Ryan Wingo to raise his profile further after Texas WR portal exits

Ryan Wingo has already established himself as one of Arch Manning's favorite targets at Texas. The Longhorns wide receiver has firmly entrenched himself in the top tier of prospects, at his position, for the 2027 NFL Draft.

However, this past week brought developments that put Wingo in a perfect place to raise his profile even more in 2026. The eyes of Texas will be upon him now to be the absolute alpha dog in the receiving corps next season.

The Longhorns have seen two of their top wide outs bolt since the transfer portal opened earlier this week. DeAndre Moore Jr. was a two-year starter and the most experienced man in the receiver room, but he's now going to spend his senior year with a new team.

Moore, who fell behind Wingo, Emmett Mosley Jr. and Parker Livingstone (who also left UT) in priority, is considered a top five receiver, and top 20 overall player, currently in the portal. Moore began his recruiting process by visiting Ole Miss on Friday.

As for Livingstone, the redshirt sophomore had a solid season, finishing with 516 yards receiving and six touchdown receptions.

Livingstone signed with Oklahoma, the other side of the famous Red River rivalry. That is certainly an interesting choice, and it's bit like Former Ohio State guard Roddy Gayle Jr. transferring to Michigan at the end of the 2023-24 season. Gayle and Livingstone are two classic examples of the old Jerry Seinfeld comedy routine that "in sports, you're basically rooting for clothes."

Also leaving the Longhorns receiver room is Aaron Butler, a redshirt freshman who wasn't able to really crack the consistent rotation. Despite the defections, Wingo will not have to do it alone in Austin next fall. Texas still has plenty of young, talented but also inexperienced, receivers on their roster.

Someone who is currently unproven, from that position group, will step up. Plus, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian will sign another receiver, or two, from the portal. Wingo discussed what makes Sarkisian such a great recruiter.

“I think what made them stick out the most was they didn’t promise me anything,” Wingo said in an exclusive with Ratings.org. “They were just saying you have an opportunity to come play here, but you are obviously going to have to work. You’re going to have to come in here and put your best foot forward.

"Obviously being at Texas, it was a little different coming from St. Louis. The talent is way different from out here than there."

We'll see how things shake out around Wingo in the wide receivers position group this offseason, as more change is coming.  Priority number one for him, individually, is getting back 100% healthy, as he made an early exit from the Citrus Bowl win over Michigan with a toe injury. 

No update on that has been released yet. 

Wingo's final 2025 statistical included 50 catches for 770 yards, seven touchdown receptions as well as seven rushing attempts for 42 yards.

This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: WR Ryan Wingo beneficiary of Texas transfer portal activity