Texas Longhorns Roster Faces Overhaul Amid Transfer Portal Activity
A new era is dawning for the Texas Longhorns baseball program as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics. The transfer portal, now a pivotal element in team construction, demands swift adaptation and strategic recruitment. The Longhorns are experiencing this firsthand as players declare their intentions to transfer, prompting head coach Jim Schlossnagle and his staff to proactively address potential roster gaps.
Departures Signal Roster Changes
Monday brought news of three Longhorns entering the transfer portal:
- Outfielder Matt Scott
- Outfielder Donovan Jordan
- Left-handed pitcher Chance Covert
Of these, only Scott saw game action for Texas during the 2025 season, appearing in three games. He recorded no hits in five at-bats but reached base once via a hit by pitch.
Did You Know?
The NCAA transfer portal was created in October 2018 to provide a streamlined process for student-athletes to inform their current institution of their desire to transfer and to allow other schools to initiate contact.
beyond the Portal: Eligibility and the MLB Draft
While these departures may not represent significant losses in terms of on-field production, they underscore the importance of the transfer portal in modern college baseball. The Longhorns’ roster is poised for considerable change as they look toward the 2026 season. Several factors contribute to this potential change:
- Graduating Players: Left-handed pitcher Jared Spencer and first baseman Kimble Schuessler have exhausted their eligibility.
- MLB Draft Prospects: Outfielder Max Belyeu, catcher Rylan Galvan, shortstop Jalin Flores, third baseman Casey Borba, and pitchers Luke Harrison and Ruger Riojas are all eligible for the upcoming MLB draft.While draft eligibility doesn’t guarantee departure, it highlights potential areas of need for the Longhorns.
Schlossnagle’s Portal Prowess
Despite the looming changes, there’s reason for optimism in Austin. Schlossnagle proved last offseason they can be aggressive in the portal,
securing key additions like second baseman Ethan Mendoza and Spencer. This track record suggests the Longhorns are well-equipped to navigate the transfer landscape effectively.
With a full offseason ahead, Schlossnagle and his staff will focus on addressing departures through both the transfer portal and the draft. The goal is to rebuild the roster and continue the program’s upward trajectory in Schlossnagle’s second year at the helm.
Pro Tip: Navigating the Transfer Portal
For college baseball programs, success in the transfer portal requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Proactive Identification: Identify potential transfer targets early.
- Relationship Building: Establish strong relationships with players and their families.
- Strategic Fit: Ensure transfers align with the program’s culture and needs.
