Texas football trending for Bama transfer WR Isaiah Bond

This is a big visit weekend for Texas football, with a handful of key targets in the NCAA Transfer Portal. The most important of the portal visitors for Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian this weekend is the No. 1 transfer wide receiver in the 247Sports Composite, former Alabama Crimson Tide standout sophomore Isaiah Bond.

It was reported on Jan. 12 that Bond had officially entered the transfer portal. And soon after that, it was reported by multiple outlets that Bond was expected to visit Texas this weekend.

Texas football emerging as the favorite for Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Bond

This portal recruitment is moving very quickly between Bond and the Longhorns. Amid the reports confirming Bond has made it to Texas on Jan. 13 for his visit (per Matt Zenitz of 247Sports), this portal recruitment has started trending firmly in favor of the Longhorns.

Texas has emerged as the early favorite in the race to land Bond's commitment in the portal early this offseason. The combination of scheme fit and immediate playing time at Texas has appealed greatly to Bond.

Texas could reap the rewards of a legendary head coach's retirement

But the big news that likely caused Bond to enter the transfer portal in the first place was the retirement of longtime legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban. And as it pertains to Bond, another coaching factor that could've led him to enter the transfer portal this offseason was the departure of fifth-year wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins.

Wiggins joined the Texas A&M Aggies staff as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach under new head coach Mike Elko.

Multiple industry leaders are forecasting Bond's commitment to Texas

After Bond entered the portal on Jan. 12, it was clear that the Longhorns were the team to beat in this portal recruitment. Inside Texas/On3's Eric Nahlin entered an RPM pick on Jan. 12, projecting Bond's commitment in the portal to the Longhorns with a high level of confidence (8 out of 10).

Hank South of Horns247 followed suit with a Crystal Ball prediction on Jan. 13, also projecting Bond's commitment to Texas.

We will continue to follow this portal recruitment amid Bond's visit to Texas this weekend.