The Texas Longhorns are heading into the 2025 season with high expectations after their College Football Playoff semifinal appearance last year.
While all eyes are on quarterback Arch Manning as he steps into the starting role, one transfer is quietly drawing attention from analysts and coaches. Tight end Jack Endries, a recent arrival from California, could be a difference-maker for the Longhorns’ offense this fall.
Former Three-Star Jack Endries Could Boost Texas’s Depth at Tight End
Jack Endries, a 6’4”, 240-pound tight end from Danville, California, joined Texas in April after entering the transfer portal. As a redshirt sophomore at Cal last season, Endries led the Golden Bears with 56 catches for 623 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.1 yards per catch.
Despite Cal’s 6-7 finish, which ended with a loss to UNLV in the LA Bowl, he was a steady target in the passing game and showed he could handle a heavy workload.
The tight end room in Austin needed reinforcements after Gunnar Helm, an NFL draft prospect, moved on, and Amari Niblack transferred to Texas A&M. Endries brings experience and production to a group that has played an important role in Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
Sarkisian is known for using versatile tight ends and often features multiple-tight-end sets, moving them around the formation to create mismatches. Endries’ size and reliable hands make him a good fit for these schemes.
Texas has a little streak going at TE in the draft. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Gunnar Helm, and now Cal transfer Jack Endries may be next.
6’4″, 240 pounds. Willing blocker with versatility and hand pop, and an explosive vertical athlete who’s been clocked over 20 MPH. 56-623-2 in ’24. pic.twitter.com/1wjZKK4bKy
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) July 1, 2025
Sarkisian’s offense often uses 12- and 13-personnel formations, with tight ends lining up in the slot or out wide to isolate defenders. Endries has the physical tools to be effective in this role, and his ability to block and catch passes should help the Longhorns in both the run and pass game.
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ESPN’s Dave Wilson recently highlighted Endries as a sleeper who could emerge as a key player for Texas this season, noting his potential to fill a position of need.
With talented receivers like Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore, along with running backs Quintrevion Wisner, Cedric Baxter, and Christian Clark, the Longhorns have plenty of weapons. Endries gives Manning another reliable option and could quickly become a favorite target.
Endries’ performance at Cal shows he can be productive against strong competition. As Sarkisian looks for ways to create mismatches, Endries could play a big role as a move-tight end, especially in the red zone. His arrival comes at an important time, as Texas tries to build on last season’s momentum and face a tough SEC schedule.
If the Longhorns’ offense takes another step forward in 2025, Endries could be a big reason why. His size and track record show he is ready for the spotlight. As fans fill Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, all eyes will be on whether this transfer tight end can deliver on the hype.