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

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for another season, the offseason becomes a critical time for the program to refine its roster, enhance its recruiting efforts, and navigate the complex landscape of the transfer portal. After a successful 2024 season and an eye toward future success, the Longhorns are poised to make significant moves both on and off the field. In this article, we will break down the key areas of focus for Texas football insiders, providing predictions for recruiting, roster changes, and how the transfer portal could impact the Longhorns as they look to secure a spot among the nation’s elite teams in 2025.

1. Recruiting: Texas Set to Build on Recent Momentum

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any college football program, and Texas has been on a strong trajectory under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns have been consistently ranked among the top programs in recruiting, and the 2025 recruiting class is expected to be no different. Following a strong 2024 season, Texas is looking to solidify its position as one of the top programs in the nation, and recruiting will be a key factor in that pursuit.

Key Areas of Focus:

• In-State Talent: Texas has long been a hub for some of the best high school football talent in the country, and the Longhorns’ ability to keep top-tier recruits in-state is vital. Texas has historically faced stiff competition from schools like Alabama, LSU, and Oklahoma, but the recent success under Sarkisian has made the Longhorns a more appealing option for in-state prospects. In 2025, insiders predict that Texas will focus on locking down elite Texas high school talent, especially in positions of need like offensive and defensive line, wide receiver, and secondary.
• Quarterback Position: Arch Manning’s arrival in 2023 set a new tone for the program, and the Longhorns are expected to continue to target elite quarterbacks in the recruiting cycle. While Manning is the future of the program, ensuring that future backup quarterbacks are brought in as well will be key. Expect Texas to target a highly ranked QB for the 2025 or 2026 classes to continue building the future of the position, adding depth and potential competition for the starting role.
• Defensive Line and Secondary: Texas’ defense has made strides in recent seasons, but one area where the Longhorns still need to improve is in the trenches and in the secondary. The defensive line is expected to be a major priority for Texas’ 2025 recruiting efforts, as the program looks to add more depth and talent to one of the most physically demanding positions on the field. Insiders predict that Texas will continue to prioritize adding elite pass-rushers and interior linemen to build a dominant defensive front.

In the secondary, Texas is expected to focus on cornerbacks and safeties who can help provide more coverage versatility and the ability to lock down top-tier receivers. As offenses become more pass-heavy, bolstering the secondary will be crucial for Texas’ long-term defensive success.

• Wide Receivers and Playmakers: With an offense poised for a dynamic future under Arch Manning or Quinn Ewers, adding explosive playmakers at wide receiver will be another area of focus. Texas already has Xavier Worthy, but continuing to stockpile talent at wide receiver will give the Longhorns more weapons in the passing game. Expect the Longhorns to pursue speedy, versatile wide receivers who can stretch the field and contribute immediately.

2. Roster Changes: Key Departures and Returnees

Every offseason comes with its fair share of roster changes, and the Longhorns are no different. While recruiting and the transfer portal are vital for Texas, the decisions made by returning players and those leaving for the NFL will play a crucial role in the program’s future.

Key Departures:

• NFL Draft Decisions: Texas is expected to see some key players depart for the NFL in 2025, as the program has a number of highly talented athletes who are projected to be early-round draft picks. On the defensive side, players like edge rusher T’Vondre Sweat, linebacker Jaylan Ford, and cornerback Terrance Brooks could be among the top candidates to declare for the draft. These players have been staples of the defense and losing them will leave a gap that Texas will need to fill.
• Offensive Skill Players: On offense, the Longhorns could see running back Bijan Robinson, who has been a standout over the past two seasons, declare for the NFL Draft as well. His departure would be a significant loss, but Texas has capable depth at the position with young talents like Jonathan Brooks and Jaydon Blue. However, finding a feature back to replace Robinson’s production will be key in 2025.
• Quarterback Uncertainty: Quinn Ewers’ future is one of the biggest storylines heading into the offseason. After two seasons under center for Texas, Ewers has yet to fully fulfill the massive expectations placed on him. With Arch Manning coming into the fold, Ewers’ decision to stay or leave could have major implications for Texas’ quarterback depth chart. If Ewers were to leave early for the NFL or transfer, it would open the door for Manning to take over the starting role immediately, with Malik Murphy as a backup.

Key Returnees:

• Quarterback Competition: Regardless of whether Ewers stays or leaves, the quarterback battle is going to be a major storyline in 2025. Arch Manning’s progression will be key to Texas’ success, and his development throughout the offseason will play a major role in determining who starts for the Longhorns. Manning’s ability to grasp the offense and handle the pressures of being a Texas quarterback will determine whether he starts right away or whether Ewers can hang onto the job for one more season.
• Wide Receiver Depth: Xavier Worthy will return as Texas’ top wide receiver, and his ability to stretch the field will be pivotal for the offense. The emergence of other receivers like Jordan Whittington, Savion Red, and Casey Cain will be critical as well. Texas will look to develop more depth at wide receiver to ensure that Manning (or Ewers) has a variety of playmakers at their disposal.
• Defensive Leaders: Texas’ defense will also return some key players, including linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and defensive tackle Byron Murphy, who will anchor the defensive line. The Longhorns will need to develop more depth at linebacker and cornerback, especially with potential departures to the NFL. The returning defensive leadership will help Texas reload and maintain strong play on that side of the ball.

3. The Transfer Portal: Filling Gaps and Adding Depth

In recent years, the transfer portal has become a crucial component of building a college football roster. Texas has been aggressive in utilizing the portal to fill gaps, bolster depth, and address immediate needs. The 2025 offseason is expected to be no different, as the Longhorns will look to add experienced players to key positions.

Areas to Address Through the Portal:

• Offensive Line: One area where Texas has consistently looked to improve is the offensive line. While the Longhorns have invested in recruiting young offensive linemen, the need for immediate contributors and depth remains high. Texas could target experienced offensive linemen from Power Five programs or established Group of Five standouts who can come in and make an immediate impact. This will be crucial for protecting either Arch Manning or Quinn Ewers and establishing a balanced offensive attack.
• Secondary Help: With potential departures in the secondary and ongoing development needs, Texas may target cornerbacks and safeties through the portal who can help provide experience and stability. Defensive backs from established programs with starting experience in high-pressure games would be valuable assets for Texas as they look to strengthen their defensive backfield in a pass-heavy Big 12 and SEC environment.
• Wide Receiver Depth: Although Texas has a strong wide receiver group, adding a veteran transfer with experience in a high-powered offense could elevate the receiving corps to new heights. A proven playmaker with the ability to stretch the field and contribute in big games could give Texas an extra weapon, especially if any injuries affect the current wide receiver group.
• Defensive Line: Another area that Texas may look to strengthen through the transfer portal is the defensive line. While Texas has some great talent, adding a veteran edge rusher or interior lineman could provide the depth needed for the Longhorns to compete at the highest level. A proven pass rusher could be exactly what the Longhorns need to bolster their defensive front as they transition to the SEC, where they will face some of the most dominant offensive lines in the country.

In-House Portal Decisions: As Texas looks to add to its roster, there will also be in-house transfer decisions. Some players on the current roster may decide to enter the transfer portal, seeking more playing time or a better fit in another program. Keeping an eye on which players may leave and how that affects depth will be a crucial part of Texas’ roster-building process.