Does Level of Competition Matter in the Transfer Portal? Why Texas Should Target Lower-Level Stars

NCAA Football: Vanderbilt at Texas — Nov 1, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads his team on to the field before a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Does level of competition matter in the transfer portal? Texas has repeatedly proven that Group of Five and FCS players can produce at a high level when their traits translate. Here are several lower-level standouts the Longhorns should consider.

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