Texas Longhorns general manager Brandon Harris recently appeared on Adrian Wojnarowski’s "The Program" podcast, where he laid out the program’s recent activity in the transfer portal and reflected on the broader financial landscape of college football.
The conversation highlighted a 22-player incoming class that has propelled Texas to a third-place ranking in 247Sports’ transfer portal team standings, featuring former Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman, ex-Pitt linebacker Rasheem Biles, and running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.
Harris indicated that the roster is "pretty set" regarding portal additions, suggesting that the coaching staff has already identified the pieces needed to reshape the squad.
Beyond roster construction, Harris voiced his support for a proposed "five-for-five" model that would grant student-athletes five years of eligibility while requiring five years of academic progress, a framework he believes could align academic and athletic timelines more effectively.
Financial considerations also factor into his outlook. He described the difficulty of balancing player depth with budgetary limits, noting that the program’s fiscal strategy draws on former head coach Steve Sarkisian’s experience working with NFL capologists.
To refine that approach, Harris has visited the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, studying how professional franchises manage salary caps and roster turnover.
He also pointed out that college football’s calendar, with its compressed recruiting windows and off-season training demands, presents a distinct set of challenges compared to the more staggered schedules of the NFL.
Looking Ahead
If the Longhorns can lock in the targeted portal talent while navigating the financial constraints, Harris believes the program could emerge as a competitive force in the upcoming season, potentially reshaping its standing in the SEC.