Texas Longhorns Running Back Jaydon Blue Announces Departure from Program
February 10, 2025
The Texas Longhorns football program has been rocked by the announcement that star running back Jaydon Blue will be leaving the team. The news, which broke early this morning, comes as a surprise to fans and analysts alike, as Blue was expected to be a key piece of the Longhorns’ offense heading into the 2025 season.
Blue’s decision to depart has led to widespread speculation about his next move. Will he enter the transfer portal and continue his college career elsewhere, or will he declare for the NFL Draft and take his talents to the professional level? Either way, his departure marks a major turning point for both his football career and the future of the Longhorns’ backfield.
A Look at Jaydon Blue’s Career at Texas
Jaydon Blue, a former four-star recruit out of Houston, Texas, arrived in Austin in 2022 with high expectations. Considered one of the top running backs in his class, Blue was seen as a potential future star for the Longhorns, and over the past three seasons, he has lived up to the hype.
While he played a limited role as a freshman due to a crowded backfield that featured stars like Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, Blue gradually worked his way up the depth chart. His breakout moment came in the 2024 season, where he showcased his elite speed, vision, and ability to make plays in both the rushing and passing game.
During the 2024 season, Blue posted impressive numbers:
- Rushing: 730 yards, 8 touchdowns (134 carries)
- Receiving: 42 receptions, 368 yards, 6 touchdowns
His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver made him a dual-threat weapon in Texas’ offense, and he was a major factor in the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff run. His four-touchdown performance in the playoff semifinals was one of the highlights of his career, cementing his status as one of the top playmakers in the country.
Why is Jaydon Blue Leaving Texas?
At this time, neither Blue nor the Texas coaching staff has provided a specific reason for his departure. However, several possible factors could have influenced his decision.
- Increased Competition in the Backfield
- Texas has consistently recruited some of the best running backs in the nation, and with talented younger players like CJ Baxter and incoming freshmen pushing for playing time, Blue may have felt that his role in the offense was uncertain.
- Potential Transfer to Another Program
- If Blue wants to be a featured running back in a different system, entering the transfer portal could give him the opportunity to land at a program where he would be the unquestioned starter. Schools like Baylor, Texas A&M, and LSU have been mentioned as possible destinations if he chooses to transfer.
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Opportunities
- With college football now fully embracing NIL deals, financial incentives could also play a role in his decision. A different program may offer him a more lucrative NIL package, influencing his choice to leave Texas.
- NFL Draft Preparation
- If Blue believes he has proven himself enough at the college level, he may opt to skip another year of college football and begin preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, agility, and pass-catching ability could make him an attractive mid-round prospect for professional teams.
What’s Next for Jaydon Blue?
The big question now is: Where will Blue go next?
If he enters the transfer portal, he will likely receive interest from numerous Power Five programs looking for an experienced, versatile running back. Schools in the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC could all be in play.
If he declares for the NFL Draft, he will need to train for the NFL Combine and Pro Day to improve his draft stock. While he may not be projected as a first-round pick, strong pre-draft workouts could push him up into the second or third round.
How Will Texas Replace Blue?
Losing Blue is a major blow for Texas, but the Longhorns still have a talented backfield. CJ Baxter, Tre Wisner, and Jaydon Chatman will likely compete for the starting role, while incoming freshmen could also factor into the mix.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the situation briefly, saying:
“Jaydon has been a great player and a great teammate for this program. We wish him nothing but success moving forward, and we’ll continue to build on the strong foundation we have in our running back room.”
Reactions from Fans and Experts
The news of Blue’s departure has sparked widespread reactions across the college football world.
Longhorns fans took to social media to express their surprise and disappointment, with many thanking him for his contributions while others speculated on the reasons behind his decision.
College football analyst Greg McElroy weighed in on ESPN, saying:
“Jaydon Blue is one of the most dynamic running backs in the country, and wherever he lands next—whether it’s another school or the NFL—he’s going to be a difference-maker. Texas will have to regroup quickly, but they have the talent to do so.”
Final Thoughts
Jaydon Blue’s departure from Texas is a major storyline in the college football offseason. Whether he chooses to transfer to another program or declare for the NFL Draft, one thing is clear: his football journey is far from over.
Texas will now have to restructure its backfield, while fans eagerly await news on Blue’s next move. One way or another, his next decision will be one of the most talked-about topics in college football.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
