Analysts have confirmed that Will Stone will retain his role as Texas’ primary kicker for the upcoming season, a decision that opens the door for Mason Shipley to take on an expanded role. Stone, now in his third year, has been a steady presence on special teams, having appeared in 27 contests and serving as the Longhorns’ go-to kickoff specialist.
Shipley’s emergence came amid a flurry of transfer portal activity on Friday. Texas also welcomed two new additions: Maryland defensive lineman Lavon Johnson and Cal tight end Jack Endries. With the spring transfer window set to close April 25, these moves signal the Longhorns’ final roster shifts as the program sharpens its depth chart heading into the fall.
Experts Confirm Will Stone As Texas Kicker, Shipley Gains Opportunity
The Texas Longhorns appear to have finalized a major shift in their special teams unit, as Will Stone has emerged as the team’s starting kicker, a move solidified by Bert Auburn’s recent departure to the NCAA transfer portal.
During a segment on the On Texas Football YouTube channel, Gerry Hamilton broke down what the move really signified.
“It means that Will Stone was winning the job this spring is what that means,” he said. “Obviously Will Stone was ahead in the job because you don’t leave if you’re the starting kicker at Texas. That’s the common-sense play that we know.”
Hamilton acknowledged Texas’ interest in Shipley before the commitment, saying,
“We’ve been told Texas has some interest in Mason Shipley… but he has not visited yet as of yesterday.”
While Auburn’s performance was crucial in 2022 and 2023, especially when the offense struggled to finish drives, signs pointed to inconsistency last season.
By Friday, the commitment was official, and Shipley became one of three portal additions that day alongside defensive lineman Lavon Johnson from Maryland and tight end Jack Endries from Cal.
As Hamilton noted, Auburn’s transfer could serve him well long term.
“I actually think this is a good thing for him… A reset kind of gets back to where he was his first two years starting at Texas as a kicker.”
With Auburn moving on, the Longhorns have acted swiftly. Texas has secured a commitment from Texas State transfer Mason Shipley, a 2023 first-team All-Sun Belt selection.
Shipley went 15-for-15 on field goals last season and drilled a 60-yard attempt the year prior. His arrival followed Auburn’s portal announcement and caps a day where Texas also added Maryland defensive lineman Lavon Johnson and Cal tight end Jack Endries.
During the same discussion, Hamilton noted that the Longhorns were “portal shopping at kicker” and had “some interest in Mason Shipley,” although at the time Shipley hadn’t yet visited. Shipley’s commitment soon after confirmed Texas’ direction.
While Stone is set to handle field goal duties, he may continue leading kickoff responsibilities as well. Head coach Steve Sarkisian previously acknowledged the ongoing competition, stressing the importance of protection and rhythm in special teams execution. However, with Auburn gone and Shipley in, the kicking hierarchy in Austin now appears firmly established.
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