Assessing 3 transfers that could make-or-break Texas football in 2022

Ahead of the start of the 2022 season, the impact that the plethora of additions for Texas football this offseason out of the NCAA Transfer Portal could have for this team is coming into focus. Texas landed multiple impact transfer portal commitments so far this offseason, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

While there were more than a dozen departures for the Longhorns worth noting this offseason by way of the transfer portal, the additions should outweigh them by a wide margin. Most of the transfer losses for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff this offseason were expected and shouldn’t be detrimental to this team this fall.

Texas really upgrade at the skill positions this offseason thanks to the portal. Wide receiver got three scholarship additions by way of the transfer portal, and four if you include preferred walk-ons. There was also one addition at tight end and one quarterback.

Transfers that will be x-factors for Texas football in 2022

All these transfers finding chemistry and contributing in a meaningful way out of the gates during the 2022 regular season could make a world’s difference for the Longhorns. With that in mind, here’s a look at three transfers for the Longhorns that could make or break the 2022 season.

Isaiah Neyor, WR

Texas immediately found the next starter at the z-wide receiver spot this year by landing a commitment out of the portal from the former Wyoming Cowboys breakout redshirt freshman Isaiah Neyor. Sark, new wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator Brennan Marion, and the Longhorns flipped Neyor’s commitment out of the portal from the Tennessee Volunteers a few months ago.

At the time, even I underestimated just how good the 6-foot-3 and 215-pound Neyor could be for the Longhorns on the outside. Texas is going to get a real difference-maker of an outside receiver in Neyor. If you compare what Neyor could do for Texas this fall compared to what they had last season in Joshua Moore, it’s pretty staggering the difference that could be seen on the field in 2022.

Neyor is a dynamic playmaker on the outside that can commonly beat opposing defenders on 50/50 contested balls, while still having the ability to beat them over the top. He led the Mountain West and ranked fifth in the FBS last season in yards per catch (20), proving just how effective Neyor can be on deep balls.

Texas will have a little bit of everything you could want in a starting trio of wideouts between Neyor, sophomore star Xavier Worthy, and the speedy and elusive redshirt junior Jordan Whittington.

It’s also good to see that Neyor has made a really positive impression on the coaching staff with a strong showing in spring ball and summer workouts so far this offseason. Neyor sounds like he is the real deal and watch out for him to challenge to get over the 1,000-receiving yard mark this season.