The Texas Longhorns are facing a significant transition as they prepare for the 2025 college football season. A substantial number of key players have declared for the NFL Draft, leaving notable gaps in the roster that head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff must address to maintain the team’s competitive edge.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who led the Longhorns to a 21-5 record over two seasons and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, has announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft. Ewers amassed 9,128 passing yards and 68 touchdowns during his tenure, making his departure a significant loss for the team’s offense.
The offensive line is also experiencing considerable turnover. All-American left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Outland Trophy, has declared for the draft. Additionally, left guard Hayden Conner and center Jake Majors have exhausted their eligibility, and right tackle Cam Williams is contemplating an early departure after his first season as a starter.
The wide receiver corps is undergoing a transformation as well. Matthew Golden, who led the team with 49 receptions for 787 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2024 season, has declared for the NFL Draft. Isaiah Bond is also expected to enter the draft, further depleting the team’s experienced receiving options.
Tight end Gunnar Helm’s decision to go pro, along with the departures of Juan Davis and Amari Niblack, has left the tight end position thin. This scarcity underscores the need for immediate reinforcements to support the offensive scheme.
Defensively, the Longhorns are losing stalwarts on the line. Defensive tackles Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton have both declared for the NFL Draft. Broughton, in particular, had a standout 2024 season, recording 39 tackles, including four and a half for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
In response to these departures, Texas has been proactive in the transfer portal. The team secured commitments from defensive tackles Travis Shaw from North Carolina and Cole Brevard from Purdue. Shaw, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 330 pounds, brings significant size and experience, having played 13 games in the previous season with 26 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
The cornerback position is also a concern following the loss of Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron and veteran Gavin Holmes. While Malik Muhammad and Jaylon Guilbeau are set to return, the team may seek additional experience through the transfer portal to solidify the secondary.
The offensive line’s overhaul necessitates further action. With four starters departing, including Banks Jr., the Longhorns are expected to explore transfer options to bolster the line and provide depth, especially at tackle positions where inexperience is a concern.
At tight end, the exodus of key players has left a void. Despite having promising talent like Spencer Shannon and incoming freshmen, the Longhorns are likely to pursue a veteran tight end in the portal to provide immediate impact and mentorship.
In summary, the Texas Longhorns are at a pivotal juncture, facing the challenge of replacing a cohort of top players entering the NFL. The strategic use of the transfer portal, combined with the development of existing talent, will be crucial in addressing these roster gaps and sustaining the program’s success in the upcoming season.