The Texas Longhorns Need to Complete These 5 Transfer Portal Requirements Before the 2025 Season

The transfer portal has revolutionized college football, allowing players to change schools more freely than ever before. For teams like the Texas Longhorns, it has become a crucial tool in shaping their rosters. Texas has a storied history and the resources to attract top talent, but the 2025 season will require strategic use of the portal to stay competitive at the highest level. Here are five transfer portal requirements the Texas Longhorns need to fulfill before the 2025 season in order to contend for a national title.

1. Find a Proven Quarterback Leader

The quarterback position is the most critical on any football team, and Texas has had an up-and-down history with its signal-callers. While Quinn Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, he has also been inconsistent at times. With the Longhorns entering the 2025 season, it’s imperative that they secure a reliable, proven quarterback either through the transfer portal or development of an existing player.

Texas needs a quarterback who can lead the offense and handle the pressures of a high-stakes Big 12 and potential playoff run. While developing young talent like Ewers or another incoming recruit is always a possibility, the Longhorns might benefit more by looking for a veteran with experience at the Power Five level.

For instance, players like Jalen Milroe (Alabama) or KJ Jefferson (Arkansas) would be perfect candidates if they decide to enter the portal. These quarterbacks bring elite athleticism, leadership, and experience in high-level competition. A proven player would bring stability to the most important position on the field and allow Texas to focus on developing other areas of the roster.

Key Considerations:

• Look for quarterbacks who have experience in big games.
• Ensure they fit into the offensive system that Steve Sarkisian runs, which is designed to create a high-powered passing game.
• Evaluate their ability to handle pressure, as the Longhorns are expected to be national contenders.

2. Reinforce the Offensive Line Depth

In the competitive world of college football, a strong offensive line is a cornerstone of any successful program. The Texas Longhorns are known for their physicality, but even they have occasionally struggled with consistency along the offensive line. Texas needs to bolster this unit by adding experienced players through the transfer portal, ensuring that they have both depth and talent at every position.

The offensive line needs to be able to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the tailbacks. Texas has solid young talent on the offensive line, but with a strong transfer addition or two, they could transform this group into one of the best in the country. Veterans who have performed well in Power Five conferences or even from the Group of Five programs can step in and immediately contribute.

The Longhorns should target versatile offensive linemen who can play multiple positions. This adds flexibility, especially with injuries and the possibility of players needing to step into new roles during the season. There’s no question that a stout offensive line is the backbone of a successful football team, and Texas needs to make this a priority in the portal.

Key Considerations:

• Look for linemen with experience against top-tier defenses.
• Ensure they can thrive in a system that emphasizes both the pass and the run game.
• Prioritize players who are capable of stepping into starting roles immediately.

3. Secure a Top-Tier Wide Receiver or Playmaker

While Texas has some solid wide receivers, adding a proven playmaker from the transfer portal could help push the offense to the next level. A dynamic wide receiver with the ability to make explosive plays can change the course of a game and give the offense a new dimension. Texas needs to find a transfer portal receiver who can be a game-changer, especially if they want to compete for a College Football Playoff berth.

Look for wide receivers who have the ability to stretch the field, make plays after the catch, and provide a reliable option on third down. A wideout with experience in the Power Five, particularly one with a history of high-yardage seasons or big-play potential, would be a valuable addition to the roster.

It’s also important for Texas to find a receiver who can complement Xavier Worthy and other existing pass-catchers. A second threat on the outside could make life much easier for whoever is at quarterback and open up the entire field for the offense. Whether it’s a possession receiver or a deep threat, Texas needs someone who can step up and make plays when the game is on the line.

Key Considerations:

• Identify players who are effective in a variety of roles (slot, outside, special teams).
• Look for players who have a history of making big plays in tough environments.
• Prioritize those who have experience working with fast-paced, high-volume offenses.

4. Enhance the Defensive Line Depth

Texas has built a solid defensive line, but with the physicality of Big 12 football and the demands of a national championship chase, they need depth to avoid wear and tear during the long season. A strong pass rush and the ability to control the line of scrimmage are key to success, and adding an experienced defensive lineman or two could make all the difference.

Texas should target defensive linemen who can be immediate contributors. The ideal players would bring high-level experience in both stopping the run and getting after the quarterback. This would allow the Longhorns to rotate fresh bodies in and out of the game, keeping key players healthy while maintaining a high level of play throughout the season.

The portal offers an opportunity to land players who may have experience at other Power Five programs but are looking for a new home, or even standout players from smaller conferences who could be ready for a big jump. Regardless, Texas needs to look for both interior linemen and edge rushers to ensure they have a complete defensive front.

Key Considerations:

• Focus on players with both size and athleticism.
• Look for defensive linemen who can both disrupt the quarterback and clog running lanes.
• Prioritize depth at both tackle and edge positions.

5. Bolster the Secondary with Playmakers

The secondary has been one of the Texas Longhorns’ weak spots in recent years, and while there are solid players on the roster, they could use some additional talent. College football offenses are evolving, and teams are passing the ball more than ever. In order to compete at the highest level, Texas must ensure its secondary can compete with the best wide receivers in the country.

The Longhorns should target experienced cornerbacks and safeties from the portal who have a proven ability to cover and make plays in critical situations. Whether it’s a ball-hawking safety who can create turnovers or a cornerback with shutdown potential, Texas needs to secure at least one or two impact players in the secondary.

These transfers could be experienced players who have already proven themselves in big conferences and are ready to step into a starting role. A strong secondary can make a major difference in turning close games into victories and can help Texas defend against the pass-heavy offenses they will face.

Key Considerations:

• Focus on players who are ball-hawking playmakers.
• Evaluate cornerbacks who can match up with top-tier wide receivers.
• Look for safeties with both coverage skills and the ability to help in run support.