Texas Football Gearing Up for Transfer Portal Push With O-Line Help a Top Priority
As the college football transfer portal officially opens in just over two weeks, Texas is poised to be one of the more aggressive programs in the market. With key departures and a looming move to expanded SEC rosters, the Longhorns are eyeing reinforcements across multiple positions - and it starts up front.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian made it clear earlier this month: trench help is at the top of the list.
“Offensive line and an interior defensive lineman is something we'll address in the portal,” Sarkisian said. “Potentially a linebacker, potentially a player in the secondary and potentially a running back. There’s needs that we’re going to address, but again, do they fit us physically in the style which we want to play and from a character standpoint?”
That last part - the fit - isn’t just coach-speak. Texas isn’t simply hunting for talent; they’re looking for players who match their physical brand of football and the culture Sarkisian has been building in Austin. It’s not just about plugging holes - it’s about finding the right pieces to keep this program trending upward.
And now, the Longhorns may have even more flexibility to do just that.
The Southeastern Conference is expected to raise the scholarship limit from 85 to 105, a change that could significantly alter how teams approach roster construction. For Texas, which is preparing to fully integrate into the SEC landscape, that’s a game-changer.
“I think ultimately one of the challenges that we're faced with right now in the Southeastern Conference, we're still operating at 85 scholarships,” Sarkisian said. “If we do go to 105, we can be a little bit more aggressive when it comes to the transfer portal that way.”
That extra breathing room could be the difference between filling needs and upgrading depth across the board. And with several Longhorns already announcing their plans to enter the portal, the staff knows it has work to do.
Right now, offensive line help is front and center. Texas is expected to target players who have already entered the portal as well as others who could be on the move soon. General manager Brandon Harris, who has played a key role in Texas’ portal strategy the past few cycles, will be instrumental again in identifying and recruiting the right fits.
The offensive line is a position that requires both experience and cohesion - and that’s tough to find in the portal. But Texas has shown it can be selective and successful in this space. The goal isn’t just to add bodies; it’s to find players who can step in and contribute immediately, especially with the physicality of SEC play looming.
Interior defensive line is another area where the Longhorns will be active. Depth up front is a must in the SEC, and Texas is looking to build a rotation that can hold up against the league’s bruising offenses. Linebacker and secondary help are also on the radar, depending on how the roster shakes out in the coming weeks.
Running back is a potential need as well, but that may depend on how the current room evolves through the offseason.
Bottom line: Texas is entering this portal window with a clear plan and the flexibility to execute it. With the SEC transition on the horizon and roster spots potentially expanding, this is a pivotal stretch for Sarkisian and his staff.
They’re not just building for next season - they’re building for the SEC grind. And that starts with getting it right in the trenches.