Texas linebacker Liona Lefau is heading to the transfer portal when it opens on January 2, marking the end of a steady and impactful run in Austin. The third-year player has been a fixture in the Longhorns’ lineup, starting 23 straight games and appearing in all 42 contests since the start of the 2023 season. Now, with one year of eligibility left, he’s looking for a new opportunity to close out his college career.
Lefau’s journey at Texas has been one of consistent growth and versatility. As a freshman, he carved out a role on special teams - and not just in one phase.
He logged snaps across nearly every unit: kick coverage, punt return, field goal block - you name it, he was on it. In total, he played 346 snaps that year, though only 44 came on defense.
Still, that early exposure set the tone for what was to come.
His breakout came in 2024. Lefau started the year as a reserve linebacker but earned his first start in one of college football’s biggest stages - the Red River Shootout.
From that point on, he didn’t look back. He became a regular contributor on defense while continuing to be a mainstay on special teams, showcasing the kind of all-around value coaches love.
In 2025, Lefau took another step forward. He started all 12 regular season games at linebacker and had his most productive season yet.
He finished with 68 total tackles, three pass breakups, a sack, and a fumble recovery. That stat line placed him fourth on the team in tackles, trailing only Jelani McDonald, Michael Taaffe, and Anthony Hill - a testament to his consistency and nose for the football.
Even in 2024, before his full-time starting role, Lefau was making plays. He tallied 63 tackles, two sacks, two pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble - good for fifth on the team in tackles that season.
The production has been there. So has the reliability.
Coming out of high school in the 2023 recruiting cycle, Lefau was a top-35 linebacker nationally and the No. 2 overall prospect from Hawaii, according to 247Sports. That pedigree has translated into a college career defined by steady improvement, versatility, and a team-first mentality.
Now, with one year left, Lefau enters the portal as a proven veteran who can contribute right away - not just on defense, but across special teams as well. He’s the kind of player who won’t just fill a roster spot; he’ll elevate a unit. Wherever he lands, expect him to bring the same edge, effort, and leadership that made him a key piece in Austin.