Quick Read
- DeAndre Moore Jr., Texas Longhorns wide receiver, entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on December 22, 2025.
- Moore played three seasons in Austin, catching 77 passes for 988 yards and 11 touchdowns.
- He was a four-star recruit out of St. John Bosco, originally committed to Louisville before signing with Texas.
- Moore’s leadership and playmaking helped Texas reach the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff.
- He still has one year of eligibility and is one of the top prospects in the transfer portal.
The Texas Longhorns are facing a significant change in their receiving corps as junior wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. announced on December 22, 2025, that he will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Moore’s departure marks the exit of one of the team’s most versatile and influential playmakers, a move that reverberates throughout the program and the college football landscape. SI.com, Yahoo Sports, and LonghornsWire have all confirmed the news.
Moore’s Path: From Top Prospect to Longhorns Star
Moore’s journey to Texas was anything but straightforward. Originally a four-star recruit out of the football powerhouse St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, he was highly sought after. Moore initially committed to Louisville, then considered Oklahoma, before ultimately signing with Texas during the 2023 cycle. His list of suitors read like a who’s who of college football: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and USC all made offers. Ranked as the No. 105 player nationally and No. 20 wide receiver by the 247Sports Composite, Moore arrived in Austin with sky-high expectations.
His freshman year in 2023 was quiet on offense—Moore played nine games, mostly on special teams, registering a single kickoff return for 15 yards and not catching a pass on two targets. Yet, coaches saw potential beyond the stat sheet, and Moore’s role quickly expanded.
Breakout Performances and Leadership
2024 saw Moore step into the spotlight. He played in 36 games over his Longhorns career, but it was his sophomore season that changed the narrative. Moore caught 39 passes for 456 yards and seven touchdowns, with a memorable performance against Georgia in the SEC Championship game (nine catches, 114 yards, one touchdown). His ability to step up in big moments became a hallmark—against Oklahoma, he recorded three catches for 50 yards and a crucial touchdown. In a rivalry shootout versus Arkansas, Moore tallied three touchdowns on three catches, totaling 74 yards in a high-scoring win.
By the end of his junior year, Moore had amassed 77 receptions for 988 yards and 11 touchdowns across two seasons, finishing second on the team behind Ryan Wingo. His numbers only tell part of the story, though. Injuries and some inconsistency in 2025 didn’t keep him from making his presence felt, especially as a downfield blocker and mentor to younger receivers. Head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Moore’s energy, attention to detail, and leadership, comparing him to Longhorns legend Jordan Whittington: “This guy goes to practice with a great deal of energy, with a great deal of detail, and he’s hard on the guys around him about what they’re supposed to do and how they’re supposed to do it, whether he’s in the play or not.”
Decision to Transfer: NFL Draft or Portal?
Speculation swirled in late December as reports suggested Moore might declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, he announced via social media (X and Instagram) that he would enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, seeking a fresh start and new opportunities. As the first receiver and twelfth overall Longhorn to enter the portal this cycle, Moore’s move was a calculated decision. He still has one year of eligibility remaining, making him one of the most coveted transfer prospects in the nation.
Moore’s decision wasn’t made in isolation. He was part of a star-studded 2023 recruiting class with quarterback Arch Manning, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., running back Quintrevion Wisner, and others who have shaped the Longhorns’ recent success. Some, like Liona Lefau, have also entered the portal, signaling a period of transition for the program.
Legacy and What Comes Next
Moore leaves Austin not just as a productive receiver, but as a glue guy whose leadership and work ethic set the tone for the team. His knack for fixing alignment issues on the field and mentoring teammates was valued as highly as his on-field production. Moore’s highlights, particularly in marquee games, will be remembered by Longhorns fans and coaches alike.
For Moore, the next chapter is yet to be written. Whether he finds a new collegiate home or tests the NFL waters, his combination of athleticism, versatility, and leadership will make him a prized addition wherever he lands. As the transfer portal continues to reshape college football, Moore’s move is a reminder of how quickly programs can change and how players must navigate their own paths in a shifting landscape.
Moore’s story is a testament to the modern realities of college football: a mix of ambition, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of opportunity. His journey, marked by both dazzling highlights and quiet leadership, leaves a lasting imprint on Texas and sets the stage for whatever comes next.