Greg McElroy identifies Texas' biggest needs in transfer portal

For the second consecutive offseason, defensive tackle is a question mark for the Texas Longhorns. Steve Sarkisian had some homegrown talent in the chamber, but still hit the NCAA transfer portal for reinforcements. It resulted in a great year from mainly Vernon Broughton, Alfred Collins, and Jermayne Lole.

“I think the biggest question mark on Texas’ roster right now is probably at defensive tackle,” McElroy said. “Last season, they had four defensive tackles that played at least 260 snaps… All of those guys played at a high level and it was one of the best run defenses in the country last year. Problem is, all four of those guys played in all 16 games. All four of those guys are now gone.”

All of those snaps played led to a lot of great play, especially from Broughton and Collins. Those two combined for 94 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, and five sacks. It’s a lot of production Texas is looking to replace.

So, reinforcements for the 2025 squad were needed. Alex January enters his second season inside the program, being a nice recruiting win for Texas. But Sarkisian really dipped into the transfer portal during the winter window. Three new defensive tackles participated in spring practice — Cole Brevard, Hero Kanu, and Travis Shaw.

Even with that trio, McElroy wants Texas to make sure the position is completely shored up. After having elite defensive tackle play during the past two seasons, the ESPN analyst is still left wanting more from the Longhorns.

“I do think it would be beneficial if they could add a few more,” said McElroy. “If a player hops in the portal that can make them better. Because the guys they added are solid but I don’t know if they’re to the level of the guys we have seen wearing Longhorn uniforms the last two years.”

Luckily for McElroy, Sarkisian must have listened to the podcast. He has since added two more guys up the middle, both from ACC schools. Lavon Johnson will make his way to Austin after previously being at Maryland, while Maraad Watson left Syracuse to wear burnt orange.

At the very least, Sarkisian has placed a lot of bodies in the defensive tackle room. Fall camp will be used to figure out who should be playing and what rotations will look like. Easier said than done at one of the most important positions in the SEC.