The Texas Longhorns have struck gold once again in the transfer portal. In a whirlwind day of roster reinforcements, Texas has landed its third major commitment, this time from veteran kicker Mason Shipley. The announcement comes just hours after two other impactful transfers pledged their futures to the Longhorns, making this a banner day for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff.
Shipley, who previously starred at Boise State, brings a wealth of experience, consistency, and clutch capability to a Texas special teams unit looking for both stability and excellence. With his commitment, the Longhorns have now added a proven kicker to an already stacked roster heading into the 2025 season—a move that could prove crucial in the tightly contested battles ahead in the SEC.
Mason Shipley is no stranger to the spotlight. Over his collegiate career, the former Bronco emerged as one of the most reliable kickers in the Mountain West, boasting an 88.5% field goal conversion rate and going a perfect 54-for-54 on extra points during the 2024 season. His ability to deliver under pressure was on full display in multiple key moments, including a 52-yard game-winner against Fresno State and a 48-yard bomb that pushed Boise past San Diego State in overtime.
Those kinds of heroics didn’t go unnoticed. Texas, with championship ambitions and a need for proven commodities, saw an opportunity to shore up its special teams with one of the best legs in the portal—and moved swiftly.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Longhorn family,” Shipley said in a statement released through social media. “This is a dream come true. The chance to compete at the highest level, in front of 100,000 passionate fans, and wear the Burnt Orange is something I’ve always hoped for. I’m ready to get to work.”
Shipley’s decision wasn’t made lightly. Multiple Power Five programs were courting him, including offers from Florida, UCLA, and Penn State. But Texas stood out. The coaching staff’s vision, the facilities, the fanbase, and the potential for national exposure in the SEC all played roles in winning Shipley over.
Texas special teams coordinator Jeff Banks played a pivotal part in the recruitment process. Known for his attention to detail and his ability to develop elite specialists, Banks made it clear to Shipley that he would not only have a shot to compete for the starting role but would also be given every tool necessary to succeed at the next level.
“Mason is a difference-maker,” Banks said in a statement. “We’ve followed his progress for some time now and couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to Austin. He’s got the mentality, the leg strength, and the poise you need in this league. He’s going to help us win games.”
Shipley’s arrival is about more than just numbers. While his statistical consistency speaks for itself—he converted all 18 field goals inside 40 yards last season—what Texas is truly gaining is a seasoned competitor. In the high-stakes environment of SEC football, where games often come down to a single possession, having a kicker who has been tested in pressure-filled moments is a luxury.
Texas fans remember all too well the impact that special teams can have in crucial games. From missed kicks that altered College Football Playoff hopes to clutch boots that sealed wins, the importance of a reliable kicker cannot be overstated.
With Shipley’s commitment, the Longhorns now have three transfer additions in one day, underscoring the aggressive and calculated approach the program has taken in the portal. Earlier in the day, Texas added a dynamic linebacker from Florida State and a speedy wide receiver from Oregon. Each of these players brings a unique skill set to the roster, and together they form a trio of immediate-impact additions.
The Longhorns’ active portal day reflects a broader trend in college football, where rosters are constantly evolving and the transfer window serves as an extension of traditional recruiting. For Texas, the goal is clear: build a roster capable of competing for a national title in the SEC, and do so by supplementing young talent with veteran leadership.
Sarkisian’s approach has been equal parts strategic and bold. Since arriving in Austin, he has leaned into the portal with precision, ensuring that each addition addresses a specific need. The recruitment of Shipley falls right in line with that philosophy—targeting a proven player in a position that can swing the outcome of games.
It’s also worth noting that Shipley enters a kicking room that will now feature a healthy dose of competition. Texas returns multiple kickers from last year’s squad, but none with Shipley’s pedigree or late-game résumé. The veteran kicker made it clear he embraces the challenge and is ready to earn his role.
“Nothing is given,” Shipley said. “I’m coming in to compete, to work, and to contribute in any way I can. Whether that’s drilling a game-winner or helping a younger guy get better every day, I’m all in.”
With spring practices winding down and summer workouts approaching, the timing of Shipley’s commitment couldn’t be better. He’ll have the opportunity to integrate with the team during crucial developmental months, get comfortable with the long snappers and holders, and absorb the playbook and expectations under Banks’ tutelage.
Texas has long prided itself on producing elite special teams players—Justin Tucker and Phil Dawson, among others, come to mind. Shipley now enters a lineage of excellence, and he has every intention of living up to the standard.
The fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Longhorn Nation flooded social media with messages of support and excitement, praising Shipley’s decision and lauding Sarkisian and Banks for continuing to land top-tier talent.
“Welcome to the Forty Acres, Mason!” one fan wrote. “Let’s go win some games—and don’t be shy about those 50-yarders.”
With the 2025 season looming, expectations are high in Austin. The schedule is brutal, the spotlight is bright, and the competition will be relentless. But with additions like Shipley—and the two other standout transfers joining him—the Longhorns are arming themselves for battle.
The kicker from Boise State may not be the flashiest name in the portal, but his leg could be the difference between 10 wins and a national title run. That’s how fine the margins are in the SEC.
For now, Texas fans can rest a little easier knowing the game is in good hands—or, in this case, good feet. Mason Shipley is on board, and the countdown to kickoff just got a little more exciting.
