Should Texas pursue former Texas A&M WR Evan Stewart in portal?

Evan Stewart’s portal entry could be complicated for Texas.

It may come as a surprise that former Texas A&M wide receiver Evan Stewart has entered the transfer portal. Stewart’s exit broke news on Tuesday evening.

There’s plenty to say about Stewart. It all starts with how great of a football player the talented receiver has been despite lack of opportunity in College Station. The big time receiver has flashed ability, but through two seasons has 1,163 yards to show for it. Texas junior Xavier Worthy nearly amassed that total in his freshman season alone.

It’s clear Stewart wasn’t fully utilized, but can the former five-star reach his high ceiling? He probably can. The question is whether or not Texas will seriously pursue him and if the Texas A&M transfer would consider Austin again.

Stewart originally committed to Texas in February of 2021 before decommitting in March. By November, he had committed to Texas A&M. Does Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian want to make another push for the elite talent? We’ll have to see.

The fit seems apparent. We can see freshman wide receiver Johntay Cook seamlessly filling the same role Xavier Worthy held for the Longhorns in 2023. Wide receiver transfer Matthew Golden could help pick up the production void left by losing top receivers Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Jordan Whittington and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. But who will be the jump ball target or imposing presence on the outside?

Evan Stewart might not be physically imposing, but he could be the 50-50 receiving target with which Texas could replace Adonai Mitchell.

The Longhorns aren’t bereft of talent and ability at receiver. Freshmen receivers DeAndre Moore and Ryan Niblett are spoken of highly. Incoming five-star freshman Ryan Wingo could also be the missing piece for Texas. That said, it will be worth watching whether or not the team looks to add another veteran like Stewart at receiver.

Should Texas recruit the former Frisco native? That all depends on if  Sarkisian and company believe he fits the current culture and scheme and if they believe the former Aggies receiver is the best upgrade that will enter the portal. Those are among the questions the team will weigh now that Stewart is in the portal.