Texas Football: Xavier Worthy returning to the Longhorns in 2023?

The more time that passes this offseason, the less and less likely it looks as if sophomore Texas football wide receiver Xavier Worthy will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason.

There were plenty of discussions being had as to whether Worthy would enter the transfer portal following Texas’ Alamo Bowl loss to the No. 12 Washington Huskies on Dec. 29. Worthy fueled the transfer rumors in a pre-Alamo Bowl press conference when he passed on commenting on his status with the Longhorns heading into 2023.

But it does feel like if Worthy was going to actually put his name in the transfer portal this offseason, it probably would’ve happened already. And with the current portal window closing on Jan. 18, there isn’t much time left for Worthy to officially test the waters on the transfer market ahead of the start of spring ball.

Moreover, a report from Bobby Burton and Justin Wells of Inside Texas/On Texas Football on Jan. 9 indicates that Worthy is likely to return to Texas in 2023. Burton did state that this is not officially confirmed yet, but it definitely seems like the momentum is trending toward him returning to the Forty Acres for the 2023 season.

Xavier Worthy trending toward returning to Texas football for the 2023 season

Despite Worthy having a down sophomore campaign in 2022 for the Longhorns, he would still be a valuable wideout to get back for next season. Worthy is still the most productive wide receiver for the Longhorns over the last two seasons.

Worthy brings a route-running ability and a certain type of track-level speed that is really hard to find at the collegiate level. He’s a nice fit in head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offensive scheme. And I believe he could be in for a bounce-back junior campaign if he has a solid run in camp this offseason.

The second-year California native wideout Worthy finished up the 2022 campaign with 60 catches for 760 receiving yards (12.7 yards per catch) and 10 total touchdowns. Worthy and the Longhorns finished up the 2022 season with a record of 8-5 (6-3 Big 12) following the Alamo Bowl loss to Washington.