Texas junior linebacker Liona Lefau has signaled he will transfer when the portal window opens Jan. 2, leaving the Longhorns without his presence in the upcoming Citrus Bowl.
Transfer Decision
Lefau was absent from practice Monday as Texas prepared for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan on Dec. 31, according to 247Sports. He has not made an official announcement, but all signs point to him leaving the program and not playing in the Citrus Bowl.
Impact on Longhorns
With Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore already declared for the NFL Draft, Lefau’s departure leaves the Longhorns thin at linebacker for the Citrus Bowl. Ty’Anthony Smith and Brad Spence have seen the most action among the remaining linebackers, while the four other linebackers have never played more than 25 snaps in their careers.
Career Highlights
Lefau has played in 41 games over three seasons, including 14 games as a freshman in 2023. This season he recorded 69 tackles (3 TFLs), one sack, and a fumble recovery. Across his career he has amassed 139 stops, 8 TFLs, three sacks, six pass breakups, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Key Takeaways
- Lefau plans to transfer after Jan. 2 portal opens.
- He will not participate in the Citrus Bowl.
- Longhorns face a linebacker depth crisis heading into the game.
The Longhorns must now adjust their defensive lineup for the Citrus Bowl, as Lefau’s expected transfer creates a significant gap in their linebacker corps.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
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