Andrew Mukuba or Matthew Golden? All Texas football transfers are rated for the 2024 campaign.
Andrew Mukuba or Matthew Golden? All Texas Football Transfers Rated for the 2024 Campaign
The Texas Longhorns football team has become a program that is not only known for producing top-tier talent but also for its aggressive approach in the transfer portal. In recent years, Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff have tapped into the ever-expanding portal to enhance their roster and fill key needs. With the 2024 season on the horizon, Texas has made several high-profile moves to bolster its squad, particularly in areas where they have depth concerns or could use a veteran presence. Among these transfers, two names have garnered significant attention: Andrew Mukuba, a former standout defensive back from Clemson, and Matthew Golden, a highly rated wide receiver from Houston.
These players have the potential to make a significant impact for the Longhorns as they continue their pursuit of a national championship. But how do they compare, and what can we expect from them in 2024? In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both players, evaluating their skills, potential impact on the team, and what role they will play in Texas’ quest for success in the upcoming season.
Andrew Mukuba: A Defensive Force Ready to Lead
Andrew Mukuba made a name for himself at Clemson as one of the premier defensive backs in the nation. His standout freshman campaign in 2021, where he racked up 43 tackles, an interception, and several pass breakups, drew the attention of scouts and coaches around the country. Mukuba was widely regarded as one of the most gifted defensive prospects in the nation, and his ability to play multiple roles in the secondary made him a versatile asset for Clemson. His decision to transfer to Texas for the 2024 campaign has raised expectations for both himself and the Longhorns’ defense.
A Proven Playmaker
Mukuba’s ability to impact the game as a defensive back is evident from his time at Clemson. While he primarily played safety, his versatility allowed him to also contribute in cornerback positions, where he showcased his natural ability to cover both short and deep routes. He is a player who excels in coverage, breaking up passes, and making timely interceptions. What stands out about Mukuba, though, is his ability to read the game and position himself effectively, making him a solid tackler in the open field. His playmaking ability, both in coverage and in stopping the run, will make him a key piece of Texas’ secondary in 2024.
In a Texas defense that already boasts talented players, Mukuba will have the opportunity to shine as a leader in the backfield. Given his maturity and experience at the highest levels of college football, he should immediately make an impact, potentially starting at safety and helping solidify a secondary that will be crucial for the Longhorns in a competitive Big 12 and eventual SEC schedule.
What to Expect in 2024
Mukuba’s addition to the Texas secondary gives them an experienced and dynamic presence. He is not only capable of being a lockdown cornerback or safety, but he also has the vision to read quarterbacks and jump routes, making him a prime candidate to be a ball hawk for the Longhorns. With Texas facing some of the most potent passing attacks in the nation, Mukuba’s ability to control the field from the secondary will be crucial.
Expect Mukuba to be a starter in 2024, possibly alongside a seasoned veteran such as Jerrin Thompson. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as the Longhorns look to compete for a Big 12 Championship and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Mukuba could also be a candidate for All-Big 12 honors, as his combination of skill, versatility, and football IQ makes him one of the top defenders in the conference.
Matthew Golden: A Game-Changer for the Texas Offense
While Texas’ defense will be bolstered by the arrival of Mukuba, the offensive side of the ball will see major improvements as well, particularly with the addition of Matthew Golden from Houston. A standout wide receiver for the Cougars, Golden has proven to be a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses. With a strong combination of speed, size, and route-running ability, Golden will play an important role in revitalizing Texas’ passing attack.
A Proven Playmaker at Houston
Golden’s time at Houston showed his potential as one of the top wide receivers in the Group of Five. In 2022, he totaled 587 yards on 33 receptions and added 7 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make big plays in crucial moments. While he didn’t dominate every game, Golden showed flashes of brilliance and had the ability to take over games with his explosive athleticism. His ability to go up and make contested catches, combined with his deep-threat capability, made him a vital weapon for the Cougars.
Golden’s agility and quickness are assets that make him tough to cover on the outside. His route-running ability, combined with a deep understanding of how to exploit defensive coverage, makes him a dangerous player in both short-yardage and deep-ball situations. With his transition to Texas, Golden will have an opportunity to play in a more high-profile offense and compete in one of the best conferences in college football.
What to Expect in 2024
Golden enters the Texas program with the opportunity to become a key weapon in an offense that has shown promise but needs more consistency. Texas quarterbacks, particularly Quinn Ewers, will benefit from having Golden on the outside to stretch defenses and open up passing lanes. Given Golden’s proven ability to make plays, he should quickly adapt to Texas’ system and become one of the top receivers on the roster. His speed and playmaking ability will add a new dimension to an already talented wide receiver corps that includes names like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington.
With Texas joining the SEC in 2025, Golden will need to prove he can make an impact against the league’s physical defenses. In 2024, however, his role will be to help Texas put up big numbers in the Big 12 and make the passing game a formidable force. Expect Golden to be one of the Longhorns’ primary weapons in the receiving game, contributing to both short and long-range plays.
Texas’ Transfer Class for 2024: A Balancing Act Between Offense and Defense
While Mukuba and Golden are undoubtedly two of the most high-profile transfers for Texas in 2024, they are part of a much larger class of transfers that could reshape the roster. In a season where the Longhorns are poised to be serious contenders in both the Big 12 and on the national stage, Sarkisian and his staff have worked diligently to address several areas of need on both sides of the ball.
Defensive Additions Beyond Mukuba
In addition to Mukuba, Texas has also brought in several key pieces to bolster its defense. Defensive linemen, linebackers, and additional secondary help will all be part of the program’s 2024 roster, ensuring that Texas has the depth needed to compete in the SEC. The Longhorns’ defensive line, which has already been a strength, will be bolstered by transfers capable of getting to the quarterback and stopping the run.
One of the most critical aspects of the defense in 2024 will be its ability to disrupt the quarterback and generate turnovers, and Mukuba’s presence could prove invaluable in that regard. As a ball-hawking safety, Mukuba will be instrumental in setting the tone for the Longhorns’ defense in a high-powered conference.
Offensive Additions Beyond Golden
Golden, meanwhile, is not the only offensive weapon Texas has added via the transfer portal. The Longhorns have bolstered their running back position and brought in additional receivers to give Ewers more weapons at his disposal. With a more dynamic offense and the addition of playmakers across the board, Texas is poised to be a much more explosive team on offense in 2024.
