With the transfer portal set to open back up in a week, Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian revealed where they could look to add players.
With the Transfer Portal Set to Open Back Up in a Week, Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian Reveals Where They Could Look to Add Players
The college football landscape is constantly evolving, and with the NCAA transfer portal set to open back up in a week, programs across the country are gearing up to make moves to enhance their rosters. For Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, the transfer portal has become an integral part of the team-building process. Sarkisian has already shown a keen eye for talent, bringing in key transfers that have helped elevate the Longhorns to national relevance. As the transfer portal reopens, Texas will look to make strategic additions to further bolster their roster for the 2025 season.
In a recent press conference, Steve Sarkisian provided insight into the areas of the team where the Longhorns are most likely to target players through the portal. With the goal of improving the depth and overall talent level of the roster, Sarkisian outlined specific positions where the team will look to add experienced players, providing more competition and potential starters at crucial spots. From the defensive line to the quarterback position, Texas is poised to make some impactful moves that could have a significant effect on the upcoming season.
In this article, we will explore the areas of need that Texas may look to address in the transfer portal, the potential impact of these moves, and how Sarkisian’s strategy in using the portal could shape the future of Texas football. We will also dive into how the transfer portal has changed the recruiting landscape and the way college teams approach roster building, with a particular focus on Texas’ unique approach under Sarkisian’s leadership.
The Transfer Portal: A New Era of Recruiting
Since its introduction in 2018, the NCAA transfer portal has dramatically changed the landscape of college football. The portal allows players to transfer from one school to another without facing the traditional sit-out rule that used to prevent players from immediately competing at their new institutions. This has led to a significant increase in the number of transfers each year, with hundreds of players entering the portal looking for new opportunities.
For coaches like Steve Sarkisian, the transfer portal has become a powerful tool for building a competitive roster. While traditional recruiting still plays a key role in building a team, the transfer portal provides coaches with a unique opportunity to fill specific needs quickly, often bringing in players who can contribute immediately. Whether it’s adding depth to a position group, providing experienced leadership, or addressing a specific weakness, the transfer portal has allowed Texas and other programs to build rosters more dynamically and with greater flexibility.
Sarkisian, who took over as head coach of the Longhorns in 2021, has already utilized the portal effectively, bringing in a number of key transfers to bolster the team. Under his leadership, Texas has made significant strides in returning to national prominence, and the ability to effectively use the portal will continue to be a key factor in the Longhorns’ future success.
Areas of Need for Texas Football
With the transfer portal set to reopen, Coach Sarkisian has identified several areas of the roster where he believes the team could stand to make improvements. While the Longhorns are a talented team with a solid foundation, there are still areas where additional depth, competition, or experience could provide a significant boost. Below are the key positions that Texas is likely to target in the transfer portal:
1. Quarterback
The quarterback position is arguably the most important position in college football, and for Texas, it’s an area that has garnered plenty of attention. In 2024, Texas will enter the season with Quinn Ewers, the highly touted signal-caller who has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced some inconsistency. Ewers has the talent and potential to be a star, but there is still a need for further development in his game.
While Texas is set at quarterback with Ewers as the presumed starter, the team could look to add a high-quality backup to provide more competition and depth. Given the importance of the position, it is critical that Texas have a reliable backup option in case of injury or a dip in performance. Sarkisian may look for a veteran quarterback from the transfer portal who has experience in high-pressure situations and can step in and contribute immediately if needed. With the increasing importance of developing depth at quarterback, adding another experienced arm could give Texas the stability they need behind Ewers.
Moreover, a talented transfer quarterback could also serve as a potential competitor for the starting job, pushing Ewers to elevate his play and ensuring that Texas remains competitive in a loaded Big 12 conference.
2. Defensive Line
One of the biggest challenges for any team looking to contend for a national championship is having a dominant defensive line. The Texas Longhorns have made significant strides in improving their defensive front under Sarkisian’s leadership, but there is still work to be done. While the Longhorns have some strong individual players, the overall depth of the defensive line remains a concern. With players like Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat heading into their senior seasons, Texas will need to add additional talent to ensure that the defensive line remains a strength.
Sarkisian has consistently emphasized the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage, and having a dominant defensive front is key to any team’s success. The Longhorns could look to add a transfer defensive tackle or edge rusher who can step in and make an immediate impact. With the Big 12 continuing to feature high-powered offenses, it will be crucial for Texas to have the ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and stop the run. Adding a versatile and talented player to the defensive line could give the Longhorns a much-needed boost in their pursuit of a championship.
3. Wide Receiver
While Texas has a talented group of wide receivers, including Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, Sarkisian may look to add another playmaker to the mix through the transfer portal. The Longhorns are in need of more depth at the position, especially considering the demands of playing in a pass-heavy offense. Adding a reliable and dynamic wide receiver could help ensure that Texas has the necessary weapons to compete with the top teams in the Big 12 and beyond.
A wide receiver with experience in a high-powered offense could help take some of the pressure off Worthy and Whittington, providing another reliable target for Quinn Ewers to lean on. Furthermore, adding a transfer receiver would allow Texas to rotate players more effectively and keep the offense fresh throughout the season. Whether it’s adding a physical possession receiver or a speedy deep threat, the addition of another wide receiver could give the Longhorns the added depth and flexibility they need to be successful.
4. Linebacker
Linebacker is another position where Texas could look to add depth, particularly as the team continues to build on its defensive identity. While the Longhorns have some solid players at linebacker, such as Jaylan Ford, the team could benefit from additional experience and depth in the middle of the defense. Sarkisian may look to the portal for a veteran linebacker who can provide leadership and stability to the defense while contributing immediately.
A transfer linebacker could also provide competition for starting roles and help to elevate the play of the entire linebacker corps. Whether it’s adding a run-stopper or a coverage specialist, the Longhorns will be looking to strengthen the position in order to compete with some of the more potent offenses they will face in the Big 12.
5. Offensive Line
The offensive line is a position that Texas has heavily invested in over the past few years, and it has shown in the team’s ability to run the ball and protect the quarterback. However, the Longhorns will need to continue to add depth to the offensive line in order to stay competitive. With a solid group of starters returning, adding a versatile offensive lineman who can provide depth at multiple positions could be key for Texas.
Sarkisian may look for a transfer offensive lineman who has experience playing in a competitive Power 5 program. Having a player with proven ability to step in and contribute could provide Texas with the insurance they need to maintain consistency on the offensive line throughout the season. With the demands of playing in the Big 12, having strong depth up front is crucial for the Longhorns’ success.
Sarkisian’s Strategy: Using the Transfer Portal to Build Depth and Competition
Steve Sarkisian’s approach to using the transfer portal is one that emphasizes depth, competition, and immediate impact. By targeting specific areas of need, Sarkisian has been able to fill gaps in the roster while also enhancing the overall talent level. The portal allows Texas to bring in experienced players who can contribute right away, providing more competition at key positions and giving the team the depth it needs to make a run at a national championship.
Sarkisian’s ability to balance recruiting high school talent with bringing in transfers is one of the reasons for Texas’ success under his leadership. He understands that building a championship team requires a mix of young talent and experienced players, and the transfer portal has given him the flexibility to strengthen the roster quickly.
