Texas Longhorns Add Troy QB Transfer Matthew Caldwell
The Texas Longhorns are strengthening their quarterback depth behind Arch Manning with the addition of veteran quarterback Matthew Caldwell, a transfer from Troy.
According to reports from On3, Caldwell joins Texas after a standout season in 2024 at Troy. His transfer to the Longhorns marks his fourth college stop, following stints at Jacksonville State, Gardner-Webb, and now Troy.
In 2024, Caldwell had a productive year for the Trojans, completing 141 of 223 passes for 1,608 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also contributed five rushing touchdowns and even caught a 29-yard pass, setting the record for the most rushing touchdowns by a Troy quarterback since 2017. Caldwell started the final five games of the season for Troy, including a road game at Iowa in September, where he threw for 156 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 38-21 loss.
Caldwell’s best performance came in a victory over Georgia Southern, where he completed 26 of 32 passes for 288 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, while also rushing for two touchdowns. His efforts earned him Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors and Manning Star of the Week recognition.
At Texas, Caldwell will compete with Trey Owens for the backup quarterback role behind Arch Manning. While Caldwell doesn’t have the in-game experience of some other veterans, he brings the most collegiate experience to the quarterback room aside from Joe Tatum. KJ Lacey could slide down to fourth on the depth chart as a result.
Manning, set to start his first full season after taking over for Quinn Ewers, could potentially be the No. 1 overall pick in the next NFL Draft if he performs as expected in 2025. Ewers helped lead Texas to consecutive College Football Playoff Semifinals before being selected in the seventh round by the Miami Dolphins.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian will be hoping Caldwell won’t be needed in a game unless there’s an injury to Manning. However, if called upon, Caldwell’s veteran presence could provide stability to the team.
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