Three Transfer Portal Players That Can Help Texas Contend For A Title in 2024
The Texas Longhorns had a fantastic season but came up short of the ultimate goal which was winning a title.
This season certainly seemed like a prime opportunity to make a run, but the Longhorns ran into Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. who may have had the best game of his stellar season. Following the season's end, Texas has lost a handful of players to the NFL Draft or transfer portal, and while they do have an impressive recruiting class coming in that ranks as the No. 3 class in the country, there are some positional needs that can be addressed in the portal.
Unlike other programs that solely rely on the portal to revive their program, Texas is using it in moderation. They bring in just a handful of players that will fill a need for the next season like Adonai Mitchell at receiver this season, who was a major star for an offense that long needed a running-mate for Xavier Worthy.
Right now, there are three portal players that they have been linked with that would be game-changers for them in 2024, so let's dive in!
Houston defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell
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Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Houston
The Longhorns had college football's most dominant defensive tackle in T'Vondre Sweat this season, but both he and Byron Murphy II declared for the NFL Draft after ranking as the No. 1 and No. 2 graded interior defensive linemen in the country. Minnesota transfer Trill Carter entered his name into the transfer portal as well after a year in Austin, so the Longhorns are somewhat lacking in the experience and production department.
That is where Jamaree Caldwell comes into play, as this past season at Houston, he was a force to be reckoned with when it came to stopping the run. He actually graded out better in run defense than Murphy II, and was also able to record 6.5 sacks which would have led Texas' team this past season. Plugging him into Texas' line where there will be other players for offenses to also have to focus on, he not only will help Texas in slowing down the run, but could also excel even more as a pass rusher.
Alabama linebacker Kendrick Blackshire
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Kendrick Blackshire, LB, Alabama
On top of losing their stud defensive tackles, the linebackers also lost Jaylan Ford to the NFL. Ford is likely one of the more underrated linebackers in college football, and in losing him they are also losing a tremendous leader. Anthony Hill and David Gbenda both played a ton of positive snaps for Texas, but adding another linebacker that can go sideline to sideline and can help out in coverage would be huge.
In his three seasons at Alabama, Blackshire saw a lot of action on special teams and rotated in as a linebacker. He would have a prime opportunity to step into a starting role, and have the impact he was once projected to have as a highly-recruited four-star out of Duncanville. Worst case scenario for Texas if they do land him and he doesn't pan out, he has shown that he can make an impact on special teams which Texas prides itself on under Jeff Banks. He is expected to take a trip to Austin this weekend.
Oct 14, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Silas Bolden (7) makes a catch for a touchdown during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Silas Bolden, WR, Oregon State
The Longhorns are losing their top five pass-catchers to the NFL Draft, which means they should have no issue attracting other talented receivers. Unfortunately losing all five at once is a bit of a scary thought for an offense, but they have already added Matthew Golden who should step into the top receiver spot. On top of that, they have Johntay Cook II who waited his turn, and five-star freshman Ryan Wingo.
However, adding someone who not only has experience but has that "it" factor should be a no-brainer. The Longhorns are one of the four schools hosting Oregon State's Silas Bolden for a visit, and he would simply be a monster addition. With the not-so-accurate DJ Uiagalelei throwing to him, Bolden still managed to put up career numbers this past season, with 54 catches for 746 yards and 5 scores. He can also be used on special teams, and in the run game. Having his and Golden's speed would really force defenses into tough predicaments, and he plays well above his 5-foot-8 stature.
