Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn will return in 2025 even though this season ‘hasn’t gone the way I’ve wanted it to’

He was automatic from 39 yards in. Auburn is 9-for-9 on kicks under 40 yards this season. But he’s 6-for-11 on kicks from 40-49 yards and 0-for-2 on anything 50 yards or longer. This comes at a time where 40- and 50-yard kicks are now routine for those in the NFL.

Auburn also missed two field goals against Georgia in the SEC championship game. Texas lost 22-19 in overtime. He also punched in a 37-yarder to force OT.  

“I think it’s pretty clear as far as my game I can speak on, I mean, it hasn’t gone the way I’ve wanted it to,” Auburn told Horns247. “It hasn’t been the best year, but, I mean, it’s all in the past. That doesn't mean I can't have the next couple of games going forward that I want to have. So just looking forward to what's next.”

Special teams coach Jeff Banks told reporters Monday he was pleased with Auburn’s decision to return. The Longhorns also want to continue developing freshman punter Michael Kern but also added Utah transfer Jack Bouwmeester.

Bouwmeester averaged 44.7 yards per punt this season while Kern averaged 40.5. Kern had seven punts downed inside the 20-yard line while half of his 32 attempts were fair caught.