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Texas Longhorns Aggressively Pursuing Transfer Portal Talent

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 13:00 GMT by on3.com

Texas Longhorns Aggressively Pursuing Transfer Portal Standouts as Roster Shakeup Continues

The Texas Longhorns are in full-blown roster reconstruction mode following their disappointing 2023 season, and the transfer portal is their primary avenue for immediate improvement. According to an article by Brooks Austin on On3.com, head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff are aggressively pursuing several high-profile players, aiming to fill key needs across multiple positions – particularly on defense. The situation isn't just about adding talent; it’s a strategic overhaul designed to elevate Texas back into the College Football Playoff conversation.

The article highlights that while Texas has already landed some significant transfers (discussed later), they are still actively engaged with several top prospects, facing stiff competition from other programs across the nation. The portal window remains open, and expectations in Austin are high – fans expect a substantial upgrade over last year's performance. Sarkisian’s program is viewed as a destination for players seeking playing time, NIL opportunities, and a chance to compete at the highest level.

Defensive Needs Drive the Pursuit:

The most pressing need for Texas lies on defense. The Longhorns struggled significantly in 2023, particularly against the run and in pass coverage. Austin’s article emphasizes that defensive coordinator Jeff Choate is actively seeking impact players who can contribute immediately. Several key targets reflect this focus:

• David Stone (Defensive Tackle): A former five-star recruit from Ohio State, Stone has entered the portal after playing sparingly for the Buckeyes. He's considered a premier target and represents a significant potential upgrade to Texas’ defensive line. His size and athleticism are exactly what Texas needs to bolster their run stopping capabilities. According to On3's transfer portal rankings, Stone is rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 2 ranked available defensive tackle. The competition for Stone is intense, with Michigan, Florida State, and Alabama also vying for his commitment. [ You can view his full profile here ].
• Javonte Crawford (Cornerback): Crawford, from TCU, is another highly sought-after prospect. He’s a physical corner with good ball skills and experience in the Big 12. Texas needs to address their secondary significantly, and Crawford offers immediate potential to improve coverage abilities. He's reportedly drawn to Texas’ defensive scheme and the opportunity for increased playing time.
• Jordan Johnson (Defensive End): Johnson, a former Notre Dame edge rusher, is also on Texas' radar. While not as highly ranked as Stone or Crawford, he provides depth and potential pass-rushing ability that could be valuable to Choate’s scheme. The Longhorns are looking for players who can contribute in multiple ways, and Johnson fits that mold.
• Keon Gray (Safety): A safety from Alabama, Gray brings SEC experience and a physical presence to the table. Texas needs more playmakers on defense, and Gray's ability to read offenses and make impactful plays could be crucial.

Offensive Considerations & Already Secured Talent:

While defense is the priority, Texas isn’t ignoring offensive needs either. The arrival of quarterback Dylan Morris from UCLA was a significant move, providing much-needed depth and competition for Quinn Ewers. [ You can read more about that here ]. Morris’s experience and skillset are expected to push Ewers, creating a potentially stronger quarterback room.

Texas has also landed tight end Jaquayln Thompson from Colorado, who provides additional receiving options for the offense. The Longhorns' offensive line is another area of focus, though their immediate needs there may be less pressing than on defense.

Competition & The NIL Factor:

The article stresses that Texas isn’t winning these recruiting battles easily. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan – all consistently ranked among the nation's elite – are also aggressively pursuing the same targets. This creates a highly competitive landscape where every advantage matters.

Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) opportunities play an increasingly significant role in transfer recruitment. Texas has demonstrated a willingness to utilize its substantial NIL resources to attract top talent, but it’s not the only factor influencing player decisions. Relationships with coaches, playing time guarantees, and overall program fit are also crucial considerations. The Longhorns' ability to articulate a clear vision for each player's role within the team is paramount.

The Ongoing Process & Future Outlook:

The transfer portal window isn't static; players continue to enter and exit. Texas’ coaching staff is constantly evaluating potential targets and adjusting their strategies accordingly. While they have already made significant progress, the Longhorns’ roster overhaul is far from complete. The next few weeks will be critical as Texas attempts to secure its remaining priority targets.

The success of these efforts will directly impact the Longhorns' chances of returning to national prominence. A strong influx of transfer talent could significantly bolster their defense and provide a much-needed spark on both sides of the ball, propelling them back into contention for the Big 12 title and beyond. However, failure to land key targets could leave lingering questions about Texas’ ability to compete with the nation's elite programs.

This article provides a snapshot of a dynamic situation. As players make decisions and new opportunities arise, the landscape will continue to evolve. The On3.com piece, and its associated links, offer an ongoing resource for tracking these developments.