The recent transfer of kicker Bert Auburn from the Texas Longhorns to the Texas State Bobcats has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. Auburn, who had been a key special teams player for the Longhorns, was a critical piece of the team’s kicking game in recent seasons. However, his departure has opened up a door for both Texas State to improve its kicking unit and for Texas to find a new kicker through the transfer portal. This move not only reflects the growing importance of the transfer portal in college football but also highlights the dynamic nature of college rosters and the ever-evolving strategies of coaching staffs.
In this article, we will explore the implications of Auburn’s departure for both the Texas Longhorns and Texas State Bobcats. We will also examine the role of the transfer portal in reshaping college football, discuss how Texas is replacing Auburn’s production, and look at how the Bobcats are benefitting from this transfer.
1. Bert Auburn’s Journey at Texas
Bert Auburn first arrived at the University of Texas with a lot of expectations on his shoulders. A highly regarded kicker out of high school, Auburn had a reputation for his strong leg and accuracy, which earned him a spot with the Longhorns. During his time in Austin, Auburn made an immediate impact, showcasing his talent in critical moments during games.
He had a few standout moments that proved his ability to handle pressure, such as making game-winning field goals and consistently putting the ball through the uprights. As a result, Auburn was a trusted player in the kicking game for the Longhorns, known for his strong leg and ability to perform in clutch situations.
However, while his skills were undeniable, his time at Texas was not without its challenges. Throughout his career, Auburn faced the pressures of being a key figure in the Longhorns’ special teams, a unit that often receives less attention than the offense or defense. The spotlight, combined with the inherent pressure of kicking in front of tens of thousands of fans, meant that Auburn’s performances were scrutinized under a magnifying glass.
Despite this, he was a reliable kicker, and his ability to consistently produce from long distances made him a key asset for Texas. However, the competitive nature of college football and the ever-changing landscape of team rosters meant that Auburn’s spot with the Longhorns was never entirely guaranteed. The Longhorns would go on to recruit more kickers, which meant that Auburn would eventually face stiffer competition for his place on the team.
2. Why Auburn Left Texas: The Transfer Portal and Its Impact
Bert Auburn’s decision to enter the transfer portal marks a significant moment in the larger trend of college athletes exploring new opportunities. The transfer portal has become a central aspect of college football in recent years, as it provides athletes the freedom to move between programs without facing penalties. For Auburn, the decision to transfer was likely influenced by several factors.
First, the competition for playing time at Texas likely played a role. With the influx of talent at all positions, particularly in special teams, Auburn may have felt that he no longer had a guaranteed spot as the team’s kicker. This scenario is not uncommon in the modern age of college football, where transfers can change the makeup of a roster from year to year.
Additionally, Auburn may have sought a fresh start and an opportunity to play at a school where he could have more immediate impact. Playing at a smaller program like Texas State might offer him the chance to be a starting kicker, allowing him to gain more exposure and potentially attract attention from NFL scouts. For a kicker, who often works in relative obscurity compared to other positions, this can be a crucial factor in making such a decision.
Finally, there is the natural human element of college athletics. Athletes, like all students, may simply want a change of scenery or feel that they have accomplished all they can at their current school. The transfer portal provides athletes with the freedom to make such moves, and in Auburn’s case, Texas State was a perfect fit for his next chapter.
3. The Texas State Bobcats and the Transfer Portal
The Texas State Bobcats, a program located in San Marcos, Texas, have been making strides in recent years. Under the guidance of head coach G.J. Kinne, the Bobcats have been building a competitive football program, and the addition of Bert Auburn is a clear indication that they are serious about making an impact. Auburn’s transfer represents a significant boost for Texas State’s special teams unit, which had been searching for a reliable kicker to fill a key role.
For Texas State, acquiring a player with Auburn’s experience and skillset is a win. Auburn brings a level of maturity and consistency to the Bobcats’ kicking game that they previously lacked. Having a proven kicker like Auburn helps elevate the team’s overall competitiveness, especially in tight games where field goals and extra points can make the difference between winning and losing. With Auburn on the roster, Texas State now has a reliable kicker who can perform under pressure, an asset that could pay off in conference play.
Moreover, the success of the Bobcats in the transfer portal highlights the growing trend of smaller programs leveraging the portal to add talent from larger, more established programs. As more athletes enter the portal each season, programs like Texas State have the opportunity to find high-quality players who are looking for more playing time or a fresh start. This dynamic has leveled the playing field to some extent, as smaller programs can now compete for talented athletes who might have previously been out of reach.
4. Texas’ Response: Replacing Bert Auburn’s Production
For the Texas Longhorns, the loss of Bert Auburn was a significant one. Auburn had been a reliable contributor to the team’s kicking game, and his departure left a void that needed to be filled quickly. The coaching staff, led by Steve Sarkisian, immediately turned to the transfer portal to find a replacement.
Texas has been highly active in the transfer portal in recent years, and this offseason was no different. The Longhorns identified a talented kicker to step into Auburn’s shoes, but the task of replacing a proven kicker is never an easy one. The incoming transfer has big shoes to fill, especially when it comes to handling the pressure of kicking for a high-profile program like Texas.
One of the key factors Texas is likely looking for in a replacement is consistency. While Auburn had a powerful leg, his ability to stay consistent in pressure situations was arguably his most valuable trait. The new kicker will need to prove that he can handle the big moments, whether it’s a game-winning field goal or a crucial extra point.
Another consideration for Texas is the overall development of its special teams unit. Kicking is only one aspect of special teams, and the Longhorns will need to ensure that their punting game, kick coverage, and return units are all functioning smoothly. This holistic approach to special teams will be critical in the upcoming season, as the Longhorns will need every advantage they can get in their pursuit of a Big 12 championship and a potential playoff berth.
5. The Transfer Portal’s Broader Impact on College Football
The transfer portal has fundamentally altered the way college football programs approach roster building. No longer are athletes bound to a single program for their entire college careers. Instead, they have the freedom to explore new opportunities, seek better playing time, or find a better fit for their skills and ambitions.
For programs like Texas and Texas State, the portal represents a valuable tool for strengthening their rosters. Coaches can target specific needs, such as replacing a key position like kicker, or bolster depth at critical positions. The ability to bring in talent from across the country has allowed teams to quickly fill gaps and respond to the changing dynamics of college football.
Moreover, the transfer portal has given smaller programs the opportunity to compete on a more level playing field with larger programs. Texas State’s ability to attract a player of Auburn’s caliber is a testament to the growing importance of the portal in creating parity in college football. While powerhouses like Texas still dominate recruiting, smaller programs are finding new ways to supplement their rosters with high-quality talent.
However, the portal also comes with challenges. It has led to increased turnover on rosters, which can disrupt team chemistry and continuity. Coaches must constantly manage the transfer of players, both incoming and outgoing, and ensure that the overall health of the program is maintained. The portal has also created a more transient environment for college athletes, as they move from school to school in search of playing time or better opportunities.
6. Conclusion: A New Era for Texas and Texas State
Bert Auburn’s transfer from Texas to Texas State is a microcosm of the larger trends that are shaping college football in the 21st century. The transfer portal has become an essential tool for both players and programs, allowing athletes to find new opportunities and programs to fill critical needs. For Texas State, acquiring a kicker with Auburn’s talent is a significant step forward, while for Texas, the loss of Auburn means a new chapter in their search for a reliable kicker.
As college football continues to evolve, the transfer portal will undoubtedly remain a central factor in roster construction and team success. For Texas and Texas State, the ability to adapt to this new reality will be crucial as they aim to build competitive programs in an ever-changing landscape. Auburn’s move to Texas State may have been a surprise to some, but it serves as a reminder that in college football, anything can happen – and the transfer portal is often the key to unlocking new opportunities.
