Steve Sarkisian’s Texas closed out the 2025 season with a 41-27 win over Michigan in a thrilling Citrus Bowl on Wednesday. The Longhorns finished the year 10-3 overall, including a 6-2 mark in the SEC. As preparations for the 2026 roster begin in Austin, Sarkisian’s program has already seen several key players enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Texas WR Transfer Sends Emotional Message for Fans and Program
Wide receiver Parker Livingstone is among the few Texas players to enter the transfer portal since it opened on Jan. 2. He is projected to have three years of eligibility remaining, as his official Texas roster profile lists him as a redshirt freshman.
Livingstone’s move comes a year after appearing in just four games without recording any stats. He shared a heartfelt farewell to his Texas career on X on Saturday.
“Never did I think growing up I would have the opportunity to play for Texas,” the statement read. “It was a dream come true, and the last 24 months have been the best time of my life. Thank you, Coach Sark for taking a chance on me.”
“Thank you Coach Chris Jackson for pouring into me everyday. He is directly responsible for my development over the past 2 years. He is a fantastic coach and even better man. Thank you to my teammates who I went into battle with and who are still some of my best friends and will be the rest of my life.”
Livingstone appeared in all 13 games for Texas this season after making his first career start in the season opener at Ohio State, receiving two catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. He recorded career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in Texas’ 38-7 win over San Jose State in September, catching four passes for 128 yards and two scores.
Livingstone became the third Texas receiver in the last 30 years to record multiple receiving touchdowns in the first quarter of a game. After becoming one of Texas’ most productive wideouts, his departure will be difficult for Longhorns fans, and for him as well.
“Want to thank all the young Longhorn fans I’ve met over the past two years, who wear my jersey as that means more to me than you will ever know,” Livingstone further stated. “I was that same kid not that long ago; hope I have given them a blueprint that belief in yourself and extreme hard work is a recipe for achieving all of your goals.”
“Never in a million years did I think I would be going into the portal looking for a new home. Some things are out of my control. Such is the reality of the ever-changing landscape of college football. Emptied my tank every day for this great university, my teammates & all of the good folks of Texas. Grateful.”
Football insider Alex Dunlap reported that multiple sources confirmed Livingstone’s transfer is not about money but about opportunity. While other factors behind his decision are unclear, it is evident that he has deep ties to Texas. He spent the year living with quarterback Arch Manning, building a strong connection both on and off the field.
He caught 29 passes from Manning for 516 yards and six touchdowns this season, earning a 76.9 rating in the PFSN College Football WRi. As a high school recruit, Livingstone was a two-time all-district selection and three-year starter, ranked No. 26 among wide receivers and No. 29 overall in Texas by ESPN.
