Austin, Texas, August 5, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas football program is ramping up preparations for the upcoming season, aiming to enhance competitiveness with new transfers and facing former players in their SEC schedule. Key matchups against teams like Mississippi State and Vanderbilt highlight the season, while Texas baseball sees significant roster changes with players entering the transfer portal. Head coach Steve Sarkisian expresses excitement for the new additions, indicating a focused approach towards navigating challenges and opportunities ahead.
Austin, Texas – The University of Texas football program is intensifying preparations for the upcoming 2025 season, highlighted by key transfers and an intriguing mix of former players who will be encountered as they navigate their SEC schedule. The Longhorns are expected to face off against several familiar faces, starting with Mississippi State on October 25, where former Texas players will be prominent on both sides of the field.
Mississippi State is projected to be a formidable opponent, featuring Brenen Thompson, who is likely to be the top wide receiver for the Bulldogs. In addition, former Longhorn defensive stars Jaray Bledsoe and Derion Gullette are expected to play pivotal roles on the Bulldogs’ defense. The following week, Texas will challenge Vanderbilt, where they’ll meet former Longhorn Aaron Bryant, a top-10 prospect from Mississippi now with the Commodores.
Another notable matchup in the 2025 calendar is the Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M, which will see Amari Niblack, a former Alabama transfer, aiming to establish himself as a key player for the Aggies. Furthermore, potential SEC title game encounters may include former Longhorns Sydir Mitchell (LSU) and Jalen Catalon (Missouri), showcasing the strong network of talent that has migrated to power conference programs.
In anticipation of the season, Texas has announced a roster of five incoming transfers, aimed at enhancing their competitiveness. The new additions include:
- Jack Endries, a tight end from California, recognized as an All-ACC Honorable Mention following a season of 623 receiving yards.
- Lavon Johnson, a defensive lineman from Maryland with 19 tackles over two seasons.
- Emmett Mosley V, a wide receiver from Stanford, noted for 48 receptions and 6 touchdowns as a freshman.
- Mason Shipley, a senior kicker from Texas State with 31 career field goals made, including a long of 60 yards.
- Maraad Watson, a sophomore defensive lineman from Syracuse, contributing 31 tackles as a freshman.
While the football program gears up for its SEC challenges, Texas baseball is seeing significant roster turnover, with 16 players entering the transfer portal in search of new opportunities for the 2026 season. Notable exits include Tommy Farmer IV to UC Irvine, Cole Chamberlain to Coastal Carolina, and Donovan Jordan. Despite the adjustments, experts predict Texas will continue to compete strongly, with aspirations of reaching the College World Series due in part to the potential talent of incoming freshmen.
The changes have brought about both challenges and opportunities for Texas sports as the program adjusts to roster limitations and the transfer portal dynamics. The Longhorns, who faced notable losses from their pitching staff as some consider entering the MLB draft, are working hard to fill the gaps left by strong contributors.
In the football domain, head coach Steve Sarkisian has expressed enthusiasm about the special teams unit, noting the experience of new senior specialists. Noteworthy is the recruitment of Mason Shipley, who will replace Bert Auburn as the kicker, aiming to build a robust special teams unit alongside punter Jack Bouwmeester from Utah.
The trajectory of Texas football and baseball appears promising as they gear up for their respective seasons while strategically navigating the complexities brought on by transfer dynamics and player movements.
FAQ
Who are some notable former Texas players joining SEC teams?
Former Texas players facing their old team in the SEC include Brenen Thompson at Mississippi State, Aaron Bryant at Vanderbilt, Amari Niblack at Texas A&M, and potentially Sydir Mitchell (LSU) and Jalen Catalon (Missouri) in an SEC title matchup.
What new transfers are joining the Texas football team for 2025?
Texas football has announced five new transfers: Jack Endries (TE), Lavon Johnson (DL), Emmett Mosley V (WR), Mason Shipley (K), and Maraad Watson (DL).
How is Texas baseball affected by the transfer portal?
Texas baseball has seen 16 players enter the transfer portal, including notable players like Tommy Farmer IV and Cole Chamberlain, leading to potential challenges in filling gaps left by experienced players.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First SEC Game | October 25 against Mississippi State |
| Top Former Players in SEC | Brenen Thompson (MSU), Aaron Bryant (Vanderbilt), Amari Niblack (Texas A&M) |
| New Transfers Joining Texas | 5 players including Jack Endries and Mason Shipley |
| Baseball Roster Changes | 16 players in transfer portal, including notable exits |
| Future Expectations | D1Baseball predicts Texas to reach College World Series |
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Texas Longhorns Football 2025
- Wikipedia: Transfer portal (college sports)
- Texas Longhorns: Football Signs Five Transfers
- Google Search: Texas baseball 2025 transfers
- Statesman: Texas Baseball Transfers
- Google Scholar: Texas Longhorns football transfers
- KXAN: Texas Longhorns Football Preview 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Longhorns football
- Burnt Orange Nation: Texas Longhorns Baseball Transfers
- Google News: Texas Longhorns 2025
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