Texas Longhorns Acquire Kicker from Texas State to Replace Bert Auburn

The Texas Longhorns football team has made a significant move in the transfer portal this offseason, acquiring a new kicker from Texas State to replace Bert Auburn. The transfer of the kicker marks the end of an era for Auburn, who has been a steady force for the Longhorns over the past few years. However, as Auburn takes his talents elsewhere, the Longhorns have made a strategic decision to bolster their special teams unit with the addition of a new face.

This change comes at a pivotal moment in the Longhorns’ pursuit of an improved special teams unit and more consistency on both sides of the ball. For many, Auburn’s departure opens the door for fresh competition, and the acquisition of a kicker from Texas State is seen as a strategic move that could bring immediate results.

The Departure of Bert Auburn

Bert Auburn has been an integral part of the Texas Longhorns’ special teams over the past few seasons. After transferring to Texas from the University of Memphis, Auburn quickly became known for his leg strength and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. He played in a number of crucial games for the Longhorns, making some memorable field goals, including game-winners and clutch kicks that helped propel the team to victory.

However, Auburn’s consistency had been a topic of discussion during his tenure. While he had moments of brilliance, he also had stretches where his kicking game was inconsistent. Missed extra points, uncharacteristic field goal misses in key moments, and fluctuating accuracy were issues that arose at critical junctures. These lapses had led to questions about his future with the program and whether the Longhorns could rely on him as the team continued to push for greater success.

Auburn’s decision to transfer after the 2024 season was a bit of a surprise to some, but it also made sense given the competitive nature of college football. With new talent entering the program and heightened expectations, Auburn likely felt the need for a fresh start elsewhere. His departure left a hole at the kicker position for the Longhorns, but it also presented an opportunity to evaluate other options and bring in new blood.

Why a Transfer from Texas State?

The Texas Longhorns’ decision to turn to the transfer portal to find a replacement for Auburn speaks volumes about their commitment to finding a proven talent who can step in and make an immediate impact. While many expected Texas to look at high-profile kickers in the transfer market, the decision to acquire a kicker from Texas State is one that has raised some eyebrows. But upon closer inspection, this move appears to be a strategic one that fits into the Longhorns’ broader goals.

The kicker acquired from Texas State is someone who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at the school. Having spent time as the starting kicker for the Texas State Bobcats, he has had the opportunity to showcase his talent in actual game situations. He wasn’t just a backup or a special teams afterthought, but someone who was relied upon to handle all aspects of the kicking game.

In his time at Texas State, the kicker demonstrated impressive consistency. His accuracy on field goals, especially from long distances, set him apart from many other kickers in the Sun Belt Conference. He was often called upon to make important kicks in tight games, and he responded with maturity and composure. His leg strength, accuracy, and ability to manage the pressures of college football made him an ideal candidate for a program like Texas, which is always on the lookout for ways to improve.

Texas State’s decision to allow this kicker to enter the transfer portal speaks to his value and the recognition of his abilities. While the Bobcats undoubtedly appreciated his contributions, they understand that the transfer portal provides their athletes with the chance to compete at the highest level. By joining Texas, this kicker now has the chance to prove himself in the Big 12 Conference and take his talents to a program with national aspirations.

What Can the New Kicker Bring to Texas?

There’s no doubt that the kicker from Texas State will face significant pressure stepping into the role of replacing Bert Auburn. But this is not an unfamiliar situation for the newcomer. He has performed under pressure before and has the experience necessary to succeed in high-stakes games.

One of the primary advantages the new kicker brings to Texas is his accuracy. During his time at Texas State, he demonstrated remarkable precision on both short and long-range field goals. Whether it was converting a 40-yard attempt or hitting a game-winning kick from 50 yards out, he proved that he can execute under pressure. For a Texas team that needs reliability in all phases of the game, including special teams, his proven track record is an invaluable asset.

Moreover, this kicker’s ability to stay calm under pressure is something that Texas will benefit from. The Longhorns are a program that regularly competes in high-profile games with major stakes. In the Big 12, and on a national level, games are often decided by a handful of points or a late-game field goal. Having someone who can step up in clutch moments, as this kicker has shown in the past, could be a difference-maker for Texas in their quest for a conference title and potential playoff berth.

Another benefit of the transfer is the experience that the kicker brings with him. While he may not have been playing at the power-five level, he was still handling all kicking duties for Texas State. He wasn’t just a player relegated to one part of the special teams unit; he was the focal point of the Bobcats’ kicking game. This experience in a leading role will likely help him adapt quickly to the higher expectations at Texas.

The Role of Special Teams in the 2025 Longhorns

The kicker from Texas State won’t just be a replacement for Auburn; he’ll be part of an evolving special teams unit for Texas in 2025. Special teams have been an area of focus for the Longhorns, who have faced some ups and downs in recent years in terms of consistency. Whether it was missed field goals, lackluster kickoffs, or inconsistent punting, special teams have been a thorn in the side of Texas at times.

As the Longhorns look to make a deeper run in the Big 12, consistency in all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—is essential. With the addition of a reliable kicker, Texas aims to shore up their special teams unit and create a more balanced team. Having a kicker who can convert on both long and short-range field goals will allow the Longhorns to stay within striking distance in tight games, while a strong leg could also help them maintain field position with booming kickoffs.

This acquisition also places a greater emphasis on competition. As the Longhorns continue to elevate their roster, depth and internal competition are key to building a championship-caliber program. The new kicker will be competing with other players for a spot, and the pressure to perform will push the team as a whole to new heights.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Texas Special Teams

As the 2025 season approaches, it’s clear that the Texas Longhorns are serious about putting together a well-rounded team. Special teams often go overlooked by fans and analysts, but they can be a game-changer, especially in close contests. With the acquisition of a kicker from Texas State, the Longhorns are taking steps to solidify their special teams unit and ensure that they are not caught in a situation where kicking woes cost them a critical game.

If the new kicker can live up to the expectations and build upon the success he had at Texas State, he could very well become one of the top kickers in the Big 12. Moreover, he will have the opportunity to prove himself on the national stage and cement his place as a key contributor to the Texas Longhorns football program.

In conclusion, the Texas Longhorns’ acquisition of a kicker from Texas State to replace Bert Auburn is a calculated and strategic move. With his experience, accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure, the new kicker has the potential to make an immediate impact. Special teams could be one of the deciding factors in Texas’ success during the 2025 season, and with this new addition, the Longhorns are in a strong position to compete at the highest level.