Since the end of the 2024 season, the Texas Longhorns roster has undergone a lot of change. This is partly due to the 2025 NFL Draft, where 12 Longhorns were selected, including their former quarterback, Quinn Ewers. Despite the changes, optimism in Austin is very high, according to some college football analysts, including Paul Finebaum.
On his SEC Network Show on ESPN, Finebaum broke down the roster turnover over the course of the last few months. Due to the Longhorns’ work in the transfer portal, Finebaum continues to see Texas as one of the best teams in the entire SEC, even with a new look entering the 2025 season.
Paul Finebaum Says Texas Dominated the Transfer Portal Heading Into the 2025 Season
Paul Finebaum believes no team did better in the transfer portal than the Texas Longhorns, calling the Longhorns a serious contender for the 2025 season. With a new quarterback, entering their Arch Manning era, Texas still remains a powerhouse to beat in the SEC.
Paul Finebaum Has High Expectations for the Horns This Season 👀 @finebaum
“There’s a lot of replacing going on at Texas…But, nobody, and I mean nobody, did better in the portal or spent more money than the University of Texas. So, I think they are going to be in good shape… pic.twitter.com/pzjJ33abNk
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) May 8, 2025
“There’s a lot of replacing going on at Texas,” Finebaum said. “But, nobody, and I mean nobody, did better in the portal or spent more money than the University of Texas. So, I think they are going to be in good shape depth-wise.
“It may take a little while, although I don’t think it will. I think they’ll be one of the two or three best teams in the country from the beginning. Win or lose against Ohio State, I still like their chances to win the SEC.”
In the transfer portal, the Longhorns have secured 11 commitments for this season. That list includes the likes of defensive tackle Maraad Watson, wide receiver Emmett Mosley V, and tight end Jack Endries. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff were able to address most of their needs and improve on both sides of the ball with the transfer portal.
Although the Longhorns have thrived in the portal, they will also be welcoming a talented freshman class. They have 25 commits coming to Austin for the upcoming season, including multiple five-star recruits. That mix, along with veterans poised for a big year like Arch Manning and Michael Taaffe, should be enough to keep this team in the playoff chase for years to come.
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With a roster full of talent, Texas is poised to build on its success from last year and make another title run. Even without some players who got picked to the 2025 NFL Draft, Texas remains in great shape, and could be in line for a big season in 2025.
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