Texas Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal after four seasons in Austin—bringing to an end one of the most productive kicking careers in program history. The announcement came Thursday and instantly sent shockwaves through the college football world.
Auburn didn’t just wear the burnt orange—he left his mark in it. The senior exits as Texas’ all-time leader in field goals made (66) and total points scored (376), two historic milestones that may take years to challenge. But despite the accolades, his final season ended with more questions than answers, setting the stage for this unexpected move.
Just days before his decision, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters that the team’s kicking battle was still up in the air between Auburn and junior Will Stone. Stone had been handling kickoff duties all season and stepped into the spotlight during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Ohio State, after Auburn was benched following some crucial misses during the Peach Bowl.
“Football is the ultimate team sport, but kicking is a job that’s incredibly individual,” Sarkisian said ahead of the Cotton Bowl. “We’ve taken both a psychological and physical approach to managing it. We’ll monitor pregame performance and make our decision from there.”
Earlier in the year, the tone was much different. Sarkisian spoke highly of Auburn, describing him as “a great leader, a tireless worker, and a major presence in our specialists’ room.” And rightfully so. Auburn entered the 2024 season with sky-high expectations. He was named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-America Second Team, selected to the media’s preseason All-SEC First Team, and was even included on the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list—an honor reserved for the nation’s top kickers.
But the year didn’t go as planned.
Auburn finished the season connecting on just 16 of 25 field goal attempts. While that stat line might not jump out at first glance, six of those misses came in the final five games—some at critical moments. As pressure mounted, the margin for error narrowed, and for a kicker, that can be the difference between a hero’s exit and a heartbreaking goodbye.
Still, Auburn’s legacy at Texas is anything but disappointing. Appearing in 28 games, he’s been a clutch performer on countless occasions, helping Texas secure big wins and keep playoff hopes alive. His consistency over multiple seasons, combined with his leadership off the field, made him a fan favorite and a trusted name in college football circles.
So, what’s next?
While it’s currently unclear which programs might pursue Auburn, there’s no doubt that teams in need of an experienced, proven kicker will take a hard look. Kickers with his resume don’t hit the portal every day. He brings not only a powerful and accurate leg but also the kind of mental toughness that only comes from years of high-stakes SEC football. Whether he lands at a playoff contender looking for that final piece or a rebuilding squad in need of a reliable veteran, one thing is certain—Bert Auburn’s story in college football isn’t finished yet.
As the transfer portal saga unfolds, one of Texas’ all-time greats is ready for a new chapter. And wherever he goes, fans across the country will be watching.
**But which team will take the leap and bet on his comeback? Can Auburn rediscover his elite form in a new environment? Will a fresh start reignite the confidence that once made him a household name in Austin? Could he become the X-factor for a title-contending program? Or is this the beginning of a bigger underdog redemption story in the making?**
The questions are many—but one thing’s for sure: the next stop on Bert Auburn’s journey will be one worth watching.
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