Texas Kicker Bert Auburn Announces Decision to Enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Texas Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn, one of the most reliable legs in college football over the past few seasons, has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Auburn’s decision marks the end of an era in Austin, where the redshirt senior became a household name for Texas fans with his consistency, calm demeanor, and clutch performances. His next move will undoubtedly be watched closely by programs in need of a proven, battle-tested kicker.

Auburn’s journey with the Longhorns was anything but ordinary. Originally a walk-on, he earned his role through dedication, skill, and sheer perseverance. Over the past three seasons, Auburn developed into one of the most dependable specialists in the country, building a reputation for poise under pressure and an ability to deliver in critical moments.

In 2022, he broke onto the national scene with a breakout performance that included several game-winning or game-sealing kicks. His field goals against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Kansas State in Manhattan, and Iowa State in Austin each showcased not only his leg strength but also his mental toughness. His name quickly became synonymous with last-minute composure, and he earned the trust of head coach Steve Sarkisian and the entire Texas coaching staff.

Auburn finished the 2023 season with a field goal percentage of over 85%, including multiple kicks from beyond 50 yards. He was perfect on extra points and played a key role in Texas securing its berth in the College Football Playoff. His late-season heroics were especially crucial in the Big 12 Championship Game, where his two field goals provided the margin needed to clinch the title in a defensive battle.

But even beyond the numbers, Auburn brought leadership and steadiness to a young special teams unit. His locker room presence and mentorship of younger players, including backup kickers and punters, were frequently praised by coaches and teammates alike. At a position that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong, Auburn ensured that kicking was a reliable asset rather than a liability for Texas.

Still, the ever-changing nature of college football — amplified by the rise of the transfer portal and shifting NIL dynamics — has made it more common for players to explore new opportunities, even those in established roles. Auburn’s decision to enter the portal reflects a desire to finish his college career in a setting that may offer new challenges or a change of scenery.

In a message posted on social media, Auburn thanked the Texas coaching staff, teammates, fans, and everyone who played a role in his growth as a player and person during his time in Austin. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear burnt orange and represent the Longhorns at the highest level of college football. “I’ve cherished every moment wearing the Longhorn across my chest,” Auburn wrote. “I’ll forever be grateful to this university and the people who believed in me.”

Though he did not provide specific reasons for his departure, those close to the program suggest Auburn is seeking an opportunity to further showcase his abilities — potentially in a Power Five setting where he might play a more pivotal role, or where a team may present a better fit schematically or in terms of exposure. With Texas heading into its first season in the SEC, some speculate that Auburn’s move may be related to a desire to finish his career with a slightly different experience before aiming for the NFL.

The NFL is very much on the radar for Auburn. Scouts have taken notice of his technique, range, and accuracy. While kickers don’t often get drafted, the path to a pro career for college specialists frequently involves proving oneself at a high level for a consistent period. Auburn’s body of work at Texas certainly qualifies, and one more strong season — especially in a system where he might be called upon even more frequently — could further bolster his pro aspirations.

Texas, meanwhile, will have to evaluate its options at kicker. With Auburn gone, the Longhorns lose a consistent veteran presence in a phase of the game that often makes or breaks close contests. Sarkisian and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks will need to assess whether a successor is already on the roster or if they too will need to dip into the portal to bring in a new leg. There is talent in the pipeline, but experience is tough to replicate — especially when it comes to handling the pressure of big-time college football.

For fans, Auburn’s departure is bittersweet. There’s disappointment, naturally, in seeing a fan favorite and a clutch performer move on. But there’s also appreciation — for all he brought to the program, all the moments he delivered when the game hung in the balance, and the class with which he represented the university. He leaves Texas as one of the most decorated and consistent kickers in recent program history.

Auburn’s journey is a testament to the value of development and the importance of belief. He came to Texas without fanfare, earned his stripes, and made himself indispensable. In an era when college football is more transient than ever, Auburn showed what can happen when a player sticks with a program, puts in the work, and waits for the right opportunity. Now, he’ll seek one more.

The market for his services will likely be robust. Teams across the country — particularly those that struggled in the kicking game last season — are always on the lookout for a veteran with proven reliability. Auburn’s name will carry weight not only because of his stats but because of the stage on which he performed. He’s kicked in front of 100,000 fans. He’s played in College Football Playoff games. He’s handled pressure that few others have experienced — and thrived in it.

Wherever he lands, Auburn will bring with him a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, and the ability to swing the outcome of a game with one swing of his leg. While many teams would love to land a five-star quarterback or a lockdown corner, there’s immense value in securing a kicker who won’t flinch when the clock hits zero.

Texas now begins a new chapter in its special teams journey, just as Auburn begins his elsewhere. The move represents both the end of a memorable run and the start of a new opportunity — for Auburn and for a Texas program adjusting to life in the SEC. The Longhorns will surely celebrate his time on the Forty Acres and root for his continued success, even from afar.

In today’s college football landscape, players like Bert Auburn remind us of the power of perseverance and the unpredictable path of athletic careers. From walk-on to program pillar, his story is one of grit, growth, and grace. And while Texas fans may feel the sting of his departure, they’ll always remember the calm No. 45 jogging onto the field in the game’s most stressful moments — and sending the ball sailing through the uprights with ice in his veins.

As the transfer portal window continues to churn, Auburn’s name will be one of the most intriguing for programs searching for a difference-maker on special teams. For now, the college football world watches and waits to see where one of the most accurate kickers in the country will take his talents for the final chapter of his collegiate career.