On Monday, Texas Football Dealt Major Transfer Portal News
On Monday, April 14, 2025, the Texas Longhorns football program received significant news as offensive lineman Payton Kirkland announced his intent to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Kirkland, a 6-foot-6, 366-pound former four-star recruit from the 2023 class, had previously chosen Texas over offers from Oklahoma, Michigan State, Alabama, Florida, and Miami. He was part of a highly regarded offensive line class that included Andre Cojoe, Connor Stroh, Jaydon Chatman, and Trevor Goosby. This departure comes as the Longhorns were required to reduce their roster to comply with NCAA scholarship limits, which may have influenced Kirkland’s decision to seek a new opportunity elsewhere .
Kirkland’s exit adds to a series of recent departures for Texas, including the loss of tight end Amari Niblack, who transferred from Alabama in 2024. Niblack, who caught five passes for 33 yards during his lone season with the Longhorns, has since entered the transfer portal again, seeking more playing time at another program .
These developments highlight the ongoing challenges Texas faces in maintaining roster stability amid the dynamic nature of the NCAA transfer portal. The program will need to navigate these changes effectively to maintain competitiveness in the upcoming season.
