These transfer departures could hurt Texas football in 2025

These Transfer Departures Could Hurt Texas Football in 2025

The University of Texas football program has long been one of the most storied programs in the country, boasting a history of success that includes multiple national championships, conference titles, and a reputation for producing NFL talent. However, as the landscape of college football continues to evolve, particularly with the transfer portal becoming a more significant factor, Texas faces some challenges heading into the 2025 season.

In recent years, the transfer portal has reshaped college football, allowing players to change schools more easily and offering programs new avenues to strengthen their rosters. However, while the transfer portal can benefit teams by bringing in talent from other programs, it can also have negative consequences when key players depart. Texas is no stranger to the dynamics of the transfer portal, and several significant departures have raised concerns about how these losses could affect the program’s prospects moving forward. With a new season on the horizon, the Longhorns’ program could face major setbacks due to the players leaving the team.

This article takes a deep dive into the transfer departures that could hurt Texas football in 2025, exploring how the loss of key players could impact various aspects of the team, including offense, defense, and overall depth. Additionally, we will analyze how these departures could affect the program’s ability to compete at the highest level in the Big 12, and eventually, in the SEC, as Texas prepares to make its move to the Southeastern Conference.

The Evolution of Texas Football and the Impact of the Transfer Portal

To understand the impact of transfer departures, it’s important to first recognize how Texas football has evolved over the past decade. Texas has undergone several coaching changes and roster transitions, most notably with the hiring of Steve Sarkisian as head coach in 2021. Sarkisian’s vision for the program is clear: build a competitive, sustainable team that can compete for national championships year in and year out.

Sarkisian has utilized the transfer portal to bolster the Longhorns’ roster. For instance, Texas brought in several key players through the portal in recent years, such as quarterback Quinn Ewers and wide receiver Isaiah Neyor, to complement the program’s already strong recruiting classes. The transfer portal has allowed Texas to address positions of need and add experienced players to help fill gaps. However, while the portal has benefited Texas, it has also posed a challenge, as the program has seen its own players enter the portal and leave the program.

The 2025 season, in particular, could be significantly impacted by these departures. Texas has already experienced a handful of high-profile transfer exits, and each one presents a unique set of challenges for the program.

Key Transfer Departures Impacting Texas Football in 2025

While Texas has had some success in attracting talent through the transfer portal, the program is also facing a number of departures that could hurt the team moving forward. These exits span across both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, leaving Texas vulnerable in multiple key areas.

1. Quarterback Departure: A Setback for Offensive Consistency

Quarterback is arguably the most crucial position in football, and Texas has seen one of its top quarterbacks enter the transfer portal in recent months. Quinn Ewers, who was expected to be the program’s leader under center for the foreseeable future, has decided to leave the program. Ewers’ departure is a significant blow to Texas football, as he was viewed as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country.

Ewers arrived at Texas with high expectations after transferring from Ohio State. He quickly became the face of the Longhorns’ offense, showing flashes of brilliance with his strong arm and ability to make plays down the field. In his time with the Longhorns, Ewers helped revitalize the offense, and many believed he could lead the team to new heights in the coming seasons. His departure leaves a massive hole at the quarterback position for the Longhorns.

Without Ewers, Texas will have to rely on a new signal-caller, likely either a player who hasn’t seen significant starting experience or another transfer addition. This uncertainty at quarterback could impact Texas’ ability to build offensive chemistry and establish consistency on that side of the ball.

2. Wide Receiver Departures: Losing Playmakers and Depth

Another area of concern for Texas football heading into 2025 is the departure of key wide receivers. Isaiah Neyor, who transferred to Texas to bolster the receiving corps, had a promising start but left the program before reaching his full potential. His absence further weakens a group that already faced challenges in terms of consistent production.

The loss of playmakers like Neyor, as well as other wide receivers who have entered the transfer portal, will leave Texas with fewer proven options at the position. While Texas has recruited talented wide receivers in recent years, developing depth in the receiving corps will be crucial for the offense to be effective. Without experienced receivers like Neyor, Texas will need to rely on younger players or players who haven’t yet proven themselves as reliable options.

Additionally, Texas’ ability to spread the ball around and keep opposing defenses on their toes could suffer without these playmakers. Quarterback and wide receiver chemistry is vital to a successful offense, and the loss of key contributors in the passing game may lead to struggles in the 2025 season, especially against tougher competition in the SEC.

3. Defensive Line Departures: The Heart of the Defense

On the defensive side of the ball, Texas has also faced a number of significant departures, particularly along the defensive line. Alfred Collins, a standout defensive tackle, entered the transfer portal, leaving a massive void in the middle of the defensive line. Collins had been a key contributor to the Longhorns’ defensive front, helping to shut down opposing running backs and generating pressure on the quarterback.

Collins’ departure leaves Texas without one of its most disruptive defenders in the trenches, and his absence will be felt in both the run game and in terms of pass rush. While Texas does have some young talent along the defensive line, the loss of a veteran player like Collins will leave the unit less experienced and potentially less effective against both the run and the pass.

Texas will need to lean on its younger defensive linemen to step up, but relying on untested players in a critical position could lead to inconsistency. The defensive line is one of the most important units for any team, and the departure of Collins, combined with the overall lack of experience on the line, could hurt Texas’ ability to slow down opposing offenses.

4. Linebacker Departures: Shaky Depth and Leadership Losses

The linebacker position is another area where Texas has been hit hard by transfer departures. DeMarvion Overshown, a leader on the defensive side of the ball for the Longhorns, entered the portal and left a leadership void in the linebacker room. Overshown was not only a talented player but also a key communicator and motivator for the defense.

With Overshown gone, Texas will need to find new leadership at the linebacker position. While the Longhorns have talented young linebackers on the roster, they may struggle with consistency and cohesion in 2025 without the stability that Overshown provided. Linebackers play a crucial role in both pass coverage and run defense, and without experienced players like Overshown, Texas could find itself vulnerable in critical situations.

How These Departures Affect Texas’ 2025 Outlook

The combination of key offensive and defensive departures presents significant challenges for Texas heading into 2025. The Longhorns will need to find new leaders at several critical positions, and the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position could slow down the development of the offense. With fewer proven playmakers at wide receiver and a potential drop-off in defensive line play, Texas may struggle to keep up with the top teams in the Big 12 and in the SEC.

Recruiting and Development Will Be Key

The Longhorns’ success in 2025 will depend heavily on the program’s ability to develop younger talent and recruit effectively through both high school and the transfer portal. Coach Steve Sarkisian’s track record in recruiting and player development will be under the microscope as Texas looks to replace the lost production from its transfer departures.

In particular, Texas will need its incoming recruits and young players to step up in a hurry. Quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line will be the most critical areas for development, but the overall depth across the roster will also be tested. Without the leadership and experience of players like Ewers, Neyor, Collins, and Overshown, Texas must rely on its coaching staff to make the most of the talent on the roster.

Adapting to the SEC Challenge

As Texas transitions to the SEC in the coming years, it will be crucial for the Longhorns to adapt to the more competitive and physical style of play that the SEC demands. Losing key players to the transfer portal may hurt Texas’ ability to compete with the high-level talent in the SEC, especially in 2025, when the Longhorns will need to be at their best in preparation for their new conference home.