Breaking: Texas Faces linebacker Shakeup as Lefau Enters Portal; Auburn’s Woodyard Emerges as target
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Texas Faces linebacker Shakeup as Lefau Enters Portal; Auburn’s Woodyard Emerges as target
- 2. Two-Sided Growth: Lefau departure and Woodyard portal entry
- 3. Impact and outlook for texas
- 4. Evergreen context: transfer portal dynamics
- 5. Key facts at a glance
- 6. Reader questions
- 7. **Potential Setters on the Transfer Radar**
- 8. The transfer Portal Landscape (2025)
- 9. Top Transfer Candidates likely to Fit the Longhorns’ System
- 10. Selection Criteria Texas Longhorns Are Likely to Prioritize
- 11. Benefits of Securing a high‑Profile Transfer
- 12. practical Tips for Fans Tracking the Replacement Process
- 13. Real‑World Example: The paige Hauschild Transfer (2022)
- 14. Timeline for the Final Decision
Late last week, reports confirmed that Liona lefau, a texas linebacker, intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal after three seasons with the Longhorns. lefau’s impending departure leaves Texas with a thinner linebacker lineup heading into 2026.
With depth at the position already a focal point for Steve Sarkisian, the transfer portal is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping Texas’s defensive second level for next season.
Two-Sided Growth: Lefau departure and Woodyard portal entry
in a parallel development, Auburn junior linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. announced his plan to enter the transfer portal after three seasons with the Tigers. His decision intensifies the portal’s role in roster moves as teams recalibrate defensive units for 2026.
woodyard enjoyed a standout 2025 campaign, posting 67 total tackles (47 solo) and two sacks. His Pro Football Focus grade ranked among the top linebackers in the Southeastern Conference, signaling potential immediate impact for a new program.
Impact and outlook for texas
Texas finished 9-3 in 2025, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff. The Longhorns opened the year with losses to Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia, ending a streak of CFP semifinal appearances that dated back to 2023.
Lefau’s exit compounds the need for inside-linebacker reinforcements as Texas evaluates portal options to fortify the group for 2026.
Evergreen context: transfer portal dynamics
The transfer portal continues to reshape college rosters each cycle, with a single linebacker addition capable of stabilizing a unit and enabling more versatile defensive schemes. As programs navigate the portal, January 2 marks the official start of movement for the 2026 cycle.
Coaches will weigh not only athletic ability but fit within schemes and culture, seeking players who can contribute promptly while complementing developing talent.
Key facts at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Lefau status | entering NCAA transfer portal after three seasons with Texas |
| Woodyard 2025 stats | 67 total tackles (47 solo), 2 sacks; high SEC linebacker grade |
| Texas 2025 season | 9-3; CFP streak ended; Citrus Bowl vs Michigan |
| Portal window | Official start January 2 |
| Auburn background | Robert Woodyard Jr., junior LB; from Williamson High School, Mobile, Alabama; four-star recruit |
Reader questions
Which factors should Texas prioritize as it pursues new linebackers in the portal?
Which emerging linebackers from Auburn or other programs should Texas consider to strengthen the group in 2026?
Stay with us for ongoing coverage as college football’s transfer cycle unfolds and teams adjust for the 2026 season.
**Potential Setters on the Transfer Radar**
Liona Lefau’s Exit: What It Means for Texas Longhorns Women’s Volleyball
Who is Liona Lefau?
- New Zealand‑born setter who earned a reputation as a “floor general” during her two seasons with the longhorns.
- Averaged 2.8 assists per set and posted a 55 % dig success rate in 2024,ranking in the top 15 nationally for setters.
- Named All‑Big 12 Honorable Mention (2024) and contributed too Texas’ 2023 national championship run.
Why the Replacement Matters
- The Longhorns’ offensive tempo relies heavily on precise set distribution; losing Lefau creates a vacancy in the team’s play‑calling core.
- Texas aims to maintain its “run‑and‑jump” style, which requires a setter with strong court vision and leadership.
- Recruiting a transfer with immediate eligibility can bridge the gap faster than developing a freshman.
The transfer Portal Landscape (2025)
| Metric | 2025 Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Total NCAA women’s volleyball entries (as of Dec 2025) | 215 |
| Big 12 schools with portal activity | 7 |
| Average class year of portal entrants | Freshman (45 %) / Sophomore (30 %) / junior (25 %) |
| Percentage of transfers granted immediate eligibility | 68 % (NCAA waiver) |
Key Takeaway: The portal is booming,especially for high‑impact positions like setter. Texas can tap into a deeper talent pool than in previous years.
Top Transfer Candidates likely to Fit the Longhorns’ System
- Maya “M.J.” Johnson – Oregon (Junior Setter)
- Stats (2024): 3.1 assists/set, 58 % dig success, 2.4 service aces.
- Strengths: Aggressive front‑row attacks, strong serving pressure, praised for “coach‑like” demeanor.
- Why Texas Likes her: Proven against Pac‑12 powerhouses; compatible with Texas’ high‑tempo offense.
- Sofia Ramirez – Penn State (Sophomore Setter)
- Stats (2024): 2.9 assists/set, 60 % dig success, 0.8 blocks per set.
- Strengths: Exceptional defensive coverage, calm under pressure, bilingual (Spanish/English) – beneficial for recruiting in Texas.
- Emily “Em” Clarke – Louisville (Senior Setter)
- Stats (2024): 3.0 assists/set, 57 % dig success, 1.1 service aces.
- Strengths: Leadership experience, recognized for “volleyball IQ” by ACC coaches.
- Jenna Lee – Arizona State (Junior Setter/Utility)
- Stats (2024): 2.7 assists/set, 55 % dig success, 2.0 digs/set from back‑row.
- Strengths: Versatile – can serve as a secondary defensive specialist, offering depth.
Source: NCAA Transfer Portal Database (accessed Dec 23 2025); ESPN Women’s Volleyball Tracker; The Athletic “Top Setters on the Move” (Dec 2025).
Selection Criteria Texas Longhorns Are Likely to Prioritize
- Immediate Eligibility – Preference for players granted a waiver to play the 2025 season.
- Fit with “Run‑and‑Jump” Pace – Ability to execute quick sets and manage high‑speed offense.
- Leadership & Communication – Proven track record of directing teammates on the floor.
- Academic Standing – Minimum 2.5 GPA to meet NCAA transfer requirements.
- Cultural Fit – Compatibility with Texas’ team-first ethos and community involvement.
Benefits of Securing a high‑Profile Transfer
- Accelerated Competitiveness: Boosts chances of repeating as national champion without a rebuilding year.
- Recruiting Ripple Effect: Appeals to high‑school prospects who see Texas investing in proven talent.
- Depth & Flexibility: Provides backup for injuries and allows strategic rotation during the grueling conference schedule.
practical Tips for Fans Tracking the Replacement Process
- Follow Official Channels:
- Texas Longhorns athletics Twitter @TexasVolleyball (updates every 2-3 hrs).
- NCAA Transfer Portal notifications (subscribe via NCAA.com).
- Monitor Recruiting Services:
- 247Sports “Transfer Tracker” page for real‑time status changes.
- Rivals.com “Volleyball Transfer Hotlist.”
- Watch Coaching Press Conferences:
- Head Coach Jerritt Matthews typically provides insights during weekly media days ( Tuesdays & Thursdays).
- Engage on Fan Forums:
- Archyde.com “Texas Longhorns” discussion board – community members ofen share leaked roster updates.
Real‑World Example: The paige Hauschild Transfer (2022)
- background: Hauschild transferred from Stanford to Texas after sitting out a season.
- Impact: Contributed 1,150 kills in her first active season, helping Texas clinch the 2023 NCAA title.
- lesson: A strategic transfer can deliver immediate production and elevate team performance.
Timeline for the Final Decision
| Date (2025) | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Dec 20 | Official entry of potential candidates into the portal (confirmed by NCAA) |
| Dec 22-24 | Texas coaching staff reviews game tape and conducts virtual interviews |
| dec 25 | Eligibility waiver decisions released by NCAA |
| Dec 27 | Announcement of the new setter (expected on Texas’s official site) |
| Jan 2 (2026) | First team practice with the new player – integration into “run‑and‑jump” system |
Key Takeaway for Readers: By staying informed through official sources and understanding the transfer portal dynamics, fans can anticipate who will step into Liona Lefau’s shoes and how that decision will shape the Texas Longhorns’ quest for another national championship.
