The ten most devastating exits from Texas football via the transfer portal in history.
Since the college football transfer portal emerged in 2018, heartbreak has become a common theme for teams across the board, including the Texas Longhorns. With a staggering 101 departures from Austin in the last six years, largely due to the program’s coaching turnover, Texas has faced its share of losses. Among these departures, which ten players stand out as the most painful exits for Longhorns fans?
In the 2019 transfer portal, Bru McCoy and Cameron Rising, both highly touted recruits, left Texas without taking a snap for the team. Rising found success at Utah, amassing impressive passing yards and touchdowns, while McCoy’s journey led him to USC and later Tennessee, showcasing his talent on the field.
The 2021 transfer portal saw Keaontay Ingram and Juwan Mitchell depart, with Ingram moving to USC and Mitchell to Tennessee. Ingram, set to lead Texas’ running back corps, found success with USC, showcasing his rushing and receiving abilities. Mitchell’s departure marked a loss for Texas’ defense, as he later contributed to the Colorado Buffaloes’ lineup.
In 2022, Marcus Washington and Tyler Owens left for Nebraska and Texas Tech, respectively. Washington’s potential as a top receiver for Texas was evident, while Owens, though initially struggling to secure a starting role, demonstrated promise as a defensive asset at Texas Tech.
The 2023 transfer portal saw Brenen Thompson and JD Coffey move on to new teams, including OU and SDSU. Despite limited receptions, Thompson’s explosive plays for Oklahoma showcased his potential impact, while Coffey became a key contributor for SDSU’s defense.
In 2024, Isaiah Neyor and Austin Jordan’s departures marked significant losses for Texas. While not destined to be primary options, they would have provided valuable depth for the team as they transition to the SEC. Neyor’s limited receptions in 2023 and Jordan’s defensive contributions highlight what Texas will miss in the seasons to come.
