Texas Longhorns Hit Hard: Two Four-Star Recruits Make Shocking Exit to Transfer Portal
Blow to the Texas Longhorns football program, two of their highly touted four-star recruits have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, sending shockwaves through the college football world. The departures come at a critical juncture as the Longhorns gear up for their debut SEC campaign. With lofty expectations and a roster built to contend, the timing of these exits could not have been worse for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff.
Sources close to the program have confirmed that wide receiver Malik Thompson and defensive back Jalen Carter, both members of the Longhorns’ 2024 recruiting class, have decided to explore opportunities elsewhere. Thompson, known for his explosive speed and crisp route running, had been seen as a future star in the Texas offense. Carter, meanwhile, was being groomed for a significant role in the Longhorns’ secondary, bringing a combination of physicality and football IQ that had coaches excited about his long-term potential.
The decision reportedly stems from dissatisfaction with recent depth chart changes and a perceived lack of communication from position coaches. According to insiders, both players were expecting to see early action this fall, but new additions through the portal and internal shifts in the roster may have altered their trajectories. While neither athlete has publicly commented, their social media activity suggests a fresh start is on the horizon.
This development raises important questions about roster management and the long-term implications of the rapidly evolving transfer portal landscape. For the Longhorns, who are positioning themselves as a dominant force in the SEC, losing blue-chip talent at this stage could signal deeper issues in internal development or player retention strategies. The program’s ability to keep elite recruits engaged and committed will be tested more than ever as they face off against conference powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia.
Recruiting analysts now expect other programs to aggressively pursue Thompson and Carter, with early rumors linking them to Oregon, Florida State, and even Big Ten contenders like Michigan. Their availability on the open market is expected to generate heavy interest, given their rankings and the potential they showed during spring practices and preseason workouts.
For now, Texas fans are left to wonder how these losses will affect their team’s momentum heading into the most anticipated season in years. While the Longhorns still boast a talented roster, the sudden departure of two prized recruits is a sobering reminder of how volatile today’s college football landscape can be—even for a powerhouse like Texas.
