With excellent recruitment, returning players, and possible transfer portal additions setting the Longhorns up for success

As the 2024 college football season winds down and teams begin preparing for the 2025 campaign, there’s no shortage of optimism surrounding the Texas Longhorns. After years of rebuilding, the Longhorns have finally begun to show their potential under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and many experts are placing them among the top contenders for the 2025 season in their “way-too-early” rankings. Texas has made significant strides in recruiting, has a core group of returning players, and is poised to capitalize on key transfer portal additions. All of these factors could combine to make the Longhorns one of the top teams in the nation, with aspirations of competing for a College Football Playoff berth and a national championship.

Excellent Recruitment: Building the Foundation for Success

Recruitment is the lifeblood of any successful college football program, and Texas has always had a history of attracting top-tier talent. Under Steve Sarkisian, this has been no different. While the Longhorns have had some ups and downs in recruiting, the momentum in recent years has been overwhelmingly positive. Texas has managed to land elite recruits at virtually every position, and the class of 2025 promises to be another strong one.

One of the key reasons Texas is considered a contender in 2025 is the wealth of talent being brought into the program. The Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class ranks among the top in the nation, with a strong emphasis on both sides of the ball. Texas has loaded up on highly ranked offensive and defensive linemen, wide receivers, and defensive backs—positions that are crucial for competing at the highest levels of college football.

On the offensive side, the Longhorns have secured commitments from a number of blue-chip players, including a top-tier quarterback, highly touted wide receivers, and several running backs who could provide an immediate impact. This recruiting success will help Texas continue to build a high-powered offense that can compete with the best in the Big 12 and beyond. The combination of strong recruits and existing offensive players such as Xavier Worthy and Jaydon Blue will allow Sarkisian to continue building his dynamic offensive system.

Defensively, the Longhorns have also put together an impressive class, particularly in the trenches. Texas has secured commitments from top-tier defensive linemen and linebackers, which should help shore up a defensive front that has been solid but needs to continue to improve to compete with the powerhouses of college football. The addition of key players in the secondary will also bolster a defense that has shown flashes of brilliance but has sometimes struggled with consistency.

One key aspect of Texas’ recruiting efforts is their ability to retain in-state talent. Texas has always been a hotbed for football recruits, and the Longhorns have done well in keeping the top talent home. With elite programs like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Ohio State always looking to poach Texas’ best players, it’s crucial that Texas keeps its top recruits in-state. The 2025 recruiting class should go a long way in ensuring the Longhorns continue to attract the best players from the Lone Star State and beyond.

Returning Players: Experience and Leadership

While recruiting is vital, the success of a program is also determined by the talent it has returning each season. Texas has a number of key players returning in 2025 who will be crucial to their success. With experience at key positions and a year of growth under their belts, these returning players are expected to lead the charge for the Longhorns.

One of the most important returning players for Texas is quarterback Quinn Ewers. After a mixed 2023 season, Ewers showed significant development in 2024 and enters 2025 with a wealth of experience. His ability to lead the offense, make plays downfield, and stay calm under pressure will be critical to the Longhorns’ success. If Ewers can continue to develop and reach his potential, Texas will have one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in college football, which could push them into the national championship conversation.

The Longhorns also return a host of talented wide receivers, led by Xavier Worthy. Worthy has been one of the top playmakers for Texas, and his ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays is something that will be essential in 2025. Along with Worthy, Texas has a solid group of pass-catchers who can step up and contribute, giving Ewers multiple weapons to work with in the passing game. The development of these receivers, combined with a quarterback like Ewers, could create one of the most potent offenses in the country.

In the trenches, Texas has a number of returning offensive and defensive linemen who will play pivotal roles in the 2025 season. On the offensive line, Texas will rely on veterans who can provide stability and allow Ewers time to operate in the pocket. On the defensive line, the Longhorns have several promising players who can disrupt the opposing offense, whether it’s pressuring the quarterback or stopping the run. The continued development of these units will be key to Texas’ hopes of competing for a national championship.

Texas’ linebacker corps also returns a solid group of players, including experienced leaders who can set the tone for the defense. The secondary will see some turnover, but Texas has the talent to reload and remain competitive. Overall, the combination of returning players and experienced leaders will help Texas avoid the growing pains that many teams experience when trying to contend for championships.

Transfer Portal Additions: Instant Impact

One of the most significant advantages teams have in modern college football is the transfer portal, and Texas is well-positioned to benefit from it. With the addition of key transfers, Texas can fill gaps on the roster and add experience and talent at critical positions. While the Longhorns already have a strong core of recruits and returning players, the transfer portal allows them to quickly address any potential weaknesses and add instant contributors.

The quarterback position, for example, could be bolstered through the transfer portal, depending on the situation with Quinn Ewers. If Ewers were to leave for the NFL, Texas would need a capable replacement. Even if Ewers returns, adding a high-quality backup with experience could provide insurance against injuries or poor play. The Longhorns could target a veteran quarterback from the portal who has proven himself in high-stakes games, giving them an experienced player who can step in and lead the offense if needed.

The offensive and defensive lines are also areas where Texas could look to add depth and experience through the portal. While the Longhorns have solid young talent in these areas, adding an experienced player from a Power Five program or even a standout from a smaller school could provide the depth needed to compete at the highest level. In particular, a dominant defensive lineman or an experienced offensive tackle would help elevate the Longhorns to another level, ensuring they have the depth necessary for a championship run.

In the secondary, the transfer portal could be an essential tool for filling out the roster with experienced cornerbacks and safeties who can make an immediate impact. With the Big 12 and college football in general becoming more pass-heavy, having a solid secondary is crucial. Texas will likely look to add players who can step in and play significant roles, providing a boost to the defense and making the Longhorns even more formidable.

By strategically using the transfer portal, Texas can plug any gaps on the roster and add key players who will make an immediate impact. This ability to add instant contributors, particularly in positions of need, could make all the difference in the 2025 season as Texas aims to compete for a national title.