Texas is learning what every blueblood learns sooner or later ... the transfer portal doesn't care about brand power, preseason hype, or depth charts. It just eats.
And heading into the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan, the Longhorns are suddenly staring at an offense that's still loaded at the top, but missing enough pieces to force Steve Sarkisian to open up the "next man up" file earlier than planned.
The headline exits are wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. and former five-star running back CJ Baxter. Moore's departure stings because he was a real piece in Texas' receiver rotation, the type of athlete you don't casually replace with a shrug.
Baxter is a different story. His talent always flashed, but injuries kept turning his "next breakout season" into his "next rehab timeline." This year, he settled into a backup role, and now his Texas chapter ends before it ever fully caught fire.
Here's the good news for Austin ... the engine is still intact.
Arch Manning is still under center. Tre Wisner is still in the backfield. Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V remain on the outside. Jack Endries is still a security blanket at tight end. Texas isn't rebuilding; this is more like patching holes in a sports car before taking it onto the highway.
But the Citrus Bowl is where it gets interesting, because bowl season is basically a nationally televised tryout for the next season's difference-makers.
And Texas has a few young names that suddenly matter a lot more.
At receiver, keep an eye on two prized 2025 recruits. Five-star Kaliq Lockett and four-star Jaime Ffrench Jr. Lockett, the No. 2 wide receiver in his class, is the kind of talent fans have been waiting to see unleashed.
So far, his game action has been limited to two early-season appearances and three total catches. But the upside is obvious.
With Moore gone, Texas needs snaps, targets, and proof-of-life from its future. Michigan is a steep test, but it's also the perfect stage.
Ffrench has been even quieter statistically with one catch for six yards in a lone appearance. But bowl games have a funny way of turning a nobody into a somebody.
In the backfield, Baxter's absence, along with the departure of Jerrick Gibson, creates a real opportunity.
Ryan Niblett, already dangerous as a punt returner, could see an expanded offensive role. And then there's Michael Terry III, Texas' crown-jewel athlete from the 2025 class and the No. 1 ATH nationally.
With the depth chart suddenly less crowded, Terry's path to meaningful carries gets a lot clearer, fast.
Texas may be losing bodies to the portal, but the Citrus Bowl offers a simple trade. Pain now, clarity later. Against Michigan, the Longhorns won't just be playing to win ... they'll be auditioning the next wave.