Texas is gearing up for its College Football Playoff debut, set to face Clemson in the first round on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. The Longhorns enter the Playoff as the No. 5 seed, while the Tigers are the No. 12 seed after claiming the ACC Championship.
However, ahead of the game, Texas is dealing with significant player movement, with several athletes entering the transfer portal. Among the latest departures is defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell, who has decided to explore other options.
Mitchell, a 4-star prospect out of New Jersey in the 2023 recruiting class, played in three games during the 2024 season, facing Kentucky, Florida, and UTSA. He totaled 4 tackles over the course of the season. In 2023, Mitchell also appeared in three games, recording 3 tackles. He was a highly sought-after recruit, with top programs like Georgia, Texas A&M, and Miami vying for his commitment before he ultimately chose Texas.
The Longhorns’ defensive line, one of the deepest in the country, has seen several players enter the transfer portal in recent weeks. Along with Mitchell, defensive linemen Tiaoalii Savea, Aaron Bryant, and Jaray Bledsoe have also decided to leave the program. In total, Texas has had 9 players enter the portal as of now.
Despite the departures, Texas has been active in the transfer market, securing commitments from a few players for the 2025 season. Punter Jack Bouwmeester, linebacker Brad Spence, and defensive lineman Cole Brevard are among the newcomers who will join the Longhorns in the coming year.
With these roster changes, Texas is focused on preparing for its showdown against Clemson, a crucial matchup in the College Football Playoff.
The Longhorns hope to make a deep run, but the uncertainty surrounding player movement adds an extra layer of intrigue to their postseason journey. The team’s ability to adjust and perform on the field will be critical as they look to advance in the Playoff, despite the ongoing roster shifts.
