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Texas Safety Derek Williams Jr. to Enter Transfer Portal, Adding to Longhorns’ Secondary Losses

The move follows limited defensive snaps after a 2024 knee injury.

Overview

  • Williams has informed outlets he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
  • The next transfer window for non-CFP finalists runs Jan. 2–16, when players like Williams can formally complete moves.
  • Across three seasons at Texas, he recorded 75 tackles, two passes defended, one interception and one forced fumble.
  • His 2024 season ended with knee surgery after an earlier hamstring issue, and he played primarily on special teams this year with a season-high 58 defensive snaps and 23 tackles.
  • His decision, reported alongside defensive back Wardell Mack, brings Texas to nine players planning portal entries and heightens secondary concerns before the Dec. 31 Citrus Bowl versus Michigan, with veterans departing and potential NFL decisions looming.