Quinn Ewers: A $6 Million Dilemma
Senior quarterback Quinn Ewers has been offered nearly $6 million to remain in college football and enter the transfer portal, surpassing his NIL valuation of $4.3 million. This offer raises questions about potential tampering by unnamed schools and presents Ewers with a significant decision between returning to college to enhance his draft stock or declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, backup quarterback Arch Manning has announced he has no plans to enter the transfer portal and intends to stay with the Longhorns next season.
Matthew Golden: From Houston to the NFL
Wide receiver Matthew Golden, who transferred from the University of Houston, played a pivotal role in the Longhorns’ 39-31 double-overtime victory over Arizona State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. He caught seven passes for 149 yards and secured a game-saving 28-yard touchdown on a pivotal fourth-and-13 play in overtime. Golden led the team with 49 receptions for 787 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2024 regular season. On January 13, 2025, he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Derion Gullette and Aaron Bryant: SEC Bound
Linebacker Derion Gullette and defensive tackle Aaron Bryant have entered the transfer portal and signed with SEC teams. Gullette committed to Mississippi State, while Bryant pledged to Vanderbilt. Gullette, a former four-star prospect, appeared in games against UTSA and Colorado State during the 2024 season.
Incoming Transfers: Strengthening the Roster
Eric Singleton Jr.: Top Transfer Target
The Longhorns are set to host Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., the No. 1 overall player available in the transfer portal. Singleton recorded 56 catches for 745 yards and three touchdowns last season, along with 131 yards on 21 carries and another score. He also averaged 21.9 yards on 11 punt returns. Singleton’s addition would bolster the receiving corps, which has seen significant turnover.
Damon Wilson II: Elite EDGE Rusher
Texas is in the mix for former Georgia Bulldogs five-star edge rusher Damon Wilson II, the No. 1 transfer portal EDGE. Wilson had 22 total tackles and three sacks during his freshman season at Georgia and has three years of eligibility remaining. With the departure of senior BUCK Barryn Sorrell to the NFL Draft, adding a talent like Wilson could significantly enhance the Longhorns’ pass-rushing capabilities.
Brad Spence and Cole Brevard: Defensive Reinforcements
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has utilized the transfer portal to strengthen the defense, bringing in linebacker Brad Spence and defensive lineman Cole Brevard. These additions aim to bolster the defensive unit and address areas of need as the team prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season.
As the Texas Longhorns navigate the transfer portal, both departures and incoming players will play crucial roles in shaping the team’s prospects for the 2025 season. With strategic additions like Eric Singleton Jr. and Damon Wilson II, along with the commitment to retaining key players like Arch Manning, the Longhorns are positioning themselves for continued success in the SEC.
