As College Football heads into its decisive stage, all eyes are on the upcoming events, but many players are already making decisions about their future. One such player from the Texas Longhorns‘ defense has entered the transfer portal, meaning he will no longer be a teammate of Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning next season.
Texas Longhorns lose a key defensive player
In recent hours, defensive lineman Aaron Bryant announced that he is leaving the program led by Steve Sarkisian and will join Vanderbilt for the upcoming season. This move marks a significant change for the Longhorns, who will now have to adjust their defensive strategies without Bryant. Although he didn’t see as much playing time as he had hoped, Bryant made the most of his opportunities when he was on the field.
During his final season wearing Texas colors, Bryant only played in four games, during which he registered just two tackles. Over the course of his three years in the program, he appeared in a total of 13 games. While his contributions may have been limited, his departure still leaves a gap in the Longhorns’ defensive lineup.
Focus on the playoffs amidst transfer portal activity
Sarkisian and his players have their full focus on the upcoming games for the Longhorns, such as their CFP debut against Clemson. Despite the excitement surrounding the playoffs, they are simultaneously keeping an eye on the potential moves that could occur due to the transfer portal. The landscape of college football is ever-changing, and teams must remain vigilant about player movements.
Aaron Bryant is the fourth player to join Vanderbilt as a result of the Transfer Portal. Another addition to the Commodores’ roster is offensive lineman Gunner Givens, who comes from Virginia Tech. This trend of players switching schools is becoming increasingly common, and it reflects the dynamic nature of college football today.
Future decisions for Ewers and Manning
The Texas Longhorns were one of the most solid teams throughout the season, largely due to the talent displayed by their two quarterbacks. As for their future, it was Manning himself who made a decision regarding what his teammate Ewers will do next season. According to reports, the current backup quarterback for Sarkisian’s team has decided to commit to the program for next year, as Ewers confirmed he will declare for the upcoming NFL draft.
“Sources say Quinn Ewers still plans to declare for the NFL Draft after this season, paving the way for Arch Manning to take over in 2025. Manning is locked in with Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian, with no plans to transfer. Right now, both are dialed in on Clemson,” stated a source familiar with the situation. This news is significant for Longhorns fans, as it indicates a clear path for Manning to step into a leading role.
The Longhorns’ immediate future
Despite the ongoing events in the world of the NCAAF off the field, the Longhorns remain focused on their main goal: making a deep run in the playoffs. The next matchup for Sarkisian’s squad will be on Saturday, December 21, when they host Clemson at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. This game will be part of the first round of the CFP, and it promises to be an exciting clash.
The Longhorns have shown resilience and determination throughout the season, and they will need to harness that energy as they prepare for their playoff journey. With Ewers and Manning leading the charge, fans are hopeful for a successful postseason.
Looking ahead
As the transfer portal continues to shake things up, the Longhorns must stay focused on their game plan. The loss of Bryant is a setback, but it also opens opportunities for other players to step up and make their mark. College football is a sport that thrives on competition, and every player has the chance to shine when given the opportunity.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Longhorns are poised to make a statement. Will they rise to the occasion and make a deep run? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding Texas football is palpable, and fans are eager to see how the season unfolds.
In this thrilling time of year, the decisions made by players and coaches will undoubtedly shape the future of college football. The Longhorns are ready to embrace the challenge, and with a talented roster and strong leadership, they have the potential to achieve greatness.
