The transfer portal has become a hot topic during this time of the year. It opened its doors for all players on Monday, and for the Texas Longhorns, it seems to be a relatively quiet window from the departing department. But as players become available from other teams, we'll be curious to see who Texas might add to their roster.

Uncovering the Transfer Portal's Impact on Texas Football

Overview of the Transfer Portal

As of Monday evening, 1,537 FBS players were already in the database. With the restrictions on transfers still in place but limited, the 2024-25 transfer portal cycle is expected to see an even greater influx of players on the move. The winter window closes on Saturday, December 28, and the spring window opens on April 16 and closes on April 25.This provides a significant opportunity for teams like the Texas Longhorns to strengthen their rosters. Currently, seven Longhorns have entered the portal, including three defensive tackles, two linebackers, one cornerback, and one wide receiver. Some have left quietly, while others have sent heartfelt goodbyes to the UT staff and fans.

Texas Longhorns Portal Needs

Unless there are some unexpected surprises, the Texas Longhorns are likely to lose three senior defensive backs, three senior linebackers, and six senior defensive linemen. Additionally, they could use a strong tight end since Gunnar Helm is a senior. This presents a challenge for the team as they prepare for future competitions.

Texas Longhorns in the Portal

WR Johntay Cook: The former five-star recruit left the program in November and is now on the lookout for a new home. He was the 31st-ranked player in his recruiting class. During his time with the Longhorns, he appeared in 20 games and made 16 catches, accumulating 273 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns this season after not having a receiving touchdown last year. Despite starting his college career with high expectations, he faced challenges in separating himself in a talented Longhorns offense while dealing with injuries.LB Tausili Akana: The 6-foot-4, 220-pound edge rusher and linebacker entered the NCAA transfer portal early on Monday. He has three years of eligibility remaining. A consensus 4-star recruit from Laie, Hawaii, Akana was a late addition to Texas's 2023 recruiting class, signing on Early Signing Day in 2022. He made his debut in the Longhorns' home opener against Rice and played six defensive snaps over two seasons. He also contributed on special teams, logging 37 snaps on kickoff coverage across eight games this season and recording two tackles.DT Aaron Bryant: Bryant is a former 4-star defensive lineman who has played in 13 games for Texas over three years and recorded two total tackles. He was set to be depth at the DT position next year, but the Texas staff addressed this position in the Early Signing Period by signing 4-star Josiah Sharma, 4-star Myron Charles, and 5-star Justus Terry. Bryant wrote a heartfelt note to Longhorns fans on his social media accounts, calling it the "hardest decision of my life." He said, "To Longhorn Nation: Thank you for everything. Thank you for the support, the memories, and the lessons. This isn't goodbye—it's see you later."DT Tiaoalii Savea: The former top-10 prospect from Las Vegas transferred to Texas from Arizona in the spring of 2024. As a Longhorn, he had two tackles against UTSA and assisted on one against ULM for a total of three tackles this season. At Arizona, he had 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and a blocked kick in two seasons.LB Derion Gullette: Gullette is a former 4-star recruit who had interest from Ohio State, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas before committing to Texas. He recorded two tackles in two games at Texas.DT Jaray Bledsoe: After redshirting and playing in one game as a true freshman for Texas in 2022, Bledsoe appeared in eight games in 2023. His role diminished in 2024 and he appeared in just a few games. He has a recruiting trip set up for the Washington Huskies.CB Jayvion Cole: Cole has played for three different schools over the last three years: Cal Poly, San Jose State, and Texas. He'll now seek his fourth program. He played in just one game this season, against Louisiana-Monroe on September 21st, recording one tackle and an interception.The Texas Longhorns will be actively recruiting from the portal as they prepare to compete in the college football playoff. While there won't be any big pieces added yet during the season, they could use some reinforcements at key spots once the season is over. This transfer portal period presents both challenges and opportunities for the team as they strive to maintain their competitive edge.