Get to know the newest Longhorns football transfers
September 1, 2022
Head coach Steve Sarkisian hit the transfer portal hard this offseason. As Texas seeks to bounce back from a 5-7 finish, here are five transfers who are sure to make an immediate impact.
Quinn Ewers
The announcement of Quinn Ewers’ transfer last year from Ohio State blew up across social media and the state of Texas. While the redshirt freshman hasn’t played many meaningful college snaps, Ewers could be what the Longhorns have been looking for at quarterback. Head coach Steve Sarkisian announced earlier this month that the former five-star recruit would be the Longhorns’ starting quarterback after an offseason battle with junior Hudson Card. The decision only heightens expectations for Texas this fall, but Ewers is poised for a successful season with the weapons surrounding him.
Agiye Hall
Agiye Hall only had four receptions at Alabama, including a couple in the national championship game. Despite the low production, the sophomore could play a feature role on a talented Texas offense. The sure-handed receiver provides another weapon for head coach Steve Sarkisian, and we could see a breakout season from Hall, especially after the injury to Isaiah Neyor. Hall is currently suspended but is expected to return to the team at an undisclosed time.
Jahleel Billingsley
The Longhorns added another former Alabama weapon in tight end Jahleel Billingsley. The senior recorded 256 receiving yards and three touchdowns in his junior season and nearly identical numbers in the season prior. Billingsley joins Ja’Tavion Sanders in the tight end room, and the two have the potential to be one of the best duos in the nation.
Ryan Watts
Junior cornerback Ryan Watts is the second Buckeye to join the Longhorns. The former four-star recruit could also be in line for a starting role. Watts recorded two interceptions last season at Ohio State, despite only starting one game. The corner’s size and ball skills played part in Watts being named as one of On3’s “most impactful defensive back transfers.”
Tarique Milton
The receiver position in the transfer portal was tapped dry by Sarkisian, and senior Tarique Milton is another example of that. Milton joined the Longhorns after a four-year tenure at Iowa State and is entering his final season due to COVID eligibility rules. The senior posted impressive numbers at Iowa State, highlighted by a sophomore season in which he recorded 722 receiving yards and three touchdowns for the Cyclones. Quinn Ewers won’t be short on weapons this fall with Milton added to an already talented receiver room.
Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey
Senior linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey joins Ryan Watts as the only other defensive player the Longhorns added through the transfer portal. Formerly at James Madison, Tucker-Dorsey was a ball-hawking force. Last season, Tucker-Dorsey recorded two forced fumbles and four interceptions, which tied him for third-most interceptions in the Colonial Athletic Association.