Texas Longhorns Make Bold Special Teams Move by Replacing Veteran Kicker Bert Auburn with Texas State Transfer from Portal
The Texas Longhorns have made a significant special teams move this offseason by replacing veteran placekicker Bert Auburn with Texas State transfer Mason Shipley. The decision, finalized in the spring transfer portal window, reflects the high-stakes mentality of head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff as they look to maximize every facet of the team ahead of the 2025 season and their full-time arrival in the SEC. Auburn, who had been Texas’ most reliable special teams weapon over the past two seasons, is now out of the equation, replaced by a rising name with a strong leg and even stronger upside. The move signals a new direction for Texas in the kicking game and underscores just how important the transfer portal has become, even at a position often overlooked in roster discussions.
Auburn’s departure from the program, while not necessarily surprising to those close to the situation, represents a major shift. In 2023, Auburn hit 21 of 25 field goal attempts and was nearly perfect on extra points. He followed that up with a solid 2024 campaign, highlighted by clutch makes against Oklahoma and Texas A&M, and his calm demeanor under pressure made him a fan favorite. But internally, there were growing whispers that Sarkisian and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks wanted a more explosive leg—someone capable of hitting from 55-plus consistently and handling kickoff duties with greater range. Auburn’s range often topped out around 50 yards, and though accurate, the Longhorns are aiming higher in the ultra-competitive SEC landscape where every point counts.
Enter Mason Shipley. The Texas State kicker made a name for himself in 2024 with a breakout season that turned heads across the Group of Five and Power Five conferences alike. Shipley connected on 23 of 26 field goals, including five from beyond 50 yards. His consistency, power, and touchbacks on over 80% of his kickoffs made him a coveted player the moment he hit the portal. Texas moved quickly, offering Shipley a chance to compete at the Power Five level and on the biggest stage in college football, with a clear path to being the Longhorns’ primary kicker. The deal got done in late May, and Shipley is expected to begin summer workouts with the team immediately.
For Shipley, the move represents a rapid rise in his football journey. A lightly recruited kicker out of high school, he earned a walk-on opportunity at Texas State and steadily developed into a standout performer. His dedication in the weight room and attention to mechanics paid off during a stellar 2024 season that earned him All-Sun Belt First Team honors and Lou Groza Award semifinalist recognition. Now, he’s not just transferring for exposure—he’s expected to start and contribute right away on a national title contender. That’s no small feat, especially in a program with Texas’ pressure and media spotlight.
The transition from Auburn to Shipley will be scrutinized early and often. Kicking decisions in college football rarely draw headlines—until they’re missed. And for Texas, which has endured the pain of special teams miscues in big games, the spotlight will shine a little brighter on every 4th down inside the 35. Sarkisian has praised Shipley’s mentality and leg strength, indicating that the staff believes this is not just a move for marginal improvement, but a game-changing upgrade. “Mason brings something special,” Sarkisian said in a recent interview. “He’s accurate, he’s got range, and he’s got the confidence to handle those SEC atmospheres we’re heading into.”
That last point may prove most critical. Texas, after years of ups and downs in the Big 12, officially joins the SEC this season with heightened expectations. Every position group is under review, and special teams are no exception. With matchups against Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M now annual affairs, the ability to convert long field goals and control field position through kickoffs can swing games. Auburn was dependable, but the staff clearly saw Shipley as a better fit for what the SEC demands. The margin for error is razor-thin in that league, and one missed kick can determine a season’s fate.
This transition also speaks volumes about the changing dynamics of roster management in college football. The transfer portal is no longer just a tool for patching holes—it’s a weapon used proactively to upgrade any position, regardless of who’s returning. Auburn was not a liability, yet Texas still made the move. That reflects both the ruthless pursuit of excellence within elite programs and the ever-growing competitiveness of the SEC, where second place often feels like failure. Texas isn’t alone in this approach; programs like Alabama and Georgia have also used the portal to land specialists in recent years. But for Longhorn fans, the message is clear: Sarkisian and company will do whatever it takes to put the best 11 on the field at every opportunity.
As for Auburn, he leaves the Forty Acres with a legacy of clutch kicks and poise. Sources close to the situation indicate that he may seek a graduate transfer to another Power Five program where he can compete immediately. His consistency and experience make him a valuable addition for any team needing a veteran kicker. It’s a reminder that while the portal creates opportunities, it also creates displacement, and even the most dependable contributors are not immune.
In the locker room, Shipley is already making an impression. Teammates describe him as focused, humble, and serious about his craft. “He’s not here to mess around,” one Longhorn senior said. “He came in ready to work and already looks like he belongs.” That mindset will serve him well as the pressure ramps up. Texas will play in front of sellout crowds every week and on national television nearly every game. Shipley’s kicks won’t just be measured by accuracy—they’ll be measured by how they impact championship hopes.
There’s also an unspoken value to having a kicker who can alter game planning. With Shipley’s deep range, Sarkisian may be more willing to attempt field goals on 4th and long from the opponent’s 40 or beyond, knowing he has a weapon with proven distance. That changes how Texas approaches two-minute drills and end-of-half possessions, giving the offense greater flexibility and less urgency. In close games—especially in the SEC—those three points can decide everything. Alabama knows it. Georgia knows it. And now, Texas is acting accordingly.
Recruiting observers note that this move could also influence future special teams prospects. By showing a willingness to bring in top portal specialists, Texas signals that the position matters, and that the best will play. It sets a tone not just for this season, but for how the program evaluates every roster spot in the NIL and portal era. Specialists, once taken for granted, are now front and center in competitive roster builds.
The decision will also be a test for special teams coordinator Jeff Banks, widely regarded as one of the top minds in the country in that phase of the game. Banks vouched for Shipley during internal evaluations, citing both his technique and mental makeup. With so much riding on special teams in SEC games decided by inches and seconds, the spotlight now falls on Banks to help Shipley adjust quickly and flourish.
In many ways, this kicking change encapsulates where Texas is as a program. No longer content with potential, the Longhorns are pushing all chips in for results. Shipley’s arrival may not generate the same buzz as a five-star quarterback or a top defensive back, but make no mistake—his role could be just as critical. In a season where the Longhorns hope to reach the College Football Playoff and perhaps even challenge for a national title, every point matters. Every decision is magnified. And every kick will be watched.
As the summer unfolds and fall camp begins, all eyes will be on Shipley as he prepares to take the field in burnt orange for the first time. His leg could be the difference between 10 wins and 12, between a Sugar Bowl and a Playoff berth. That’s the reality in today’s SEC, and that’s the standard Texas is embracing. Auburn set a strong foundation, but the Longhorns believe Shipley can raise the bar even higher.
Time will tell if the gamble pays off. But one thing is certain—Texas is leaving nothing to chance.
