Texas’ recruiting staff had the tough challenge of replacing NFL draft picks and wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittington, but the program landed three of the best in the position in the transfer portal along with a five-star freshman.
Get to know the newest Longhorns.
Silas Bolden
A senior out of Oregon State, Silas Bolden was one of the latest additions from the transfer portal, only joining the Longhorns in the summer. Despite getting to work later than his fellow newcomers, Bolden proved to be a solid addition to the roster and could be a factor for Texas in the season, according to head coach Steve Sarkisian. Bolden was a two-time second-team All-Pac 12 and played in 37 career games with 14 starts in four seasons with the Beavers, compiling 80 receptions for 1,076 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing 21 times for 202 yards and four touchdowns.
Ryan Wingo
An All-American and two-time Missouri all-state honoree, wide receiver Ryan Wingo joins Texas as a five-star, No. 23 overall recruit and No. 5 in his position per Rivals. Wingo finished his career at St. Louis University High School with 129 receptions, 2,160 yards and 31 receiving touchdowns. Wingo hauled in four passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns in Texas’ spring game, proving his talent early. The freshman is an “unbelievable young man,” in Sarkisian’s words.
Isaiah Bond
If there is a newcomer who knows the SEC, it’s Isaiah Bond. Bond played under Nick Saban at Alabama for two years before entering the transfer portal and committing to Sarkisian’s Texas. He played in 27 games with 12 starts for the Crimson Tide, recording 65 catches for 888 yards and five touchdowns. Even after the move, Bond received praise from former Alabama teammates. Defensive back Malachi Moore said, “When he was with us, he was a very dynamic player, so I pretty much think they’re gonna get the same thing over there,” and described his former teammate as fast, elusive and explosive. A combination of his skills and knowledge of the conference will be essential in offensive coordinator Kyle Flood’s renewed receiver room.
Matthew Golden
The junior transfer from Houston played in 20 games in two seasons for the Cougars and was one of the team’s most prominent playmakers. In 2023, Golden was named to the Fox Sports Midseason All-America Second Team and selected ESPN Midseason All-America Honorable Mention as a returner. Golden ranked as the No. 21 player in the transfer portal per On3, posting 76 catches for 988 yards and 13 touchdowns, and returning 14 kickoffs for 437 yards and two more scores at his time at Houston.
