Roster stability is a major reason why the Longhorns will be a major SEC force in 2025
The transfer portal is now closed, and coaches can start mapping out practice schedules for spring practice. While other teams saw tremendous turnover, the Longhorns don’t have to waste much money on nametags this spring. Texas is poised to see double-digit draft picks in the NFL Draft. But the bulk of the 2025 recruiting class […]
The transfer portal is now closed, and coaches can start mapping out practice schedules for spring practice.
While other teams saw tremendous turnover, the Longhorns don’t have to waste much money on nametags this spring.
Texas is poised to see double-digit draft picks in the NFL Draft. But the bulk of the 2025 recruiting class — ranked No. 1 nationally, by the way — is already enrolled and there were virtually no damaging losses in the portal.
The Athletic examined every SEC roster for portal changes. Texas’ roster was considered neutral.
WATCH AND SUBSCRIBE: Follow A to Z Sports’ Texas Longhorns channel on YouTube.
“The Longhorns lost a lot to the draft but replenished the roster with the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class,” The Athletic’s Kennington Smith III and Seth Emerson wrote. “And perhaps because of how long their season went, they didn’t lose much or gain much in the portal. The trenches are the only area of concern, and Steve Sarkisian used the portal to get some help on the defensive line.
“The offensive line might just be a matter of development. But otherwise, this roster is in good shape. A lot of players are coming back on defense, receiver Ryan Wingo can be a star, and, oh, you might have heard of the quarterback elevated into the full-time starting role.”
To be sure, the Longhorns lost players in the transfer portal — 11 in all. But none of those who transferred out had started at Texas. All were considered reserves or developmental players.
Meanwhile, the Horns brought in five players, including three defensive linemen Hero Kanu (Ohio State), Travis Shaw (North Carolina) and Cole Brevard (Purdue).
The Horns have 22 members of the class of 2025 already enrolled in school. Coach Steve Sarkisian has talked extensively about wanting to sign quality freshmen, develop those players and then plug any roster holes through the portal.
Some teams have seen total roster overhaul via the portal, making it difficult to handicap how they’ll do this year. For example, Arkansas had 30 players transfer out while Kentucky had to bring in 19 new players. Tennessee lost 18 players and replaced them with only four so far.
Texas doesn’t have major roster turnover, though. It’s a huge reason why the Horns will have a leg up on everyone else in 2025.