Texas Longhorns Navigate Roster Challenges Ahead of 2025 Season
As the Texas Longhorns gear up for spring practice, head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff are working with a roster of 82 scholarship players, navigating offseason changes and preparing for possible adjustments to NCAA roster limits in April.
With the transfer portal window closed and the NFL Draft early entry deadline passed, Sarkisian has a clearer picture of the team’s composition heading into winter conditioning. The Longhorns are balancing a mix of returning players, high-profile recruits, and a handful of transfer additions while addressing potential gaps across key positions.
Key Roster Overview
The Longhorns brought in 25 recruits as part of their No. 1-ranked 2025 recruiting class, with 22 of them enrolling early. Additionally, Texas made four transfer portal additions during the winter window but also lost 10 players to the portal.
Here’s a snapshot of their spring roster:
- Quarterbacks: Notable names include Arch Manning and newcomers KJ Lacey and Trey Owens.
- Running Backs: Featuring CJ Baxter and promising recruits Rickey Stewart and Jerrick Gibson.
- Wide Receivers: The team boasts 10 scholarship receivers, including top recruits Ryan Wingo and Aaron Butler.
- Offensive Line: A position under scrutiny with the loss of four starters, including both tackles.
- Defensive Line: The biggest concern, with eight players lost either to the portal or graduation.
- Special Teams: An unusual setup with five scholarship specialists, including two kickers, two punters, and a long snapper.
Position Gaps and Transfer Portal Needs
Despite having a solid roster foundation, the Longhorns face pressing needs at several positions:
- Wide Receiver: Texas wasn’t particularly active during the winter transfer portal, hosting Auburn signee Eric Singleton and showing limited interest in other players. However, with 10 scholarship receivers, the numbers align with last season.
- Tight End: After missing on Purdue transfer Max Klare, the tight end room lacks experience, with 86 career snaps and zero catches combined. Four-star recruit Nick Townsend won’t arrive until summer.
- Offensive Line: Losing four starters, including both tackles, puts pressure on this group. Texas pursued USC transfer Emmanuel Pregnon, but he chose Oregon. Spring practice could determine whether the position remains a portal priority.
- Defensive Line: With eight players gone, Texas signed two defensive tackles during the winter window but likely needs more depth to solidify the unit.
- Cornerback: Depth here could also be addressed if roster space allows.
Roster Changes on the Horizon
The NCAA’s potential settlement in April could reduce overall roster limits to 105 players. The SEC’s cap of 85 scholarships for 2025 also forces Texas to make careful decisions regarding roster management.
Special Teams Shake-Up
The Longhorns’ decision to carry five scholarship specialists has raised eyebrows. Rising senior Bert Auburn and redshirt senior Will Stone are set for an open competition at placekicker after Auburn’s critical misses in the Peach Bowl loss to Arizona State. Stone stepped in for the Cotton Bowl but missed two kicks in the defeat to Ohio State.
As spring practice looms, Sarkisian and his staff will look to fine-tune their roster and address any lingering gaps through the spring transfer portal window. With high expectations following their top-ranked recruiting class, the Longhorns aim to build a championship-caliber team for the 2025 season.
