Texas players are starting to announce their decision for the transfer portal before 2026 following Sunday’s disappointment.
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian argued his team deserved to make the College Football Playoff despite three losses because of its strength of schedule. Texas finished the regular season by upsetting then-No. 3 Texas A&M 27-17 on Nov. 28.
On Sunday, the CFP selection committee gave Texas a No. 13 ranking, keeping them out of the playoff. The Longhorns will play No. 18 Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.
Like many programs entering bowl season, the roster that plays for Texas against Michigan might not look comparable to the team that defeated the Aggies in November as players transfer to new programs.
Texas saw a couple of players hit the transfer portal on offense on Monday morning. Running back CJ Baxter is set to check out his options for 2026, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. So is quarterback Trey Owens.
“Texas quarterback Trey Owens tells ESPN he intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal,” Thamel posted on X. “Owens will have three years of eligibility remaining, as he’s a redshirt freshman who has appeared in two games. Owens was ESPN’s No. 17 pocket passer in the Class of 2024.
“He chose Texas over a list of offers that included Baylor, Texas Tech, SMU and Houston. @LIFTSPORTSMNGMT will rep him.”
Owens’ decision to transfer comes amid Texas stockpiling a lot of elite talent at the quarterback position before 2026. Arch Manning is set to return in 2026, and he could be a Heisman Trophy contender next season after showing strong development this season after a slow start to the campaign.
Last week, Dia Bell, son of former NBA star Raja Bell, signed with Texas for the class of 2026. He’s a five-star quarterback and should be Manning’s successor.
With Bell coming to Austin, Owens is looking for a program where he has a better chance to earn playing time.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.