Texas Linebacker Liona Lefau Expected to Enter Portal, Unlikely for Citrus Bowl

Overview

• Multiple outlets report Lefau is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens Jan. 2, with 247Sports first noting his status.
• Lefau is not expected to play on Dec. 31 against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
• He started 23 straight games and appeared in all 42 since 2023, finishing this season fourth on the team with 68 tackles plus three pass breakups, a sack and a fumble recovery.
• The move follows NFL draft declarations by Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore, leaving Ty’Anthony Smith as the only returning linebacker with multiple career tackles.
• With Lefau included, Texas now counts 10 players planning to enter the portal, intensifying roster work for Steve Sarkisian’s staff.