Texas Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn enters the transfer portal, leaving a gap as the team seeks a new starter for 2025-26.

The Texas Longhorns are entering a new era with a major change at kicker for the 2025-26 season. Bert Auburn, a standout kicker for the Longhorns, has officially entered the transfer portal, marking the end of his time at Texas. This news brings with it a sense of uncertainty as the team must now search for a new starting kicker, a position that holds immense importance in college football.

Auburn’s departure leaves a significant gap in the Longhorns’ special teams unit, which is often one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of a team’s success. Kicking can make or break games, especially in high-pressure situations, and Auburn’s proven track record over the past seasons has made him an integral part of the Longhorns’ success. With his exit, Texas will now face the challenge of replacing a reliable and talented kicker.

While Auburn’s time at Texas has been marked by impressive performances and clutch kicks, his decision to enter the transfer portal also reflects a broader trend in college football: the increasing fluidity of player rosters. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the rise of the transfer portal, the college football landscape has shifted dramatically, and decisions like Auburn’s are becoming more common.

As the Longhorns now look for a new kicker, there are several aspects to consider. Not only will they need someone who can replicate Auburn’s performance, but they will also need to find a player who can handle the immense pressure that comes with the kicking position at a high-profile program like Texas.

Bert Auburn’s Impact on Texas Longhorns Football

Bert Auburn’s departure marks a significant shift for Texas football. During his time as the team’s primary kicker, Auburn provided stability and reliability in an often unpredictable position. A former high school standout, Auburn quickly adapted to the college game and became a vital contributor to the Longhorns’ special teams.

Over the course of his career at Texas, Auburn demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, hitting key field goals in critical moments. He was consistently one of the more reliable kickers in the Big 12, and his leg strength and accuracy made him a valuable asset. Whether it was kicking field goals in tight games or handling extra points with consistency, Auburn earned the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans.

One of the most notable aspects of Auburn’s time at Texas was his ability to perform in high-stress situations. College football games are often decided by just a few points, and a kicker can be the difference between a win and a loss. Auburn’s ability to remain calm in those moments helped Texas win several close games over the years. His clutch kicks helped solidify his place as one of the team’s most dependable players.

Auburn’s departure leaves a hole not only in the special teams unit but also in the leadership structure of the Longhorns. As a veteran player, Auburn played a key role in mentoring younger kickers and helping them adjust to the demands of college football. His leadership on and off the field will be missed, and replacing his presence in the locker room will be a challenge for the coaching staff.

The Transfer Portal and the Changing Landscape of College Football

Bert Auburn’s decision to enter the transfer portal is not an isolated incident. In fact, it is part of a growing trend in college football, where players are increasingly transferring from one program to another in search of new opportunities, playing time, or a better fit for their personal and athletic goals. The rise of the transfer portal has fundamentally changed the way college football teams build their rosters.

When the NCAA implemented the transfer portal in 2018, it gave players the ability to declare their intent to transfer from their current school, allowing them to explore potential opportunities at other programs. This change has had a profound impact on college football, creating a new dynamic where players have more freedom and control over their futures. For Auburn, the decision to enter the portal may have been motivated by a desire for a fresh start or an opportunity to compete for a starting position at another program.

The transfer portal has made college football rosters more fluid, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming years. Teams are no longer guaranteed that players will remain with them for the entirety of their careers, and the process of building a roster has become more dynamic. For Texas, Auburn’s departure serves as a reminder of the unpredictability that comes with the transfer portal. It also underscores the importance of constantly recruiting, even at positions that may not be considered marquee roles.

The Search for a New Kicker: What Texas Needs

Now that Bert Auburn has entered the transfer portal, the Texas Longhorns coaching staff must turn their attention to finding a new kicker for the 2025-26 season. The search will be crucial, as the team will need someone who can step in and immediately make an impact.

First and foremost, Texas will need to find a kicker who has the leg strength and accuracy to handle long field goals, extra points, and kickoffs. College football teams rely on their kickers to provide consistency, and Auburn’s departure means that Texas will need to find someone who can perform at a similar level.

In addition to physical attributes, Texas will also be looking for a player who can handle the mental and emotional pressures of kicking in critical moments. Kicking is often seen as one of the most mentally demanding positions on the field. The pressure to convert game-winning field goals, especially in big games, can be overwhelming. Texas will need a player who has the mental toughness to thrive in these high-pressure situations.

Another key factor will be recruiting players with experience, especially given the high-profile nature of Texas football. The Longhorns are consistently one of the most prominent programs in the country, and their special teams unit must be able to perform on the big stage. Whether through recruiting or transfers, Texas will need to find a player who can step in and help the team continue its pursuit of championships.

The Next Step for Texas Special Teams

While the departure of Bert Auburn may seem like a setback for the Texas Longhorns, it also presents an opportunity for the team to reevaluate and build a stronger special teams unit. Kicker is a vital position in college football, but it’s also one that can be built and strengthened through diligent recruitment, development, and coaching.

Texas has a history of success in special teams, and the coaching staff will likely look to continue this tradition as they search for Auburn’s replacement. While it may take some time to find the right fit, the Longhorns have the resources and infrastructure to develop a successful special teams unit.

In the meantime, Texas will likely rely on their existing special teams personnel to step up and contribute. Whether it’s a backup kicker who steps into the starting role or a highly touted recruit who arrives on campus ready to make an impact, the Longhorns will need to come together as a unit to ensure that their kicking game remains strong.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for the Texas Longhorns

Bert Auburn’s departure from the Texas Longhorns is a significant moment in the team’s journey to the 2025-26 season. While his exit leaves a gap in the special teams unit, it also creates an opportunity for new talent to emerge and for the team to build a stronger foundation for the future.

As Texas searches for its next kicker, the focus will be on finding someone who can match Auburn’s consistency and composure under pressure. The transfer portal has introduced new challenges to college football, but it has also opened the door for fresh talent to make an impact. With the right player in place, the Longhorns can continue to compete at a high level and build on their success.

Ultimately, the loss of Auburn will be felt, but it’s also a reminder that football, like any sport, is always evolving. As the Longhorns move forward, they will look to continue their tradition of excellence, ensuring that their special teams remain a key part of their success.