Steve Sarkisian Explains the New Transfers for the Texas Longhorns

Steve Sarkisian’s Strategic Approach to Texas Longhorns’ Transfer Portal Additions

Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns have adeptly navigated the NCAA transfer portal to address critical roster needs, enhancing both depth and talent across various positions. This strategic approach has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s competitiveness and depth, especially in the face of injuries and departures.

The quarterback position has seen significant developments, with Quinn Ewers entering the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout career at Texas. Ewers, a former Ohio State transfer, led the Longhorns to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances, amassing over 9,000 passing yards and 68 touchdowns. His departure opened the door for Arch Manning, a highly touted recruit, to step into the starting role. Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks has been a hallmark of his tenure, ensuring that the program remains strong at this pivotal position.

The running back corps faced challenges with injuries to key players like CJ Baxter and Christian Clark. To mitigate this, Sarkisian brought in Velton Gardner, a seasoned running back with experience at SMU and Kansas. Gardner’s addition provided immediate depth and experience, allowing the Longhorns to maintain a robust ground game despite the setbacks.

With the departure of standout receivers, Sarkisian turned to the transfer portal to bolster the wide receiver group. The Longhorns secured Matthew Golden from Houston, a dynamic playmaker who added speed and versatility to the receiving corps. Additionally, the recruitment of Isaiah Bond and Ryan Wingo injected further talent and depth, ensuring that the team remained potent in the passing game.

Recognizing the need to fortify the defensive line, Sarkisian added Cole Brevard, a 6’3″, 333-pound defensive tackle with experience at Penn State and Purdue. Brevard’s size and experience provided immediate reinforcement to a unit that had seen significant attrition. His presence bolstered the Longhorns’ defensive front, enhancing their ability to control the line of scrimmage.

To address the linebacker position, Sarkisian brought in Brad Spence from Arkansas. Spence’s versatility allowed him to contribute both off the ball and as a pass rusher, adding depth and flexibility to the linebacker corps. His experience and ability to impact the game in multiple ways were valuable assets for the Longhorns.

Special teams play is often a differentiator in close games, and Sarkisian recognized the need to improve the punting unit. The addition of Jack Bouwmeester, a punter with experience at Utah, provided the Longhorns with a reliable and skilled specialist. Bouwmeester’s ability to pin opponents deep and control field position was a significant upgrade for the special teams unit.

Sarkisian’s strategic use of the transfer portal has been pivotal in maintaining the Texas Longhorns’ competitiveness. By addressing specific needs and adding experienced players, he has ensured that the team remains strong across all positions. This approach not only mitigates the impact of player departures but also positions the Longhorns for continued success in the highly competitive landscape of college football.