Longhorns add game-changing defender in critical portal win

Kumar Kharod

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Longhorns add game-changing defender in critical portal win image

The Texas Longhorns landed a major addition out of the transfer portal on Saturday with the commitment of former Pittsburgh linebacker Rasheem Biles. One of the top defensive players available this cycle, Biles arrives in Austin after three productive seasons with the Panthers and is expected to play an immediate role for the Longhorns.

The addition of LB Rasheem Biles is massive for Texas.

In his time at Pittsburgh, Biles emerged as one of the best linebackers in the ACC. In 2025, he recorded 101 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks on his way to second-team All-ACC honors. He also forced a pair of fumbles and logged two interceptions, returning both for touchdowns. Biles is ranked as the second-best linebacker in the portal according to 247Sports and was highly sought after across the country from the moment he became available, making his commitment a significant win for Texas.

The Longhorns will enter 2026 with a very different linebacker rotation compared to 2025, with multiple key contributors leaving. Anthony Hill Jr. And Trey Moore officially declared for the NFL Draft, and both Liona Lefau (Colorado) and Elijah Barnes (Kentucky) exited via the transfer portal. However, Texas also has an impressive amount of incoming talent at the position. They added former Florida State Seminole Justin Cryer from the portal on Friday, and signed a trio of linebackers in the latest high school recruiting cycle, headlined by five-star Tyler Atkinson.

 

Landing a high-impact defender like Biles is a significant boost to the roster given his experience and ability to make game-changing plays. Biles will be expected to be a foundational piece of the puzzle on the defensive side as the Longhorns eye a return to the College Football Playoff.

 

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