruiting, roster changes, and the transfer portal

Texas Football Offseason News: Longhorns Insiders’ Predictions for Recruiting, Roster Changes, and the Transfer Portal

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns are looking to build on the momentum they established in the previous season under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With a roster that has continued to improve through both recruiting and strategic use of the transfer portal, the Longhorns are positioned to be a major player in the Big 12, and possibly even the new era of college football as they transition to the SEC. However, the offseason is a time for significant changes, with recruiting, roster adjustments, and the transfer portal all playing pivotal roles in shaping the team’s future.

This article explores insider predictions regarding the Texas Longhorns’ offseason strategies. We’ll break down what to expect from Texas’ recruiting efforts, the potential for key roster changes, and how the Longhorns are likely to approach the transfer portal to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.

Recruiting: Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

One of the cornerstones of any successful college football program is its recruiting efforts. The Longhorns have a rich tradition of producing elite talent, and under Steve Sarkisian, their recruiting has only continued to rise. With a fertile recruiting ground in Texas and the surrounding states, the Longhorns are primed to land high-profile recruits from the nation’s top high school football programs. The big question now is whether they can capitalize on their success to build a roster capable of competing for a national title in the SEC.

Insider Predictions for Texas Recruiting:

1. Focus on Offensive and Defensive Line Depth: Recruiting insiders predict that Texas will focus heavily on bolstering both its offensive and defensive lines in the 2025 recruiting class. Texas has had success in recent years in recruiting elite skill position players, but the team has sometimes been criticized for a lack of depth in the trenches. To compete with SEC powerhouses, Texas will need to upgrade in both the offensive and defensive lines, and that will be a priority for Sarkisian’s staff. Look for Texas to secure commitments from top-tier offensive and defensive linemen who can develop into future stars. With top recruits like five-star offensive tackle Braylen Taylor and defensive tackle Jordan Ricks in the mix, the Longhorns are hoping to continue this trend.
2. Quarterback Development: Quarterback has been a critical position for Texas in recent years, and the program’s future success will largely depend on how well they develop their signal callers. While Quinn Ewers, the starting quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance, the coaching staff will look to strengthen its quarterback pipeline. Insider predictions indicate that Texas will be targeting elite quarterbacks in the 2025 class, including players like Dylan Raiola and Mylik Dews, both of whom are highly sought after by major programs. With Sarkisian’s background as an offensive-minded coach, securing a top quarterback will remain a priority, especially as the team prepares for SEC competition.
3. Defensive Playmakers: The Texas defense has been a work in progress, but with a renewed focus on recruiting athletic defensive playmakers, insiders predict that Texas will add more speed, talent, and versatility to its defense. The Longhorns are particularly interested in linebackers, defensive backs, and edge rushers who can provide pressure to opposing quarterbacks. Texas has been a top contender for five-star linebacker Jordan Lockhart and could be in the running for cornerback Jaylen Hall, both of whom are considered game-changers on defense. Adding these types of players will help Texas compete against high-powered offenses in the SEC.
4. Wide Receiver and Running Back: As Sarkisian continues to develop Texas into an offensive powerhouse, it’s essential that he continues to recruit top-tier skill players. While Texas has a strong receiving corps with players like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, insiders believe that adding another elite receiver is a priority. Texas will be in the mix for Collin Simmons and other highly-rated receivers who could immediately make an impact. In the backfield, Texas is targeting running back prospects like Cedric Baxter Jr. to complement their already strong running game, ensuring they have the talent to move the ball efficiently in both the passing and running games.

Roster Changes: Key Departures and Impactful Returns

Offseason roster changes are a constant in college football, especially with the rise of the transfer portal. Texas, like many other programs, will experience departures, and insiders predict that the Longhorns will be actively looking to fill specific voids on the roster. This could include key positions such as quarterback, running back, defensive line, and defensive back.

Predicted Key Departures:

1. Graduation and NFL Draft Declarations: Texas will be saying goodbye to several players due to graduation and NFL draft declarations. While there has been no official word on specific players yet, the Longhorns will almost certainly lose some of their key contributors. Players such as Bijan Robinson (who is expected to declare for the NFL draft) and DeMarvion Overshown (another potential draft candidate) will be significant losses for the team. While the team has solid replacements in the works, losing these kinds of elite players creates a void in leadership and playmaking ability.
2. Transfer Portal Departures: Another potential source of departures will come via the transfer portal. As with most major programs, Texas could lose a few players who are looking for more playing time or a change of scenery. According to insiders, Texas could see a few backups or depth players enter the portal, but nothing that would drastically impact the starting lineup or the team’s core. However, given Sarkisian’s ability to develop players and adapt his system, the Longhorns will work to address any lost depth with additions from the transfer portal.

Predicted Key Returnees:

1. Quinn Ewers (QB): One of the most important returnees for Texas is quarterback Quinn Ewers. Despite some ups and downs during his first season as the starting quarterback, Ewers has immense potential and is expected to take another step forward in his development. With Sarkisian’s guidance, Ewers will be able to refine his game and take advantage of the offensive weapons at his disposal. The key for Ewers will be consistency and eliminating the mistakes that occasionally plagued his game. Texas insiders expect Ewers to make significant strides and be one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12, if not the entire country, in 2025.
2. Xavier Worthy (WR): One of the most dynamic playmakers on Texas’ roster is wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Worthy has the ability to stretch the field with his speed and athleticism, and his continued development will be crucial to Texas’ offensive success. With Ewers likely returning at quarterback, Worthy should benefit from more consistent play at that position, which will help him showcase his talents even more. Insiders believe Worthy could have a breakout season in 2025 and be one of the top receivers in college football.
3. Jatavious “J.T.” Sanders (TE): Tight end Jatavious Sanders has quickly developed into one of the most dangerous threats in the Texas passing game. Sanders’ ability to block and catch passes downfield gives the Longhorns a multi-dimensional weapon, and insiders predict that he will be one of the focal points of the offense moving forward. Expect Sanders to be a key contributor in both the passing and running game as Texas looks to continue to build an efficient, high-scoring offense.
4. Defense: On defense, Texas will also see some important returnees. Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and linebacker Jalen Ford are expected to be key leaders on the defense. Both players demonstrated their ability to make plays in 2024, and their leadership will be critical for the Longhorns as they look to build a championship-caliber defense. Texas is expected to have one of the better defenses in the Big 12 in 2025, and Ford and Murphy will be central to that effort.

Transfer Portal: Targeting Key Positions for Immediate Impact

As always, the transfer portal will play a significant role in shaping Texas’ roster for the 2025 season. Sarkisian has demonstrated an ability to use the portal effectively, bringing in key players who can make an immediate impact. Given the ever-evolving nature of college football, Texas insiders believe that the Longhorns will be active in the portal, particularly looking to address certain positional needs.

Key Transfer Portal Targets:

1. Offensive Line Help: With the competition in the SEC intensifying, the offensive line will be an area of focus for Texas. While the Longhorns have solid depth along the offensive line, they may look to add experienced players through the portal who can step in and contribute immediately. Players with experience playing at a high level of competition will be especially valuable in helping Texas transition to the SEC.
2. Defensive Backfield: Texas could look to add depth to its secondary through the portal, especially at cornerback. While the Longhorns have some talented young players in the defensive backfield, adding an experienced cornerback who can provide immediate leadership and stability could make a significant difference. There are likely to be several top-tier defensive backs entering the portal, and Texas could be in the hunt for one of them.
3. Linebacker and Edge Rushers: With the loss of some key defensive players, Texas could look to bolster its linebacker and edge rusher depth via the portal. Adding an experienced pass rusher or versatile linebacker could help the Longhorns maintain a strong defensive presence in 2025 and beyond. Insiders suggest that Texas could be looking for a player who can come in and make an immediate impact, especially in a competitive SEC environment.