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Steve Sarkisian Shares Confidence in Special Teams Ahead of 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cami Griffin | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 4:59 PM ET

The Texas Longhorns dipped into the NCAA transfer portal this offseason to strengthen its kicking game.

In 2024, Texas nearly lost the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Arizona State due to missed field goals, and arguably lost the SEC Championship against Georgia due to missed field goals. The Longhorns have since moved on from kicker Bert Auburn and signed Texas State kicker Mason Shipley via the portal this offseason. Will Stone, who has been on Texas' roster since 2022, will likely continue handling kickoff duties.

Texas also signed former Utah punter Jack Boumeester to immediately take over punting duties. After witnessing how significantly special teams impacted games for the Longhorns last season, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was asked how he feels about the unit heading into 2025.

"The experiences that they've had and what they've been through, I think is going to serve us well," Sarkisian said. He also noted that every expected starter of his special teams unit is a senior.

After missed FGs late in the season last year, Steve Sarkisian hit the portal to sure-up his special teams

With that group having so much experience, Sark has trust in that unit

"The experiences that they've had and what they've been through, I think is going to serve us well"… pic.twitter.com/PgylHhwO3L
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) July 28, 2025

The signings of Shipley and Boumeester could be the difference maker for Texas this season. The Longhorns have reached the College Football Playoff semifinal each of the last two years but have failed to get over the hump.

Sarkisian is hopeful his experience on special teams could be the missing piece.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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