OTF Premium MODS only transfer portal update thread

[CJ Vogel]

Texas EDGE ZIna Umeozulu has entered the portal, per Pete Thamel.

Umeozulu saw 203 snaps as a rotational edge rusher for Texas in 2025.

[CJ Vogel]

Updated departure list.

[Bobby Burton]

Florida QB DJ Lagway has committed to Baylor, where his father played. 

[CJ Vogel]

For perspective with other top programs around the country. 

 

[Bobby Burton]

I think the loss of Umeozulu hurts more than any other player in the portal thus far. As much as any player, I think he’s a future NFL guy. 

[CJ Vogel]

FootballScoop is reporting Oklahoma is hiring Jason Witten to be their next tight ends coach.

[CJ Vogel]

On top of portal hunting, Sarkisian is also set to adjust members of staff behind the scenes. This currently is not in reference to on field coaches, but does not eliminate them from future moves.

[Bobby Burton]

Wide receiver Jamie Ffrench announced he is entering the portal. 

[CJ Vogel]

Portal departures aren't done yet.

[Bobby Burton]

- Liona Lefau has signed with Colorado.

- Melvin Hills has signed with UConn.

 

[CJ Vogel]

Zion Williams commits to Texas! Right where he was always meant to be!

[CJ Vogel]

Raleek Brown and Sark at DKR

Per Brown’s IG

[CJ Vogel]

 

[Bobby Burton]

Former Texas kickoff specialist Will Stone has signed with Central Florida. 

[Bobby Burton]

Texas and defensive end Zina Umeozulu came to an agreement late yesterday. Zina is expected to remove his name from the portal and return to the Longhorns.

However...

It should be noted that nothing is final until it is actually final. In other words, until the ink is dry, I'm not trusting anything these days.

And that is not a concern specific to Zina either. It's about the nature of the transfer portal as a whole.

This is the Wild West, welcome to the show!

**

Speaking of the Wild West, I spoke to one source yesterday who said to expect at least another 1,000 players nationwide to enter the portal between now and Jan. 16.

"It's not done. Nowhere close," he told me. "Some of these early guys are setting the market, and (others are) just waiting to see what that looks like."

The source thinks several big-name players will enter in the coming days.

**

We are told that - outside of offensive line and perhaps some playmakers on offense  - Texas is prioritizing the defensive front seven in the portal.

Cal linebacker Cade Uluave is one of those priorities. The second team All-ACC linebacker arrived on campus yesterday and his visit continues through today.

He entered the portal with a non-contact tag. Texas is the presumed leader, but presumptions are a wicked mistress in the transfer portal.

I've yet to confirm other schools who might be involved.

**

Texas also hosted Oregon State transfer OL Dylan Sikorski yesterday. Sikorski is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound offensive guard who started for Oregon State this season.

Sikorski is expected to decide between Texas and Tennessee, who he visited earlier this week. Missouri and Arkansas are also trying to get in the mix.

**

Oklahoma State defensive end Wendell Gregory got into Austin late yesterday. Gregory, who is a 6-3, 255-pound redshirt freshman from Marietta, Ga., recorded 27 tackles and four sacks for a moribund Cowboys squad in 2025.

Gregory is coming off of a visit to Wisconsin. He is expected to visit Missouri following his trip to Austin. Whoever he chooses, it will be his third college team in as many years. He originally signed with South Carolina.

**

I am not overly concerned about some Texas players entering the portal. It's gonna happen in this day and age.

You just hope the losses don't cut too deep. Right now, they don't. Especially not if Umeozulu truly returns.

**

The addition of Raleek Brown is seen as a big win. Brown provides Texas with a proven back that has big-play potential.

The Horns will continue playing the portal market to see what other running back might become available.

**

The pledge of Zion Williams is big for depth, especially as an over-the-ball defensive lineman. It now gives Texas three interior guys who can play the nose. They include Ian Geffrard, the transfer from Arkansas, as well as Josiah Sharma, the redshirt freshman.

**

Vanderbilt receiver Tre Richardson remains slated for an official visit to Texas this weekend. However, it has been reported that he is leaning to Louisville, where he visited yesterday. Richardson also visited Georgia earlier in this transfer portal period.

Richardson was a big-play threat for the Commodores last year, and finished the season particularly strong. In Vandy's final four games, he totaled 124, 159, 75 and 127 yards receiving. Although he's just 5-foot-10, he can play in the slot or outside and can beat teams over the top.

Outside of Richardson, Texas expects multiple other visitors beginning today through this weekend. The names of those visitors have yet to be revealed.

**

Miami defensive lineman Donte Simpson also made it to the Texas campus yesterday. Simpson is expected to take additional visits, including ones to SMU and Illinois.

**

Cam Coleman, the former Auburn receiver who many consider the no. 1 overall player in the portal, finished his official visit to Texas Tech yesterday. He is set to visit Alabama later today.

Alabama did not re-sign its leading receiver, Isaiah Horton, who announced his intentions to enter the portal yesterday.

Was that a move by Bama to "clear cap space"? Potentially.

The Texas Tech visit didn't seem to make much of a dent despite a lot of crowing in West Texas early on about it. Perhaps they become a factor, but I think Coleman is much more likely to play his final season of college ball in the SEC.

Alabama, Texas Tech and Texas A&M are all possibilities for him.

But nothing I have reported previously has changed. Texas remains deeply involved in the recruitment and the Horns are determined to see it through to the very end.

[Bobby Burton]

Two notes:

- Zina Umeozulu and Texas have agreed to his return to Texas. Awaiting final paperwork.

- Wendell Gregory, the Oklahoma State defensive end, made it to campus last night.

[Bobby Burton]

Pitt linebacker Rasheem Biles, a first team All-ACC selection, is expected to visit Texas tomorrow.

[Bobby Burton]

Texas also expects another OL in today. Not a big name per se. But someone Texas likes.

[CJ Vogel]

 

[Bobby Burton]

Not a surprise here to us. Kobe Black has entered the transfer portal.

With the addition of Bo Mascoe, the return of both Kade Phillips, Graceson Littleton and Warren Roberson, the corner spot is filled with folks who are better in man coverage than Black.