Texas Longhorns Land Major Special Teams Boost as Texas State Kicker Mason Shipley Commits for 2025 Season

The Texas Longhorns continue to make noise in the college football landscape, this time by addressing one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of the game—special teams. On Monday, Texas secured a key addition to its 2025 roster when standout Texas State kicker Mason Shipley announced his commitment to the Longhorns via social media. The move gives Texas a proven weapon in the kicking game and signals the program’s determination to shore up every possible edge as it transitions into a new era in the SEC. Shipley’s decision to transfer from Texas State to Texas marks a major leap in his collegiate career. After two highly productive seasons with the Bobcats, the Keller, Texas native is set to trade Sun Belt Conference competition for the national spotlight in Austin. While kickers often fly under the radar in the transfer portal frenzy dominated by quarterbacks and skill-position stars, the Longhorns’ pursuit and eventual landing of Shipley is a strong reminder of how seriously elite programs take the kicking game. The numbers speak for themselves. During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Shipley proved to be one of the most consistent and clutch kickers in the Group of Five. He converted 39 of 44 field goal attempts over the past two years, including a long of 53 yards, and missed just one extra point in that span. More importantly, he demonstrated poise in high-pressure situations, including multiple game-winning kicks that helped Texas State become a legitimate contender in the Sun Belt. Shipley’s accuracy and leg strength earned him All-Sun Belt honors and placed him on the radar of programs across the country. But it was Texas that made the strongest push, recognizing his value not just as a field goal specialist, but as a kickoff contributor and steadying presence in late-game scenarios. For head coach Steve Sarkisian and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks, Shipley checks every box: experience, consistency, range, and the mental toughness needed to thrive under the bright lights at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. What makes the pickup even more significant is the context in which it arrives. The Longhorns are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and have their sights set on not just repeating that feat, but making a deeper run in the postseason. In tight games, especially against SEC opponents, the difference between a win and a loss often comes down to special teams execution. Having a reliable veteran like Shipley in place ensures Texas can go into those battles with confidence in its kicking unit. In recent years, the Longhorns have had their fair share of ups and downs at the kicker position. Bert Auburn emerged as a fan favorite and dependable option during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, delivering multiple clutch performances. But with Auburn exhausting his eligibility, the staff faced the daunting task of replacing one of the more consistent kickers in the country. Rather than gamble on an inexperienced freshman or unproven walk-on, Texas turned to the portal and found a tailor-made solution in Shipley. For Shipley, the move is both a homecoming and a step onto a bigger stage. Growing up in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Shipley was well-acquainted with the prestige of Texas football. He now gets the chance to don the burnt orange and compete in front of over 100,000 fans each week while pursuing a championship. His journey from underrated prospect at Keller High School to Texas State standout and now Power Five kicker is a testament to his work ethic and belief in his own ability. Shipley’s commitment also underscores the evolving landscape of college football. With the transfer portal now a central part of roster construction, savvy programs are using it to fill specific needs and patch vulnerabilities. For a team like Texas, which already boasts elite talent at quarterback, wide receiver, and both lines of scrimmage, finding a kicker who can seamlessly step in and maintain stability was a high priority. In Shipley, they landed one of the best available options. What sets Shipley apart from many of his peers is his composure. Watching him perform for the Bobcats, it’s clear he doesn’t shy away from the moment. Whether it was nailing a 50-yarder on the road at Troy or calmly drilling a walk-off winner against Louisiana, Shipley routinely handled pressure with the demeanor of a seasoned veteran. That calmness will be critical in the SEC, where every game feels like a playoff and the margins for error are razor-thin. As Shipley prepares to join Texas, he’ll also benefit from top-tier coaching and facilities. The Longhorns place a strong emphasis on special teams, and under Jeff Banks—a widely respected special teams guru—Shipley will have the resources to further elevate his game. With an elite strength and conditioning program, advanced analytics, and a culture that embraces specialists, Texas is well-positioned to help Shipley reach his full potential. Beyond the field, Shipley brings maturity and leadership to a locker room that will be looking to replace not just production, but personality. Kickers often set the tone for special teams units with their demeanor and focus. Shipley’s no-nonsense approach and calm energy could serve as a steadying influence for younger players on the roster. In high-pressure environments, those intangible qualities often make all the difference. From a strategic standpoint, Shipley gives Texas more flexibility in play-calling. Coaches can now approach fourth down with greater confidence knowing they have a kicker capable of connecting from 50+ yards. That changes the way Sarkisian can manage close games, particularly in hostile environments where points are at a premium. It also bolsters red zone efficiency, allowing the offense to walk away with points more often than not, even if the drive stalls. Longhorn fans have already responded positively to the news, recognizing the importance of having a seasoned kicker in such a competitive conference. While five-star recruits and splashy offensive additions tend to dominate headlines, the savvy addition of a battle-tested kicker like Shipley could ultimately prove to be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason. Championships are built on details, and special teams are a detail Texas isn’t overlooking. As for Shipley, he now enters a pressure-packed but rewarding chapter in his career. The spotlight will be brighter, the expectations higher, and the stakes enormous. But if his track record is any indication, he’s ready for the moment. He’s not just joining Texas to fill a roster spot—he’s coming to make a difference. And in a sport where one kick can change everything, that difference could be monumental. With SEC play on the horizon and championship aspirations fueling every move, Texas has made it clear it’s all-in. Adding Mason Shipley might not generate the same buzz as a blue-chip quarterback or transfer wideout, but in terms of potential impact, it’s every bit as crucial. In 2025, when the Longhorns find themselves in a nail-biting battle in Death Valley or Tuscaloosa, don’t be surprised if it’s Shipley’s leg that decides the outcome. And if that moment comes, Texas fans can rest easy knowing they’ve got a kicker who’s not just ready—but built—for that kind of stage.