The Longhorns mounted into the Sark-Wagon and started steamrolling opponents for fun throughout the 2024 season. However, after 6 straight wins into the season, they failed the Bulldogs’ test twice and ultimately failed to make their mark against Ohio State. Nevertheless, the season wasn’t bad at all, as it showed what the combination of Texas and Steve Sarkisian ultimately has to offer. The next season’s prospects are looking bright and optimistic, with the dream of winning the natty on the young Arch Manning’s shoulders. Can Steve Sarkisian and his well-touted young Padawan do it finally?

The upcoming season’s natty may well be Steve Sarkisian’s ultimate goal. But, for now, he has a peril to wade, and it looks like it may be easier said than done. For context, Texas tight end Jordan Washington has recently suffered a shoulder injury during spring practice. Also, this is a type of injury that may well keep the freshman tight end on the sidelines for the better part of the spring. Last year, he played in five games but didn’t quite get the snaps he would have wanted. The injury leaves a crucial tight-end spot that Sarkisian needs to fill. Especially since major players have gone to turn Pro via the NFL draft.

Brad Kellner of ‘Locked on Longhorns,’ a Texas insider, delved into the intricate nature of the whole scenario. “Jordan Washington is out, I assume; Texas is going to be overly cautious with him. So it’ll be Spencer Shannon as your top tight end for these next three weeks. You’ve got a couple of walk-ons in the room as well.” Well, at first, the news doesn’t quite look to be that much concerning. There are players like William Randle, Spencer Shannon, and true freshman Michael Terry III who may step up in place of Jordan Washington. But, according to Brad Kellner, that may not be the case.

Kellner delved into why Randle and other players would not be taking Jordan’s place permanently. Furthermore, he also speculated that Steve Sarkisian may have to look into the transfer portal at last. “Will Randle went to Isidore Newman High School with Arch Manning, so maybe that helps. You’ve got some chemistry there, but from the folks that I’ve talked to, it doesn’t sound like Will Randle is expected to be a big part of things this year or really any year during his Texas career.” 

What this essentially means is that Texas and Steve Sarkisian will look into the transfer portal to get those necessary additions in the tight end department. However, there is another player who could bridge that gap and act as a temporary anchor in the department. The player Kellner provided was Michael Terry III. “He’s (Michael Terry) listed as a wide receiver on the Texas roster, but at 6’3″ and 215 pounds, maybe a guy who could give you some tight end reps.”

A true freshman player of the 2025 class who is currently listed as a wide receiver in the Texas roster. However, given that the player has experience playing on both sides of the ball and is ranked 1st as an athlete in the country, he can step up as a tight end for the spring practices.

Mass exodus concerns intensifying for Steve Sarkisian?

Steve Sarkisian has done everything to ensure that he can get all the necessary firepower for the next season. The man has roped in a rank 1 class of 2025 nationally, with mouthwatering names like 5-star Jonah Williams, Justus Terry, and Lance Jackson. In total, the class has 25 freshman enrollees and 5 transfer additions. That includes names like the Arkansas linebacker Brad Spence and Tar Heels’ DL Travis Shaw. Sure, on the surface, the class and the transfer additions look well-oiled and brimming with optimism. But there may still be a catch.

247 Sports’ Brad Crawford wrote about the ‘mass exodus’ concerns that loomed on the Longhorns after their loss in the Cotton Bowl. “Gonna have to readjust my way too early top 25 with this mass exodus of talent at Texas. Arch Manning can lead, but can he carry the Horns? Not sure“. Brad Crawford’s take is quite apt, too, for several reasons.

After the Longhorns finished their season, they lost almost 15 crucial players to the NFL Draft. The big names include Matthew Golden (WR), Gavin Holmes (DB), Jake Majors (OL), and Andrew Mukuba (DB). Furthermore, their major loss was of their ace QB, Quinn Ewers, who has since lighted up the NFL Combine with his solid performances. These players’ departures will present a fresh challenge for Steve Sarkisian. But it’s something he may well be able to wade through in the transfer portal. Moreover, with the type of class Coach Sark has produced, he should have enough reinforcements to fill the gaps. That said, tapping the transfer portal for a few top talents would still be necessary.