In a surprising twist that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Texas kicker Bert Auburn has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. One of the most reliable legs in the country, Auburn’s departure marks a significant shift for the Longhorns’ special teams unit as they prepare for their inaugural season in the SEC.
For the burnt orange faithful, it’s an emotional moment. Auburn wasn’t just another player on the depth chart. He was a fan favorite. A consistent presence. A pressure-tested performer whose calm under the brightest lights helped Texas through some of its most defining moments in recent memory. Now, as he seeks a new chapter in his career, the Longhorns will be left to fill the void left by one of the program’s most clutch kickers in recent history.
Auburn’s rise to prominence wasn’t just about stats—it was about trust. It was about grit, toughness, and showing up when it mattered most. A semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2022 and a consistent point-scorer throughout his time in Austin, Auburn embodied the type of player every coach wants: dependable, disciplined, and fearless when the game was on the line.
In his time with the Longhorns, Auburn converted 39 of 52 field goals and 107 of 108 extra-point attempts, totaling over 220 career points. Whether it was booting a 49-yarder under immense pressure or calmly sending another PAT through the uprights, he was as steady as they come. His accuracy, poise, and leg strength made him one of the premier specialists in college football.
More than just numbers, though, Auburn’s legacy is one of consistency. Coaches knew they could count on him. Teammates trusted him. Fans believed in him. In an era of explosive offenses and dominant defenses, it’s easy to forget how crucial special teams are—but Texas never had to worry about that thanks to No. 45.
So why the portal?
That’s the question everyone is asking.
The decision comes as a shock to many, especially given Auburn’s production and presence within the Texas locker room. But as with so many moves in the modern era of college football, the answer might not be simple.
It could be about opportunity—perhaps Auburn is seeking a fresh environment or an even larger role elsewhere. It could be NIL-related, as more programs across the country ramp up their efforts to attract proven talent. Or maybe it’s about a change in scheme or coaching philosophy. Whatever the motivation, it’s clear Auburn is ready for something new, and there will be no shortage of programs eager to pick up a kicker of his caliber.
For Texas, the loss is undeniably significant. The Longhorns are already adjusting to a new level of weekly competition as they transition to the Southeastern Conference. With matchups against perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU on the horizon, every point—every kick—will matter. The margin for error shrinks in the SEC, and losing a dependable specialist like Auburn complicates things.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks will now be tasked with finding Auburn’s replacement, either internally or via the portal. Redshirt freshman Will Stone remains on the roster, and while he’s shown promise in kickoffs and has a big leg, he has limited in-game experience when it comes to field goals. Texas could also look externally to bring in a veteran kicker with a proven track record.
But even with a replacement, Auburn’s absence will be felt.
Beyond his talent, Auburn brought leadership. He brought calm. He brought a sense of certainty in uncertain moments. That’s hard to replicate. And while kickers may not always receive the spotlight they deserve, anyone who’s watched Texas football over the past few seasons understands just how valuable Auburn has been to the program’s success.
There were game-winning kicks. Clutch makes that silenced hostile crowds. The way he handled the pressure at the Cotton Bowl. His steady presence during the Red River Rivalry. Each moment adding to a resume that quietly but confidently grew stronger by the week.
In a sport where momentum can shift in the blink of an eye, players like Auburn are the difference between heartbreak and victory.
Now, with Auburn’s departure, attention shifts to what comes next. For Texas, it’s about evaluating the roster, making moves in the portal, and ensuring that the special teams unit doesn’t take a step back. For Auburn, it’s about finding the right fit. The right team. The right opportunity to continue his career at a high level—and perhaps contend for a Groza Award along the way.
Multiple programs are expected to pursue Auburn, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see his name surface in connection with teams in need of a veteran leg heading into a high-stakes season. Whether he stays in a Power Five conference or takes his talents to a Group of Five team with postseason aspirations, one thing is clear—whoever lands Bert Auburn is getting a game-changer.
As for Longhorn Nation, this one stings. In a time when college football is changing faster than ever—with realignment, NIL, and the transfer portal transforming the sport—seeing a familiar, trusted face like Auburn walk away is a reminder that nothing is guaranteed. Not even the kicker who never seemed to miss when it mattered most.
Still, fans will remember him fondly. The kid from Flower Mound who came to Austin and delivered. The one who showed up big in the biggest moments. The one who never flinched.
Bert Auburn’s time at Texas may be over, but his legacy lives on. A steady leg. A reliable presence. A Longhorn through and through. Wherever he lands, he’ll carry those experiences—and that trademark calm—with him.
And for whoever lands him next? Consider yourself lucky. Because Bert Auburn isn’t just a great kicker.
He’s a difference-maker.
