Among the clubs using the gateway to replenish their roster is the Texas Longhorns. For example, former Alabama tight end Amari Niblack took over for Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, who left to enter the NFL draft. With the acquisition of Niblack, UTSA edge rusher Trey Moore, Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba, and wide receiver Isaiah Bond, among others, the Longhorns have the No. 6 transfer class overall, according to 247Sports.After finishing in the CFP last season, Texas’ squad is in excellent health, and in their first season as an SEC program, the Longhorns appear to be a serious contender. However, they did have one major issue going into the offseason: the loss of all five of their best receivers from the 2023 Big 12 champion team. This comprises tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders and all three of Texas’ starting wideouts, Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jordan Whittington. Together, they were responsible for 19 of the team’s 25 passing touchdowns in 2023 and a little over 75% of the team’s receiving yards.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian used the transfer portal to his advantage in order to add some upside and experience. Bond is the most significant acquisition, since he is expected to make a big splash following a successful end to the 2023 season. After saving Alabama in a last-second victory over Auburn with a dramatic touchdown catch, he won widespread praise. In the postseason, he added nine receptions for 128 yards. Bond, a major playmaker, should have no trouble getting open when Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is throwing the ball. Bond was rated as the fourth-best player overall on the portal.

While losing Jordan Whittington, AD Mitchell, and Xavier Worthy is a bitter pill to swallow, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian did a fantastic job at substituting that production via the transfer portal. Although former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Bond is a valuable addition to this class, Oregon State’s Silas Bolden and Houston’s Matthew Golden are also excellent choices. His most famous play was a “grave digger” touchdown catch in the final week of the season against the Auburn Tigers, which preserved Alabama’s prospects of making the College Football Playoffs.

Bond caught 49 passes while playing for Alabama, and he was the target on 75 of them. This translates to 65.3% of targets being successfully captured. He can be moved about, which is an advantage of having him on the offensive. Bond only had wide alignments on 40.9% of snaps. If Sark keeps moving him about, he can be a headache for opposition defenders to try and slow down.

When the Longhorns go to Fayetteville to play the Arkansas Razorbacks, they will run into a familiar face. Ja’Quinden Jackson, a former quarterback signed by Texas, transferred in after spending three seasons in Utah as a running back. Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, a departing transfer who is currently at South Carolina, is replaced by Jackson.

Jackson will probably be the key if the Hogs are to improve upon their 4–8 record from the previous season. According to CBS Sports, he was the No. 5 running back in the transfer portal.