Star linebacker and reliable wide receiver depart, leaving significant holes and opportunities for emerging talent on the Longhorns.
On Monday, Texas received news that two key contributors on offense and defense would not be returning next season.
Junior linebacker Liona Lefau has reportedly "left the team", entering the transfer portal, while junior wideout DeAndre Moore is expected to enter this year's NFL Draft. Both players were starters in their respective positions.
The Longhorns have lost players like running back CJ Baxter to the transfer portal, but Lefau's departure is the first big loss for them. He's spent all three of his seasons at Texas, working his way up to a starting role.
Lefau made the most of it, recording 69 tackles, tying his counterpart Anthony Hill for third most on the team. All signs pointed to Lefau keeping his starting spot next season, making his transfer a major head scratcher.
According to Alex Dunlap of Orangebloods, his exit might have something to do with his "scheme fit."
"Lefau thought that the scheme that Texas runs did not fit him well, and he'd prefer to play in more of a downhill role," he said.
Lefau's absence means there are more opportunities for young LBs to step up in the Citrus Bowl and next season.
On the other hand, Moore's departure is much less surprising, as many expected him to place his name in the draft pot.
Moore never exploded into the star receiver he wanted to be, but over the last two seasons, he's been one of the Longhorns' most reliable targets. This season, he logged 532 yards and four touchdowns.
His best game at Texas came against Georgia in last year's SEC Championship game, where he caught nine passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Moore also had an important touchdown catch in the Longhorns' College Football Playoff quarterfinal win against Arizona State.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian often described Moore as not only a standout athlete but a leader in the locker room.
"His experience is invaluable," he said in September. "His confidence uplifts the confidence of players that are on the field with him, not only on game day, but in practice and in the meeting room."
Texas has a slew of young receivers ready to break into action, but don't be surprised if Sarkisian looks to the portal himself to find another reliable weapon for Arch Manning.