As more players enter the transfer portal, Texas can choose to be picky when adding talent. Could the No. 3 Longhorns take a former Big 12 senstation when they depart for the SEC? Houston receiver Matthew Golden could be an option for Texas if it continues to look at adding veteran pass-catchers. Conversations between the two sides have yet to start, but that could change in the coming days. Golden, a second-team All-Big 12 return man, reportedly had been approached by multiple schools from the SEC with six-figure offers of at least $250,000 in NIL deals to transfer from UH. The sophomore tweeted a day later that he was “1000% committed” to the Cougars and that “tough times don’t mean you jump ship, especially for a few dollars.” All that changed when Dana Holgersen was fired after a 4-8 first year in the Big 12. And despite the hiring of Tulane’s Willie Fritz, Golden’s mind was made up after three consecutive losses to end the season. While Golden might not be the top receiver on the market, his vertical presence could be problematic with the right quarterback. The Houston native finished with 38 catches for 404 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns. Golden also totaled five receptions of 20+ yards. Where Golden truly thrives is on special teams. He averaged 35.6 yards per kickoff return and brought two kicks back for touchdowns. Golden also could be effective on punt returns if given the opportunity.

For Longhorns’ coach Steve Sarkisian, everything comes down to timing. Even building Texas from a struggling program that failed to meet expectations into a legitimate College Football Playoff threat took three seasons of work and help from the transfer portal.

The Longhorns are prepping for a shot to win a national title for the first time since 2005, but it starts by defeating No. 2 Washington in New Orleans at the Sugar Bowl. After that comes either a rematch with No. 4 Alabama or a winner-take-all showdown against No. 1 Michigan. After that comes departures. While losing players like Casey Cain and Isaiah Neyor stings for depth purposes, both primarily only saw action late in games. That was essentially thanks to the success of Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington. Whittington and Worthy both likely head to the NFL after the season. Does Mitchell? The Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year posted career-highs in 2023 and could be on his way to a third national title.

But does he want another go-around in the SEC? Could Mitchell end up being the top returnee in Austin? Regardless, the Longhorns are looking for receiver help. Johntay Cook should fill the void lost by Worthy, but adding Golden — who’s versatile enough to line up at any receiver spot — could bolster the arsenal for a returning Quinn Ewers. Texas fans are waiting to see if Texas A&M’s Evan Stewart will enter the portal. Should he leave College Station, the Forty Acres seems to be his likely new landing spot.

Should Stewart stay, the Longhorns could land another Lone State State receiver with upside and at least two years of eligibility. And don’t mistake Golden as some “consolation prize.” With the right offensive design and quarterback, a golden opportunity awaits both sides.