Ranking the Texas Longhorns’ top impact transfers

The Texas Longhorns have long been considered a powerhouse in college football, and over the years, they’ve consistently recruited top-tier talent from high school programs around the country. However, in today’s rapidly evolving landscape of college football, where transfer portal decisions can have a major impact on team rosters, the Texas Longhorns have been strategically using transfers to bolster their squad. The introduction of the NCAA transfer portal has given programs like Texas an opportunity to fill gaps and enhance their roster by bringing in experienced players from other programs. This is especially important as teams look to compete in one of the most competitive conferences in the country—the SEC.

In this article, we will rank the Texas Longhorns’ top impact transfers for the upcoming season. These players not only bring skill and experience to the team but also fill critical roles that can help Texas make a push for the College Football Playoff and compete with the elite programs in the country. We’ll explore the players’ background, what they bring to the team, and why they are crucial for the Longhorns’ 2025 success.

1. Isaiah Neyor (WR, Wyoming)

When it comes to Texas’ most impactful transfers for the upcoming season, Isaiah Neyor stands out as the number one. The former Wyoming standout wide receiver made headlines when he decided to transfer to Texas, bringing with him a blend of speed, athleticism, and impressive production.

At Wyoming, Neyor established himself as one of the best receivers in the Mountain West Conference, posting 44 catches for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns during his last season there. His ability to stretch the field and be a deep threat is something that Texas sorely needed, especially with the loss of several key receivers from the previous season.

Neyor’s 6’3″, 190-pound frame gives him a distinct advantage in contested catches, and his combination of speed and size allows him to create separation down the field. In the Big 12, he was already a standout, but in the SEC, his skillset will be crucial to Texas’ success. With the Longhorns’ offense already filled with talented skill players, Neyor’s addition should immediately make an impact as a dynamic playmaker in the passing game.

Additionally, Neyor brings much-needed depth to a Texas wide receiver corps that lost some of its top talent. His immediate impact as a top-tier deep threat will not only benefit the passing game but also open up opportunities for other wide receivers and running backs.

2. Jerrin Thompson (S, Texas State)

The Texas Longhorns secondary has always been a key focus for the program, and Jerrin Thompson’s decision to transfer from Texas State provides an immediate boost to the Longhorns’ defense. Thompson, a safety, has an excellent blend of size, speed, and instincts that make him a strong addition to a talented defensive backfield.

Thompson had an outstanding career at Texas State, recording 76 tackles, 5 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions in his final season. Known for his playmaking ability and football IQ, Thompson is a versatile safety who can both cover the pass and step up in the box to help in run defense. His ability to read quarterbacks and react to passing routes will help the Longhorns stay competitive against high-powered offenses in the SEC.

The Texas defense is expected to be one of the team’s strengths in 2025, and Thompson could be a key player in the secondary. Whether he’s playing deep coverage or coming down into the box, his leadership and experience will help solidify an already talented defensive backfield.

3. Quinn Ewers (QB, Ohio State)

After struggling with injuries in his freshman season, Quinn Ewers has the potential to become one of the most significant transfers for the Longhorns. Ewers originally committed to Texas out of high school, only to spend one season at Ohio State before returning to Austin to finish his collegiate career.

Ewers is a former five-star recruit who has all the tools to be a top-tier quarterback in the SEC. Standing at 6’2″ with a strong arm and elite mobility, Ewers possesses the skills needed to succeed at the highest level. Though his tenure at Ohio State was brief, his potential was clear during his high school career. At Southlake Carroll in Texas, Ewers was one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation.

Now back in Texas, Ewers will likely compete for the starting job, and his impact could be huge. A healthy, experienced Ewers running the offense would provide the Longhorns with a legitimate weapon in the passing game. With the right guidance and development, Ewers could become a future star, and the Longhorns’ offense could become one of the most potent in the SEC.

4. Jahari Rogers (CB, UCF)

With the secondary in need of talent and depth, Jahari Rogers’ transfer to Texas will have a significant impact on the defense. Rogers, a cornerback who transferred from UCF, is known for his physicality, speed, and ability to cover the best receivers in the country.

In his time at UCF, Rogers demonstrated impressive ball skills, securing multiple interceptions and showing the ability to lock down opposing wide receivers. His ability to stay with fast and athletic wide receivers will be crucial for the Longhorns, especially in the high-powered offenses they will face in the SEC.

At 6’1″ and 185 pounds, Rogers offers a blend of size and athleticism that will make him a valuable asset on the outside. With his experience and ability to shut down passing lanes, Rogers will contribute significantly to a Texas defense that is expected to contend with some of the most potent offenses in college football.

5. T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas A&M)

The transfer of T’Vondre Sweat from Texas A&M to Texas provides a major boost to the Longhorns’ defensive line. Sweat’s size and strength make him a standout player who can clog up running lanes and pressure the quarterback. At 6’4″ and 300 pounds, Sweat is a massive force in the middle of the defensive line.

In his time at Texas A&M, Sweat was known for his disruptive presence in the trenches. He was effective both against the run and as a pass rusher. His ability to eat up blockers and collapse the pocket will free up space for Texas’ other pass rushers to make plays. A dominant force in the interior, Sweat is expected to be a leader on Texas’ defensive line and help control the line of scrimmage in critical SEC matchups.

With Texas facing off against some of the most physically imposing offensive lines in college football, Sweat’s presence will be vital. He has the potential to become a key piece of the Longhorns’ defense, helping them shut down opposing rushing attacks and put pressure on quarterbacks.

6. Xavier Worthy (WR, Arizona State)

Though not as well-known as some of the other transfers on this list, Xavier Worthy’s transfer from Arizona State to Texas gives the Longhorns a dynamic receiving weapon with big-play potential. Known for his speed and ability to make plays in open space, Worthy adds depth to Texas’ receiving corps and provides the team with a consistent deep threat.

In his time at Arizona State, Worthy showed his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defensive backs. His speed allows him to get behind defenders, making him a dangerous target on deep routes. His ability to get separation will open up opportunities for other playmakers on the team, and Texas could rely on him to make game-changing plays in the passing game.

With a strong supporting cast at wide receiver, Worthy’s contributions will be key in taking Texas’ passing attack to the next level. He should be able to step in and make an immediate impact in one of the country’s top offenses.

7. Keondre Coburn (DT, Texas Tech)

Keondre Coburn brings both experience and production to Texas’ defensive line. Coburn, who transferred from Texas Tech, has already shown that he is capable of being a disruptive force in the trenches. His strength and quickness make him a standout player against the run, and his ability to push the pocket will help Texas’ defense get after opposing quarterbacks.

At 6’3″ and 330 pounds, Coburn provides the Longhorns with a big body up front to help control the line of scrimmage. His ability to clog up running lanes will be crucial, particularly when facing high-powered offenses that rely on a strong rushing attack. Coburn’s leadership and experience should have a major impact on the defense as he helps anchor the interior of the defensive line.