Breaking News: Gunnar Helm Shocks Longhorns – Signs New Commitment and Announces Departure….
Austin, TX – The Texas Longhorns football program was rocked by stunning news today as star tight end Gunnar Helm announced his departure from the team after signing a new commitment elsewhere. The decision has left fans, teammates, and coaches in disbelief, as Helm was expected to play a crucial role in Texas’ upcoming season.
This unexpected move has ignited speculation about the reasons behind his departure and what it means for both Helm’s future and the Longhorns’ offensive plans.
—
Gunnar Helm’s Journey with the Texas Longhorns
Gunnar Helm arrived in Austin as a highly-touted recruit and quickly became a key contributor to the Longhorns’ offense. Standing at 6’5” and 245 pounds, he developed into a versatile tight end, known for his ability to make plays in the passing game while also excelling as a blocker in the run game.
During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Helm showcased his skills, recording:
✔ 750+ receiving yards
✔ 8 touchdowns
✔ An impressive 12.3 yards per reception
Helm was seen as an integral part of Texas’ offensive strategy, especially under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian’s system, which heavily relies on tight ends as offensive weapons.
As Texas prepared for the 2025 season, many analysts projected Helm to have a breakout year, potentially setting himself up for a future in the NFL Draft. However, in a shocking twist, Helm has now signed a new commitment and announced his departure from the Longhorns.
—
Why is Gunnar Helm Leaving Texas?
The exact reasons behind Helm’s decision remain unclear, but early reports suggest several factors played a role:
1. A More Prominent Offensive Role – Helm may have felt underutilized in Texas’ offense and could be seeking a team where he will be the primary tight end target.
2. Coaching & Scheme Fit – While Texas’ offensive system is tight-end friendly, Helm might have found another program that fits his style better.
3. NIL Opportunities & Financial Incentives – With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, Helm could have been offered a lucrative financial package elsewhere.
4. Championship Aspirations – If Helm has committed to a top-tier contender, he may feel that he has a better shot at winning a national championship.
While Helm has yet to publicly disclose which program he has committed to, sources indicate that several powerhouse programs were interested in him, including SEC and Big Ten teams.
—
Texas Longhorns Fans React to the Shocking News
The Longhorns fanbase has responded with a mix of shock, anger, and disappointment. Many fans expected Helm to be a leader on the 2025 team, and his sudden departure has sparked intense discussions across social media.
Some fans expressed their frustration:
“Gunnar Helm leaving Texas? This is insane! He was supposed to be a major part of our offense!”
“I don’t understand why he would leave NOW, when we are on the verge of a big season.”
“This one hurts. Helm was our best tight end, and now we have a major hole to fill.”
Others, however, took a more measured approach, believing that Texas will find a way to adjust:
“It sucks to lose him, but Sarkisian will figure it out. Next man up!”
“We have talented tight ends coming in – we’ll be fine!”
Despite the shockwave this news has sent through the Longhorns community, Texas will now have to quickly shift focus to replacing Helm’s production.
—
Where is Gunnar Helm Going?
While Helm has not officially announced his next destination, multiple programs were rumored to be in pursuit of him before his decision. The top contenders include:
✔ Alabama – Known for utilizing elite tight ends in their system
✔ Georgia – A powerhouse program with a strong NIL backing
✔ Ohio State – A team looking for a veteran tight end to elevate their offense
✔ USC – A program that has been aggressive in recruiting offensive playmakers
If Helm is headed to one of these programs, it could have major implications for the national championship race.
—
What This Means for the Texas Longhorns
Losing Gunnar Helm is a big blow to Texas’ offense, but the Longhorns still have options:
1. Next Man Up Mentality – Texas has a strong recruiting pipeline and may look to younger tight ends to step up.
2. Transfer Portal Solutions – With the college football transfer portal more active than ever, Texas could pursue a replacement tight end from another school.
3. Scheme Adjustments – Sarkisian may adapt the offense to rely more on wide receivers and running backs, reducing the tight end’s role.
Despite this setback, Texas remains a national contender, and how they respond to Helm’s departure will be critical for their 2025 season.
—
What’s Next?
With Helm officially announcing his departure, fans are eagerly awaiting:
✔ An official statement from Helm explaining his decision
✔ Confirmation of which team he has committed to
✔ Texas’ response and potential replacement plans
One thing is certain: Gunnar Helm’s departure is one of the biggest surprises of the offseason, and its impact will be felt across college football.
Leave a Reply