HERE WE GO:Grading every winter portal addition for Texas

The Texas Longhorns actively utilized the transfer portal during the 2024 offseason to bolster their roster, particularly in anticipation of their move to the SEC. Here’s an evaluation of their key winter transfer additions:

 

1. Isaiah Bond, Wide Receiver (Alabama)

 

Grade: A-

 

Analysis: Bond, a five-star recruit and the top-rated transfer wide receiver, brought elite speed and deep-threat capabilities to Texas. Despite battling ankle issues, he managed 34 receptions for 540 yards, showcasing his potential when healthy.

 

 

2. Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver (Houston)

 

Grade: A

 

Analysis: Golden emerged as Texas’s leading receiver, recording 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance not only filled the void left by departing receivers but also positioned him as a potential first-round NFL draft pick.

 

 

3. Andrew Mukuba, Safety (Clemson)

 

Grade: A

 

Analysis: Returning to his hometown, Mukuba solidified the Longhorns’ secondary with 69 tackles and a career-high five interceptions, contributing significantly to Texas’s top-ranked passing defense.

 

 

4. Trey Moore, Edge Rusher (UTSA)

 

Grade: B+

 

Analysis: Moore provided a consistent pass-rushing presence, accumulating 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. His transition from UTSA to a Power Five conference was seamless, bolstering Texas’s defensive front.

 

 

5. Silas Bolden, Wide Receiver (Oregon State)

 

Grade: B

 

Analysis: While not a primary offensive target, Bolden excelled on special teams, notably with a punt return touchdown in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. His versatility added valuable depth to the roster.

 

 

6. Amari Niblack, Tight End (Alabama)

 

Grade: C+

 

Analysis: Niblack entered with high expectations but had a limited impact, recording only five catches for 33 yards. With his recent entry back into the transfer portal, his tenure at Texas was brief.

 

 

7. Cole Brevard, Defensive Tackle (Purdue)

 

Grade: B

 

Analysis: Addressing depth concerns on the defensive line, Brevard’s experience was a strategic addition, especially with multiple interior linemen departing via the portal.

 

 

8. Brad Spence, Linebacker (Arkansas)

 

Grade: B

 

Analysis: Spence’s versatility, having played both off-ball linebacker and edge rusher at Arkansas, provided Texas with a multifaceted defensive asset, especially valuable given the team’s linebacker attrition.

 

 

9. Jack Bouwmeester, Punter (Utah)

 

Grade: A-

 

Analysis: Bouwmeester addressed a critical special teams need, bringing elite punting skills and the ability to pin opponents deep, enhancing Texas’s field position strategy.

 

 

Overall, Texas’s winter transfer additions significantly strengthened key areas, contributing to their successful 2024 se

ason and positioning them well for future challenges in the SEC.

 

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