5 transfer portal targets on Texas’ Christmas wish list

Branden Jennings, LB

One of the biggest positions of need on the defensive side of the ball for the Longhorns this offseason is going to be at linebacker. Texas hasn’t really addressed the linebacker need in any way this offseason. There will be returning talent here, namely with the likes of senior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, but Texas can still use help here.

This is where the Longhorns could go after the former Maryland Terrapins freshman linebacker and blue-chip recruit Branden Jennings in the transfer portal this offseason. There weren’t many linebackers that flashed more in the Big Ten in 2021 among freshmen than Jennings. He didn’t get many starting reps but played well when given the opportunity.

The long-term potential is here with Jennings as he is more than talented enough to be one of the better players on the Texas defense. But he also showed the flashes this fall namely as a standout linebacker in stopping the run. Jennings had more than five run stuffs, one tackle for loss, just two missed tackles, and two-dozen combined tackles in 2021.

The 6-foot-4 and 255-pound Jennings could fill a similar role to what Overshown plays for the Longhorns. He’s got the frame that makes him ready to compete right away. And he could challenge the former walk-on junior linebacker Luke Brockermeyer for reps at the mike spot in 2022. If nothing else, it would be nice to have the depth at linebacker by adding Jennings out of the portal this offseason.