The transfer portal continues to reshape the college football landscape, and as the current window nears its close, programs across the country are finalizing key additions-and departures-that could define their 2026 seasons. On Wednesday, Texas landed one of those intriguing pieces, as former Texas A&M offensive tackle Jonte Newman announced he’s heading to Austin to suit up for the Longhorns.
Newman, a former four-star recruit, played sparingly in his freshman season, logging action in just one game for the Aggies. But don’t let the limited snaps fool you-this is a long-term investment for Texas. Newman arrives with four full years of eligibility, giving the Longhorns a rare opportunity to develop a high-upside lineman from the ground up.
At 6-foot-6 with the kind of frame and raw athleticism coaches love to mold, Newman was always considered a project with serious potential. Texas A&M had slotted him as a depth piece for the upcoming year, but the move to Austin could accelerate his path to the field. The Longhorns have a knack for identifying linemen who may not be ready-made starters but possess the tools to grow into impact players-and Newman fits that mold.
This isn’t just about filling out a depth chart. Texas is building for both the now and the future, and bringing in a player like Newman speaks to that dual focus. He won’t be expected to anchor the line from Day 1, but the runway is there for him to develop into a contributor-maybe even more-over the next few seasons.
The transfer portal opened on January 2 and officially closes on January 16, and as we've seen across the country, it's not just about plug-and-play veterans anymore. Programs are increasingly using the portal to find young talent with untapped potential. Newman’s move is a perfect example of that strategy in action.
For Texas, it’s another calculated swing at building sustainable success in the trenches. For Newman, it’s a fresh start with a clearer path forward.
And for fans? It’s another reminder that in today’s college football, the offseason is just as strategic-and just as compelling-as the games themselves.