Texas Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn, the program's all-time leader in field goals made and total points scored, has announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. The move comes after a successful tenure with the Longhorns, during which Auburn appeared in 28 games and garnered recognition on various preseason award lists.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian had previously indicated that the kicking competition between Auburn and junior Will Stone was ongoing, with Stone taking on place-kicking duties in key matchups last season. Auburn's departure signals a transition for Texas as they seek a new starting kicker for the upcoming season.
Despite Auburn's accolades and leadership within the team, his performance saw a decline towards the end of the 2024 season, raising questions about his future destinations as schools may express interest in his services. Sarkisian emphasized the individualized nature of kicking in football and the team's strategic approach to managing the position, highlighting the importance of both the psychological and physical aspects in deciding game-time roles.