Breaking: Maraad Watson, a Defensive Tackle from Syracuse, Is Moving to Texas
In one of the more intriguing transfer developments of the college football offseason, Maraad Watson, the powerful and versatile defensive tackle from Syracuse, has officially committed to the University of Texas. The move marks a pivotal moment in both Watson’s career and Texas’s ongoing quest to dominate the trenches under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
For Longhorns fans, Watson’s transfer signifies another strategic win in the transfer portal era, where elite programs are increasingly turning to experienced players to fill key gaps and bolster depth. For Syracuse, it’s a tough loss—a homegrown disruptor who had become a defensive cornerstone. But for Watson, the move represents the next step in his evolution, as he transitions from ACC grinder to SEC-caliber game-changer.
Who Is Maraad Watson?
Maraad Watson emerged from the recruiting class of 2021 as a relatively under-the-radar three-star recruit from Edison, New Jersey. A late bloomer in high school, Watson blossomed into a dynamic lineman with a rare combination of brute strength, quickness off the snap, and football IQ. At Syracuse, Watson turned heads early, earning meaningful snaps as a freshman and quickly ascending the depth chart.
By the 2023 season, he had developed into one of the ACC’s premier defensive tackles. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 305 pounds, Watson was a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. He finished the season with 42 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks—impressive numbers for an interior lineman often double-teamed. But his impact went beyond the stat sheet. Watson’s presence collapsed pockets, redirected run plays, and freed up linebackers to fly to the ball.
His decision to enter the transfer portal earlier this spring set off a frenzy of interest, with multiple top-tier programs making their pitch. Ultimately, it was Texas that won the sweepstakes.
Why Texas?
From the outset, Texas was considered a frontrunner. The Longhorns are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and are headed into their first season in the Southeastern Conference—where trench warfare often decides championships.
Sources close to the program say Watson was particularly drawn to the coaching staff’s vision for how he’d be utilized in Texas’s defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, whose units have steadily improved over the past two seasons, laid out a plan that involved Watson playing both 1-tech and 3-tech positions, giving him the freedom to showcase his versatility and explosiveness.
In a statement released on his social media channels, Watson wrote:
“This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I’m grateful to Syracuse for everything they gave me—coaches, teammates, the fans—but it’s time for a new chapter. After long conversations with my family and prayer, I’m excited to announce that I’m committing to the University of Texas. Let’s work.”
Texas not only offers a high level of competition and national exposure but also a legitimate path to the NFL. The Longhorns had six players drafted in 2024, and Watson could be poised to add to that total in 2026 if he continues his upward trajectory.
What Watson Brings to Texas
The SEC demands elite talent in the trenches, and Maraad Watson brings precisely that. He has a motor that doesn’t quit, the physicality to take on double teams, and the agility to knife through gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield.
His presence immediately elevates a Texas defensive line that’s already brimming with promise but lacked a true interior anchor of Watson’s caliber. Returning players like Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton have shown flashes, but the addition of Watson could be the piece that brings it all together.
Expect Texas to rotate Watson frequently, keeping him fresh while maximizing his impact. His ability to play across different fronts—whether it’s a four-man front or odd-man looks—gives Kwiatkowski flexibility in designing pressure packages.
He’s also a leader. Those familiar with the Syracuse locker room often cited Watson’s presence as steadying and inspirational. He led by example, was deeply respected by teammates, and often served as a vocal motivator during tough stretches.
The Longhorns’ SEC Transition Gets a Boost
Texas’s jump to the SEC this fall is one of the most anticipated transitions in recent college football memory. With that move comes increased scrutiny, elevated expectations, and much stiffer weekly competition.
The biggest question surrounding the Longhorns has been whether their lines—offensive and defensive—are ready for the gauntlet of Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and others. The addition of Watson helps answer that question on the defensive side.
His arrival gives Texas an immediate upgrade at a critical position and puts them closer to parity with the SEC’s best. Combine that with emerging talent at linebacker and in the secondary, and the Longhorns now possess one of the more balanced defenses in the conference.
Syracuse’s Perspective
From the Orange’s standpoint, this is a bittersweet moment. Watson was a developmental success story—an overlooked recruit turned dominant interior presence. Syracuse fans had hoped that new head coach Fran Brown could convince him to stay, especially given the energy surrounding the program’s reboot.
But in today’s portal-driven era, movement like this is becoming the norm. Programs like Syracuse face constant battles to retain talent, especially when elite players look for bigger stages and NIL opportunities.
To his credit, Watson has handled the transition with class. He thanked Syracuse profusely on social media and even visited the campus one last time before heading to Austin. His departure creates a sizable hole, but also opportunities for younger players to step up.
Reactions Across the Country
Texas Staff
Head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Watson’s maturity and mindset, saying in a statement:
“Maraad is a high-character guy and a high-level player. He fits exactly what we’re building here—physical, focused, and team-first. He’s going to be a big part of what we do this fall.”
Recruiting Analysts
247Sports analyst Greg Biggins remarked:
“This is a huge get for Texas. Watson was arguably the best DT in the portal this cycle, and he gives the Longhorns instant credibility in the SEC trenches. He’s got Sunday potential.”
Fans
Longhorns fans flooded social media with excitement, posting highlights of Watson rag-dolling ACC linemen and speculating on how he might fare against SEC juggernauts like Alabama and Florida.
Syracuse fans, while disappointed, largely expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him well. A popular sentiment echoed across message boards: “He gave us everything. Now go eat in Texas.”
What’s Next for Watson?
Watson will arrive in Austin this summer and is expected to be part of Texas’s fall camp from day one. He’s currently projected as a starter alongside Alfred Collins and Ethan Burke in Texas’s base front.
Beyond the 2025 season, Watson has NFL aspirations—and he’s got the tools to make it happen. Scouts love his first-step quickness, his hand-fighting technique, and his ability to anchor against the run.
The move to Texas puts him squarely in the national spotlight. With the Longhorns set to open their SEC slate against Texas A&M in what’s expected to be a top-10 showdown, Watson will have every opportunity to prove he belongs among the best.
Final Thoughts
The transfer of Maraad Watson from Syracuse to Texas is more than just a personnel move—it’s emblematic of the new college football landscape. Elite players are looking for platforms to showcase their talents, compete for championships, and prepare for the pros. For Watson, Texas provides all of that.
And for Texas, the message is clear: the Longhorns are not coming to the SEC to blend in—they’re coming to bully back.
Watson’s journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: the Big Man from Syracuse just made the biggest move of his career, and Longhorn Nation couldn’t be more excited.