Wed Jan 14 22:00:00 UTC 2026: # Longhorns Poach Texas A&M Offensive Lineman Jonte Newman from Transfer Portal
The Story: In a notable move within the Lone Star Showdown rivalry, offensive lineman Jonte Newman has committed to the Texas Longhorns after spending a season with the Texas A&M Aggies. The transfer, announced on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, adds a developmental player to Texas’ offensive line under the guidance of offensive coordinator Kyle Flood. Newman, a former four-star recruit, has four years of eligibility remaining.
Key Points:
- Jonte Newman, a 6’4″, 331-pound offensive tackle, is transferring from Texas A&M to Texas.
- He was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class out of Cypress Bridgeland.
- Newman received offers from numerous top programs including Alabama, Oklahoma, USC, and Texas before initially committing to Texas A&M.
- He played seven snaps against Samford while redshirting for the Aggies in 2025.
- Newman is the second portal commitment for offensive coordinator Kyle Flood this month, joining Oregon State transfer guard Dylan Sikorski.
Critical Analysis
This transfer highlights the ongoing competition between Texas and Texas A&M for talent, both through traditional recruiting and the transfer portal. The news headlines confirm that both schools are actively reloading their rosters using the transfer portal, and this move illustrates Texas’ success in securing players who were previously committed to their rival. The transfer of Newman, initially highly sought after by both programs, demonstrates a potential shift in power or recruiting strategy.
Key Takeaways:
- The transfer portal continues to be a significant factor in college football roster construction.
- Rivalries extend beyond on-field play and now heavily involve recruiting and player acquisition through the portal.
- Texas is actively targeting and successfully acquiring players from other SEC programs to bolster their roster.
- Offensive Line coach Kyle Flood is actively looking to add both immediate talent and developmental prospects to the offensive line room.
Impact Analysis
The acquisition of Jonte Newman provides the Texas Longhorns with additional depth on the offensive line. While labeled as a developmental player, his prior recruitment and multiple offers from top schools, indicate a high ceiling. The transfer also signals a potential shift in recruiting dynamics within the state of Texas, as the Longhorns appear to be gaining an edge in securing talent from their rivals, potentially influencing future recruiting battles and program standings.
First Piper 