Longhorns don't go far to find next kicker, sign Texas State's Mason Shipley
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It didn’t take long for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian to replace his kicker.
With Bert Auburn in the transfer portal, Texas State’s Mason Shipley is headed north on Interstate 35 to Austin to kick for the Longhorns.
The Liberty Hill native was a semifinalist for the 2023 Lou Groza Award and made a 60-yard field goal for the Bobcats last season, setting the program and Sun Belt Conference records. He connected on 15 of 19 field goals last season, going 2-for-3 on kicks from 50 yards or longer.
In 38 games across three seasons, Shipley made 31 out of 35 field goal attempts. He spent his freshman year at Oklahoma State and didn’t attempt a kick. He has one year of eligibility left as a graduate transfer.
Senior Will Stone handled the kickoff duties all last season until the Cotton Bowl Classic after Sarkisian benched Auburn, and Stone made two extra points. Redshirt freshman Spencer Barnett, who booted a 59-yard kick in high school for Westlake, is also on the roster.
Shipley’s commitment capped a busy Friday for the Longhorns. Maryland defensive lineman Lavon Johnson and Cal tight end Jack Endries were the other additions via the transfer portal. The spring transfer portal window closes April 25.
