Texas running back Jerrick Gibson and kicker Will Stone are no longer with the team, the university confirmed Tuesday morning. Both players left the team to preserve their remaining eligibility and intend to enter the transfer portal when it opens Jan. 2 of next year.
The departure for both players comes days after the Longhorns’ 23-6 win over Oklahoma. Gibson recorded one carry for minus-3 yards. The former four-star recruit and highly touted member of Texas’ 2024 recruiting class never found consistent footing in Austin. He finished the 2025 campaign with 152 yards and one touchdown on 37 carries after rushing for 377 yards and four scores as a freshman.
With the return of Tre Wisner and the emergence of James Simon and Christian Clark, Gibson’s opportunities dwindled. Ball security issues further limited his role in a crowded backfield. Once a key target for former running backs coach Tashard Choice, Gibson now becomes the latest talent to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Stone leaves after three seasons with the Longhorns. He was ranked as the nation’s No. 3 kicker in the 2022 recruiting class, but lost the starting job. He primarily served as the team’s kickoff specialist, briefly taking over place-kicking duties during last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State, where he made two extra points.
This season, Stone recorded eight touchbacks on 20 kickoffs despite missing two games with an undisclosed injury. With his exit, Texas will rely on Mason Shipley, who filled in during Stone’s absence earlier this year.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Four coaches on the hottest seats in the 2025 college football season
- Was Adidas behind James Franklin's firing? Penn State breaks silence on rumor
- Bill Belichick and UNC didn't want a quarterback who's now tearing up the ACC
- Tim Tebow sends clear message to Texas Longhorns about Arch Manning