Texas Longhorns Defender Entering Transfer Portal

The Texas Longhorns have lost their first defensive player to the transfer portal this season.

Zach Dimmitt | Dec 5, 2024

Sep 2, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Jaray Bledsoe (94) rushes during the second half against the Rice Owls at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

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Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns have lost their second player to the portal before the end of the season.

Per reports Thursday from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Texas defensive lineman Jaray Bledsoe will be transferring. The No. 3 Longhorns will face No. 5 Georgia in the SEC Championship on Saturday, and it's unclear if Bledsoe will be continue to play or begin looking for his next destination.

Bledsoe was originally a four-star recruit of Marlin (Texas) in the 2022 class. However, he has played in just 12 games over three years while posting seven total tackles and a fumble recovery. Last season, Bledsoe was named to the 2023 Academic All-Big 12 First Team. He's also a three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Bledsoe appeared in eight games during Texas' run to the College Football Playoff last season. He had a tackle in the loss to Oklahoma before recovering a fumble against BYU a few weeks later.

Former Texas receiver Johntay Cook II also entered the portal last month after parting ways with the team before the Longhorns' home game against Florida. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said the decision was mutual.

"Obviously, we've had some roster movement today with Johntay Cook moving on," Sarkisian said. "We have nothing but respect for him and his family. Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. ... It was mutual between the two of us."

Cook II played in 20 games in less than two years with the team. A former five-star recruit, he finishes his Texas career with 16 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns.