The PFF All-Transfer Portal roster includes two Texas Longhorns.
The NCAA transfer portal has become a pivotal aspect of college football, altering the way programs build their rosters and reshape their future. What was once a reactive tool for players seeking a change of scenery has now become an integral part of the recruiting process. Coaches and recruiting staffs closely monitor the portal for potential talent that could improve their teams immediately, and players entering the portal have the chance to showcase their abilities on a new stage. Over the years, some of the most impactful players in college football have transferred, providing instant contributions to their new teams.
For the Texas Longhorns, the transfer portal has proven to be an essential tool for bolstering their roster and building depth at key positions. As a program with a rich history and high expectations, Texas has been consistently involved in the portal, seeking players who can make an immediate impact and elevate their program. This year, the Longhorns have once again proven that they are active players in the transfer market, with two standout players earning recognition as part of Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) All-Transfer Portal roster.
In this article, we will dive into the significance of the PFF All-Transfer Portal roster, provide an overview of the two Texas Longhorns selected, and analyze their roles in shaping the team’s future. We will also explore how the transfer portal has reshaped the recruiting landscape, with the Longhorns being one of the many programs that have strategically used it to enhance their roster.
The PFF All-Transfer Portal Roster
Pro Football Focus (PFF) is one of the most reputable sources for in-depth football analysis, grading players at every level of competition. The site’s evaluations have become a standard for understanding player performance, and their rankings offer valuable insight into who the top players are in any given season. The PFF All-Transfer Portal roster is an annual compilation of the most impactful players who entered the transfer portal and made significant contributions to their new teams.
Each year, the PFF team reviews the entire scope of the transfer portal to identify players who have raised the level of their new teams’ play. Their evaluation process includes examining both statistical performance and the overall impact on team success. The players named to the PFF All-Transfer Portal roster represent the best of the best—those who have not only excelled individually but have also been critical to their new programs’ success.
The presence of two Texas Longhorns on the PFF All-Transfer Portal roster is a testament to the program’s strategic use of the portal in strengthening its team. These two players were recognized for their immediate impact and exceptional performances in the 2024 season. Their inclusion on the roster highlights the Longhorns’ success in acquiring talent from the portal and their ability to integrate new players into a high-performing team.
The Longhorns on the All-Transfer Portal Roster
The Texas Longhorns are no strangers to using the transfer portal to their advantage. Over the past few years, the program has brought in several key players from the portal to fill gaps and elevate their roster. Two such players, in particular, stood out to the PFF team in 2024: WR Xavier Worthy and OLB Baron Browning.
1. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver
Xavier Worthy’s inclusion on the PFF All-Transfer Portal roster represents one of the most significant transfers for the Longhorns in recent seasons. The highly touted wide receiver entered the portal after spending time at the University of Alabama, where he had showcased his explosive speed and route-running ability. However, after a year with Alabama, Worthy sought a new opportunity to elevate his career, and Texas became his new destination.
At Texas, Worthy immediately became a focal point of the offense. Known for his deep-ball ability, quick acceleration, and strong hands, Worthy had the ability to stretch defenses and provide a deep threat for Texas quarterbacks. His impact was felt early in the season, as he helped bolster a Longhorns receiving corps that already featured several talented players.
Worthy’s performance in 2024 was nothing short of outstanding. He finished the season with over 1,100 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns, making him one of the most productive wide receivers in the country. His ability to consistently get open downfield allowed Texas’s offense to stretch the field and open up opportunities for the running game, providing balance to the Longhorns’ offensive attack.
What made Worthy’s inclusion on the PFF All-Transfer Portal roster even more impressive was his ability to adapt quickly to a new system. The transition from Alabama’s offense to Texas’s scheme could have been challenging, but Worthy’s speed and football IQ allowed him to fit in seamlessly. His rapport with Texas quarterbacks and his ability to consistently make plays in key moments earned him recognition as one of the best transfer portal acquisitions of the year.
2. Baron Browning – Outside Linebacker
The second Texas player to make the PFF All-Transfer Portal roster is outside linebacker Baron Browning. Browning, a transfer from Ohio State, was a player with a high ceiling when he joined the Longhorns for the 2024 season. Known for his athleticism, pass-rushing ability, and versatility, Browning had been a key contributor at Ohio State but wanted to join a program where he could take on a larger role and make an even bigger impact.
Browning’s arrival at Texas was a game-changer for the Longhorns’ defense. He immediately made his presence felt as a pass rusher, using his speed and strength to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and create havoc in the backfield. His ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage allowed Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski to deploy Browning in various ways, making him an invaluable weapon in multiple defensive schemes.
Throughout the 2024 season, Browning was a key player for Texas, recording 9.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. His ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and set the tone for the defense was a major factor in the Longhorns’ defensive success. Texas’s defense as a whole improved significantly with Browning’s presence, as he became a disruptive force on every snap. He played a critical role in shutting down opposing offenses, particularly in high-stakes matchups against top-ranked teams.
Browning’s selection to the PFF All-Transfer Portal roster was a recognition of not only his individual performance but also the value he brought to Texas’s overall defensive strategy. His leadership, versatility, and high motor made him a standout performer who had an immediate and lasting impact on the Longhorns’ defense.
The Importance of Transfer Portal Success for Texas
The inclusion of Xavier Worthy and Baron Browning on the PFF All-Transfer Portal roster is an example of how successful Texas has been in utilizing the portal to bolster its roster. In recent years, Texas has faced its fair share of struggles, but the Longhorns have also seen significant improvements under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The ability to add immediate contributors through the transfer portal has been one of the program’s keys to success, especially as it competes with other elite programs in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
The transfer portal offers several advantages for a program like Texas. First and foremost, it allows the Longhorns to address roster gaps quickly. Recruiting high school talent is a lengthy process that involves building relationships, evaluating potential, and developing players over several years. In contrast, the transfer portal allows programs to acquire players who have already been through the development process, providing immediate contributions and helping to fill specific needs.
Additionally, the portal allows programs to target players who are proven at the college level. While high school recruits carry significant potential, transfer players have already shown that they can succeed in a competitive environment. This is particularly important for teams looking to make a quick turnaround or elevate their program to championship contention, as they can add key veterans who can immediately contribute to a team’s success.
For Texas, the transfer portal success of Worthy and Browning has provided an infusion of talent that helped propel the Longhorns into contention for conference titles and playoff berths. These additions allowed the team to be more dynamic offensively and defensively, helping Texas compete at a high level in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
