Texas Longhorns linebacker S'Maje Burrell plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

On Wednesday night, the Texas Longhorns announced, courtesy of head coach Steve Sarkisian, that redshirt freshman linebacker S’Maje Burrell would be suspended indefinitely. And not less than 24 hours later, the young talented linebacker announced he intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, a move that was not surprising to individuals close to the program.

Burrell revealed the news via social media with the following message attached.

“I would like to thank God for the opportunity of being at the University of Texas. I want to thank my family and brothers for supporting me. I am extremely grateful for coach Sark and the Longhorn staff. I will be entering the transfer portal with four years of eligibility,” said Burrell via X.

Burrell played high school football at North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, TX, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 317 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Burrell was suspended indefinitely from the program by Sarkisian after his name was listed in the report following former Longhorns defensive star T’Vondre Sweat’s DWI. The Texas head coach released the following statement on April 10.

“We’re aware of the situation involving S’Maje Burrell and have suspended him indefinitely from all team activities for conduct detrimental to the program,” said Sarkisian, according to On3’s Joe Cook of Inside Texas.

Sweat, NFL Draft prospect and former Texas DL, arrested for DWI

Sweat was arrested in Austin on Sunday and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Sweat, 22, was booked into Travis County Jail at 2:12 p.m., per KXAN. Driving while intoxicated is ruled as a Class B misdemeanor. Sweat’s bond was set at $3,000. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both, in Travis County.

Sweat, the reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Outland Trophy (best interior lineman in college football) winner, is a top defensive line prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-4 and 366 pounds, Sweat helped lead the Longhorns to a Big 12 championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff this past season. In 14 games, he tallied 45 tackles (18 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and four passes defended.

Sweat is projected to be a Day 2 pick in this year’s draft. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has Sweat ranked as his No. 3 defensive tackle, just behind fellow Texas standout Byron Murphy II and Florida State’s Braden Fiske.