The transfer portal has been buzzing in Austin, and it’s no secret which spots Texas is circling on the whiteboard. Offensive line?
Absolutely. Linebacker?
No doubt. Running back?
That too. But with DeAndre Moore Jr. hitting the portal, wide receiver has quietly climbed the list of needs for the Longhorns-at least in the minds of some fans.
But here’s the twist: Texas might already have a solution in-house, and his name is Kaliq Lockett.
The 6'2", 185-pound blue-chip receiver out of Sachse, Texas, was a major recruiting win for Steve Sarkisian and his staff. Lockett isn’t just another high-upside freshman-he’s the kind of player who can shift a position room’s trajectory. He’s got the frame, the athleticism, and, most importantly, the versatility to line up wherever Sark needs him: X, Z, or slot.
And that last role? That might be where he makes his biggest impact.
While many expected Lockett to settle in at Z, he spent most of his time in the slot during summer practices. That’s a noteworthy development, especially for a player with his size and skill set.
Slot receivers in Sarkisian’s offense aren’t just safety valves-they’re matchup nightmares. If Lockett can sharpen his route-running and learn how to manipulate defenders on two-way go routes, he could become a serious problem for defenses working between the numbers.
There’s already a glimpse of what he can do. In a highlight that made the rounds earlier this season, Lockett pulled down a wild 52-yard touchdown-a reminder of the kind of big-play potential he brings to the table.
Sarkisian himself dropped Lockett’s name in a recent bowl practice media session, grouping him with fellow standout freshman Jaime Ffrench and tight end Jordan Washington as young players who’ve made noticeable strides.
“These have been great practices for Jaime Ffrench and Kaliq Lockett,” Sarkisian said. “The young tight ends, I think about, who kind of fell back a little bit, and, we saw his growth, and Jordan (Washington).”
It’s not just about development-it’s about roster strategy. If Lockett proves ready to contribute right away, especially in the slot, it could change how Texas approaches the portal. Instead of shelling out big NIL dollars for a top-tier wideout, the Longhorns might opt for a lower-cost depth piece and reallocate those resources toward more pressing needs-like bolstering the offensive line or shoring up the linebacker corps.
In a year where every dollar and every roster spot counts, Lockett’s emergence could be more than just a pleasant surprise-it could be a key pivot point in how Texas builds its 2026 roster.