Ah, the transfer portal—the modern-day Pandora’s box that each head coach secretly dreads but publicly pretends to love. Now let’s talk about Kalani Sitake’s BYU and the spring transfer portal—a love-hate saga that’s quickly becoming the Cougars’ annual soap opera. Just when head coach Sitake thought spring ball was wrapping up with a bow, the portal flings open like a revolving door on a windy day, and suddenly, 13 more players decide to “explore their options.” BYU’s roster is a leaky bucket from which a 1261-yard WR is falling off.

The Cougars are balancing their ways to fill star departures like Keelan Marion, a surprise loss as an All-American returner. Meanwhile, BYU personnel are balancing their roster to not surpass the 105-man roster limit. Keelan Marion’s 2024 season was a highlight reel wrapped up in a stats page that screams “special teams wizard.” He had 24 receptions for 346 yards, averaging 14.4 yards per catch, and scored one touchdown with humility in celebrating. Marion’s real party trick was on special teams. He had 18 kickoff returns, averaging an impressive 26.2 yards per return with two touchdown runs, including a 100-yard run. He was not just a receiver and returner; he added 96 yards on 21 rushing carries, demonstrating multi-faceted football abilities.

Keelan Marion, putting himself in the transfer portal, is currently the college football version of a celebrity embarking on a worldwide tour. He has 19 schools lining up on his doorstep like it’s Black Friday at the talent store. From Miami to Texas, Colorado to Kentucky, and even Notre Dame and Ohio State sliding into his direct messages, offering him scholarships. But the million-dollar question remains: Where should he go? Either way, BYU will miss the player who averaged 26.2 yards per kickoff.

Marion has already completed his trips to Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Colorado. Why limit yourself to just one football flavor when you can experience the Big 12, SEC, and Big 10 in a single offseason? Tennessee is hoping its southern hospitality and tradition-rich program will impress him, and Texas is rolling out the burnt orange carpet with a side of brisket. West Virginia and Colorado would like to display their mountain scenery and guarantee lots of touches.

After all the speculations and predictions of “The One” program for Keelan, what does he want? Where does he want to go? Here’s where it gets interesting. The Texas Longhorns have already arranged a visit with Marion; it seems they’re his top preference. Why?

Texas Leading the Race for Marion’s Signature

Texas lost its punt return sensation, Silas Bolden, who in 2024 was dynamite. In comes Keelan Marion, with 19 schools knocking on his door, the Longhorns are the ones who are truly making him swoon.

First off, Texas has a huge hole to replace after losing Silas Bolden, its electric punt returner, and the de facto heartbeat of its special teams in 2024. Sarkisian is well aware that Marion is not only a perfect fit but also an immediate upgrade. The player led the Big 12 at a whopping 26.2 yards per kickoff return and took two touchdowns back by himself last season.

Then there is the total Texas package deal: Marion’s been fantasizing about the SEC stage, burnt orange uniform, wild fans, Austin atmosphere, and plentiful NIL possibilities. Miami or Colorado may have nice landscapes or Coach Prime’s appeal, but Texas boasts tradition, exposure, and a definite role specifically suited to Marion’s abilities.

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And here we are, folks—Keelan Marion’s transfer portal soap opera is the college football drama we never knew we needed but can’t look away from. With 19 programs expressing interest in Marion, it appears that he is the most sought-after player, with Texas leading the competition. Despite that, BYU is losing a special-teams wizard and dynamic playmaker in this new world of transfers, but change is the only constant, right?