The Texas Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, have once again taken center stage in the world of college football with a wave of impressive additions to their roster via the transfer portal. As the team gears up for the 2025 season, the Longhorns have successfully secured five key transfers, each of whom is poised to make an immediate impact and potentially reshape the team’s trajectory in the upcoming campaign. These additions not only bolster the squad’s depth but also address critical needs across various positions, giving Texas a potent edge in their quest for another Big 12 title and perhaps even a playoff berth.
1. Quarterback Shake-Up: Hudson Card (from Purdue)
One of the most high-profile moves in the transfer portal this offseason was the acquisition of quarterback Hudson Card, who comes to Texas from Purdue. Card, who previously played for the Longhorns before transferring to the Boilermakers, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the system. His decision to return to Austin is monumental for the Longhorns as they look to solidify their quarterback position heading into the 2025 season.
Card has demonstrated impressive poise and playmaking ability at Purdue, and his dual-threat capabilities add an exciting dynamic to the Longhorns’ offensive game plan. With Quinn Ewers no longer at the helm and the departure of some key backups, Card will be expected to provide stability and leadership under center. His addition could very well give Texas the QB it needs to contend for a national championship.
2. Defensive Reinforcement: Jalen Catalon (from Arkansas)
A major area of focus for Texas during the offseason has been strengthening its defense. The Longhorns’ defensive backfield received a significant boost with the addition of safety Jalen Catalon from Arkansas. Catalon, a former All-SEC performer, has the ability to change the course of a game with his ball-hawking skills and physical presence in the secondary.
Catalon’s arrival should help shore up a Texas defense that has often been inconsistent in recent years. His experience in high-pressure situations, along with his leadership qualities, will play a pivotal role in guiding the Longhorns’ young and dynamic defense. He could be the missing piece to elevate Texas into a more dominant defensive unit, capable of keeping pace with some of the top offenses in the country.
3. Offensive Line Depth: Ethan White (from Florida)
The Longhorns have long struggled with depth on the offensive line, a crucial unit that can often make or break a team’s season. This offseason, they addressed that issue by bringing in offensive lineman Ethan White from Florida. White, a proven commodity in the SEC, offers Texas much-needed experience and strength on the front line.
A versatile lineman capable of playing multiple positions, White will bring both stability and toughness to a Longhorns offensive line that will need to protect their quarterback and open up running lanes for their dynamic backfield. White’s addition is also a statement that Texas is serious about competing at the highest levels, as having elite talent in the trenches is essential to success in both the Big 12 and beyond.
4. Wide Receiver Weapon: Troy Franklin (from Oregon)
With the departure of several key receivers from last season’s squad, the Longhorns needed to replenish their pass-catching corps in a major way. Enter Troy Franklin, a wide receiver transferring from Oregon. Franklin is an explosive playmaker with excellent route-running ability and deep-threat potential. His quickness, ball skills, and ability to make defenders miss will make him a key weapon in Texas’ air attack.
With the Longhorns’ offense expected to lean more heavily on the passing game in 2025, Franklin’s arrival could make the offense even more difficult to defend. His chemistry with Hudson Card and the rest of the receiving group will be something to watch closely as the season progresses.
5. Linebacker Addition: Javin Lee (from Mississippi State)
Finally, the Longhorns have strengthened their linebacker corps with the addition of Javin Lee from Mississippi State. Lee, known for his sideline-to-sideline range and strong tackling ability, will give Texas an extra weapon in the middle of their defense. Texas’ defense will need a linebacker who can fill gaps, rush the passer, and cover running backs out of the backfield, and Lee fits that mold perfectly.
Adding a player of Lee’s caliber to the Longhorns’ defense could dramatically improve their overall run defense and pass coverage. His leadership and instinctual play will be essential for Texas as they seek to reassert themselves as one of the more dominant defenses in the country.
The Bigger Picture
These five additions via the transfer portal have given the Texas Longhorns a major boost heading into the 2025 season. With key upgrades at quarterback, safety, offensive line, wide receiver, and linebacker, Sarkisian’s squad looks poised for a serious run at the College Football Playoff.
The blend of experienced players like Hudson Card and Jalen Catalon, alongside emerging stars like Troy Franklin and Ethan White, has injected new life into the program. As the Longhorns prepare for what promises to be an exciting season, the transfer portal success is a clear sign that Texas is fully committed to returning to prominence in college football.
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