A system that Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian described as “a little broken” last week left him in a state of chaos. The Longhorns, with a record of 11-2, were given just two weeks to prepare for their opening-round College Football Playoff game against Clemson (10-3). Simultaneously, they had to brace themselves for the opening of the transfer portal, college football's chaotic free agency period.

Navigating the NFL and College Football Playoff Timing

“In three weeks, the NFL playoffs are set to begin,” Sarkisian said. “Imagine if every player in the NFL became a free agent on the day the playoff teams were announced. That's similar to what's happening in college football. Every quarterback, every offensive lineman, every defensive lineman, and every running back is essentially a free agent right now. For teams that didn't play in conference championship games or aren't in the College Football Playoff, they can focus more on free agency while we're trying to win a championship.”

The Importance of Punter Jack Bouwmeester

The Longhorns have long struggled with punting, averaging just 39.7 yards per punt and ranking 122nd nationally. Jack Bouwmeester, from Utah, is expected to be the solution. His average of 44.7 yards this season placed him 21st in the country. As an Australian product, he has one more season of eligibility.“Sarkisian said, ‘Obviously, an elite punter at the University of Utah. He's mastered a variety of punts. His average of 45 yards per punt is impressive, and his ability to pin opponents inside the five and ten-yard lines, along with his excellent hangtime, makes us extremely excited to have him join the team.’”

The Defensive Tackle Addition of Cole Brevard

Cole Brevard spent the first four years of his career split between Purdue and Penn State. In 2024, he received an All-Big Ten honorable mention after recording 19 tackles and six tackles for loss for the Boilermakers. Sarkisian believes Brevard is the answer to some of the defensive tackle attrition the Longhorns have faced. With 6 feet 3 inches and 333 pounds, he is a redshirt senior with valuable experience.“Sarkisian said, ‘To get him on board as a big, physical interior defensive lineman is a huge boost for us. His presence will strengthen our defense.’”

The Versatility of Linebacker Brad Spence

Sarkisian said the Longhorns recruited Brad Spence “pretty extensively” out of Klein Forest High School, where he played as a defensive end. At Arkansas, he played a more traditional linebacker role in early-down situations and often shifted to pass-rush mode on third downs. He ended the season with 54 tackles and 4½ sacks.“He had a great game against the Longhorns in November, finishing with seven tackles and a sack. Sarkisian said, ‘We've had some attrition at the linebacker position with transfers. We have a senior graduating (David Gbenda), and we were already a bit short in numbers. Signing Brad Spence gives us the versatility he can provide on defense, both off the ball and in pass rushing. His contributions on special teams at Arkansas are also significant for us.’”We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsroom.Reach Texas Insider David Eckert via email at deckert@gannett.com. Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Get access to all of our best content with this tremendous offer.