Steve Sarkisian addresses reason for Jerrick Gibson, Will Stone departures, sets plan to replace them

Texas lost two players off its roster on Tuesday, choosing to redshirt this season. Running back Jerrick Gibson and Will Stone will not play again for the Longhorns in 2025. The expectation, at least for Gibson, is to eventually enter the NCAA transfer portal and play elsewhere moving forward.

Steve Sarkisian publicly commented on the situation for the first time during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. He then laid out what the plan will be when it comes to short-yardage carries, a role Gibson occupied.

“They wanted to redshirt and transfer,” Sarkisian said. “Who will take those carries is everybody. Whether that’s Tre (Wisner), whether that’s Christian (Clark), whether that’s James (Simon), whether that’s Cedric (Baxter) when he gets back. So, we’ve got ample bodies and we should be okay in that aspect of it all.”

Stone worked as the kickoff specialist at times. Place kicker Mason Shipley took over when Stone was not available, something Sarkisian confirmed will continue.

Back to Gibson, he received 37 carries during the 2025 season. Averaging just over four yards per cary, Gibson totaled 152 yards. His lone touchdown of the year came in a nonconference showdown against Sam Houston State.

Steve Sarkisian in favor of five-for-five for eligibility

Changes across the sport continue to bring difficult decisions for both players and coaches. Gibson and Stone stepping away to preserve a year of eligibility is another example.

Sarkisian has made his thoughts on the process clear throughout, echoing his stance once again. He wants to give college players five years to play out five years of eligibility, eliminating the likes of redshirts.

“I’ve been an advocate for five-for-five, I’ve said it all along. I think it’s a terrible position to put these players in to make these decisions right now. There’s money involved, there’s revenue-sharing, there’s NIL, there’s different factors, and I think it’s putting agents and family members and student-athletes in a difficult positions to make business decisions in the middle of the season.

“But that’s where we’re at, so I’m not here to complain about, that’s just the reality of the situation we’re in. So when a player asked to do that, I think them for their time and wish them the best of luck. What else are we supposed to do at that juncture. These are the rules that we put in place, so we’ve got to operate within the parameters of the rules.”