Texas Longhorns’ punt returning weapon considered leaving program this offseason

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Often a football player will come into their collegiate career hoping and expecting to be a key contributor early. Four-star recruit Ryan Niblett was no different starting off with the Texas Longhorns.

The Houston native played extremely sparingly in his first couple years in Austin. Tallying just 11 combined receptions and rush attempts in 2023 and 2024, Niblett’s eyes naturally wandered.

He thought about leaving the program via the transfer portal after last season, with interest from schools like Texas Tech and Alabama.

His head coach didn’t let him leave.

“He just told me to stay grounded. There’s going to be a spot for you. The way you work,” said Niblett about what Steve Sarkisian told him. “He’s going to have a spot for me.”

Niblett listened to his head coach and both sides are grateful for him still wearing burnt orange in 2025. His breakout moment came in the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma with a punt return for a touchdown.

“When the ball is in the air, I can feel the defenders and I can see them in my peripherals,” said Niblett on the mentality on a return. “I just know what juke I have to make right when I get the ball and just knew how explosive I need to be.”

The following game was against Kentucky and Niblett’s impact was arguably even bigger. A 45-yard punt return from the sophomore in the first half set up the Longhorns’ only touchdown of the game.

Then, the Longhorns were able to take the lead in the final minute of regulation thanks to Niblett’s 43-yard return into Kentucky territory.

Moments like that make Niblett appreciate how hard Steve Sarkisian pleaded for him to stay.

“It actually meant a lot. Some people, he tends not to fight for. Seeing him fight for me just gave me hope, opportunity. It meant a lot,” Niblett said.

Niblett and Texas will look to continue their winning ways Saturday at 3:15 p.m. as they head to Starkville to face Mississippi State. Texas Gameday is the official pregame show of Texas football and airs an hour before kickoff each week on KBVO and the Longhorn Network App.