In order to fill important need spots before the 2024 season, Texas football and head coach Steve Sarkisian engaged in extensive spring recruiting through the NCAA Transfer Portal. Since the beginning of the spring transfer window, Texas has signed three players with immediate impact via the transfer portal to bolster depth at a few defensive end positions.
The Longhorns acquired eight additional winter transfers for the 2024 campaign in addition to the three portal additions in spring. Compared to the prior two years, Sarkisian and the staff showed a greater willingness to use the transfer site this summer to add experience at important position groups.
The Longhorns’ total number of portal additions from the previous offseason—five—has more than doubled because to Texas’ 11 transfers. The Longhorns have depth and experience at almost every position you could want because they are ready to use the gateway to get assistance in critical areas on both sides of the ball.
This is a detailed analysis of the Longhorns’ three transfers’ spring portal grades from the most recent portal window.
Jay’Vion Cole, CB
The Longhorns signed Jay’Vion Cole, a native of NorCal, to take Terrance Brooks’ place at cornerback after he went via the transfer portal to Illinois this spring. Cole arrived in Texas through the transfer route, having previously played for FCS Cal Poly and the San Jose State Spartans.
As preseason camp begins, Cole will have competition from senior Gavin Holmes for starting reps at the field corner position. When it comes to returning experience and Power Five live-game snaps, Holmes has the upper hand. Between him and Holmes, though, Cole is the quicker of the two corners.
I anticipate Pete Kwiatkowski to alternate between safety and cornerback this season, regardless of who emerges victorious at starting field corner throughout training. Cole is a versatile player at the cornerback position who adds track speed to both man and zone coverage tactics.
Texas’s secondary appears to be the strongest unit PK has had during his four years leading the Longhorns’ defense. Cole’s arrival completed the two-deep at the corner going into the 2024 Campaign.