One of the Longhorns' top defensive recruits and a top 5-ranked linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class, Elijah Barnes, is officially leaving Austin.
He just informed the coaching staff of his intentions to enter the transfer portal, and now Barnes makes the fourth linebacker set to leave Texas this offseason.
NEW: Texas LB Elijah Barnes plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, @InsideTexas reports
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 7, 2026
4-star recruit in the 2025 class. https://t.co/G7yPQbl54r pic.twitter.com/93MjEWO6wq
Though Barnes didn't play a lot this season, he got better and better each week working with Anthony Hill Jr. and Liona Lefau. He already has excellent size at 6'1", 244 lbs., and his processing skills began to impress the coaching staff down the stretch.
Barnes was incredibly impressive in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan in December, totaling 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 sack in the matchup. His decision to leave the Longhorns appears to come as a surprise to the program, and he was set to have a decent-size role in 2026 depending on who they bring in via the transfer portal.