Texas starting cornerback Terrance Brooks enters the NCAA transfer portal

The Texas secondary was dealt a blow Tuesday when junior cornerback Terrance Brooks announced that he will enter the transfer portal.

Brooks isn't the first Longhorn to enter the portal this spring. On Monday, running backs Savion Red and Ky Woods began looking for new homes. But Brooks' name is so far the biggest among the departing Longhorns.

A 6-foot, 209-pound Little Elm product, Brooks started 13 times last season and his three interceptions tied for the team lead. An honorable mention selection on the All-Big 12 team, Brooks broke up six passes and recorded 20 tackles.

At cornerback, Texas now must replace Brooks and Ryan Watts before the 2024 season kicks off with a home game against Colorado State on Aug. 31. Watts, who is hoping to get drafted this week, started 10 games last season.

Even without Brooks, Texas still has talented options at the position. Sophomore Malik Muhammad started twice as a freshman and was considered a standout this spring. Senior Gavin Holmes earned first-string reps at Wake Forest and veteran defensive back Jahdae Barron also can play cornerback.