Texas running back Savion Red intends to enter NCAA transfer portal

Texas running back Savion Red intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed as first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Just wrapping up spring practice in Austin, Red is entering his third season after being a member of the 2022 recruiting class.

“Texas tailback Savion Red is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal, per his agents at @APSportsAgency,” Thamel said via X. “Red has played in 21 games in two seasons at UT and ran last year for 131 yards and a touchdown.”

Red joined the Texas program out of Grand Prairie (TX) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 1,261 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Originally recruited as a wide receiver despite being a high school running back, head coach Steve Sarkisian switched Red to running back. This allowed Texas to use Red in wildcat scenarios, giving him carries in short-yardage situations and the red zone.

As Thamel mentioned, Red rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown during the 2023 season. As a true freshman in 2022, when he was still a wide receiver, six balls were caught for 34 yards.

Red was once an SMU commitment during his high school recruitment. Kansas was the only other reported Power Five offer from the running back.

Texas to bolster confident running back room heading into 2024 season

Red is the second running back Texas lost on Monday, with the other being Ky Woods.

Thankfully for Sarkisian, he still has the two main backs in the plans for the 2024 season. CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue are set to be the main guys for the Longhorns and there is palpable excitement after spring practice surrounding them.

Baxter was the season opener starter last season as a true freshman before Jonathon Brooks — now off to the NFL — took over the role. Still, Baxter featured plenty and rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns on 138 carries. A nice sophomore campaign is expected from Baxter.

As for Blue, he presents some versatility out of the backfield. During the Texas spring game on Saturday, quarterback Arch Manning connected with the running back for a touchdown, adding to the hype. Blue is expected to provide chunk plays by breaking off some big runs for the program all season.