FSU Linebacker Justin Cryer Commits to Texas
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Texas Adds Experienced Linebacker on Portal Deadline Day
The Texas Longhorns made a significant move on the final day of the winter transfer portal window, securing a commitment from Florida State linebacker Justin Cryer. The rising senior brings a wealth of experience and production to Austin, addressing a critical position of need as the Longhorns finalize their 2026 roster.
Cryer's decision came shortly after his official visit to the Forty Acres, and it represents exactly the kind of veteran depth that head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have been targeting throughout the portal cycle.
For the 6-foot-1, 232-pound linebacker, this commitment marks a homecoming of sorts. A native of Katy, Texas, Cryer will now play his final season of college football in his home state: a storyline that adds an extra layer of significance to an already impactful addition.
A Well-Traveled Path to Austin
Justin Cryer's college journey has been anything but conventional, and that journey has shaped him into the experienced, battle-tested linebacker Texas is getting.
Originally a three-star recruit out of Brookshire Royal High School in Katy, Cryer signed with Northwestern as part of their 2023 recruiting class. However, his time in Evanston was short-lived. When then-head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired amid controversy, Cryer made the decision to enter the transfer portal and seek a fresh start.
That fresh start came at Florida State, where Cryer found a home and developed into a reliable contributor on the Seminoles' defense. Over three seasons in Tallahassee, he appeared in 34 games and earned 10 starts, accumulating valuable experience against some of the best competition in college football.
His career statistics at FSU tell the story of a productive, versatile linebacker:
- 87 total tackles
- 7.0 tackles for loss
- 1.0 sack
- 1 interception
- 1 fumble recovery
During the 2025 season alone, Cryer tallied 43 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack, making him Florida State's fourth-leading tackler and fifth in total stops. Those numbers demonstrate not only his ability to find the football but also his capacity to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Filling Critical Gaps in the Longhorns Defense
Texas didn't pursue Cryer on a whim. The Longhorns entered the winter portal window with glaring needs at linebacker, and those needs only intensified as the window progressed.
The departures hit hard this offseason:
- Anthony Hill – Declared for the 2026 NFL Draft
- Trey Moore – Declared for the 2026 NFL Draft
- Liona Lefau – Entered the transfer portal (committed to Colorado)
- Marshall Landwehr – Graduated
That's a significant amount of production and experience walking out the door. For a program with championship aspirations, finding quality replacements became a top priority.
Cryer slots into a linebacker room that still features talent like Brad Spence, Ty'Anthony Smith, Tyler Atkinson, Rocky Cummings, and Kosi Okpala. What he brings that many of those players don't is extensive starting experience at the Power Four level. That experience will prove invaluable, especially early in the season when Texas looks to establish its defensive identity.
New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will have plenty to work with in Cryer. Known for his aggressive, physical defensive schemes, Muschamp should appreciate a linebacker who has proven he can shed blocks, work downhill, and make tackles in space.
The Texas Connection Runs Deep
Football isn't the only sport the Cryer family has excelled in.
Justin's older brother, LJ Cryer, made a name for himself as a standout guard for the Houston Cougars basketball team. LJ's shooting prowess caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he has since participated in preseason action with the Golden State Warriors.
The athletic pedigree in the Cryer household is undeniable. Now Justin has the opportunity to write his own chapter in Texas sports history: this time wearing burnt orange and white.
For Cryer, playing his final college season in his home state adds extra motivation. Family and friends will have easy access to games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, and the support system that helped shape his development will be closer than ever.
What Cryer Brings to the Field
Let's break down the specific attributes that make Justin Cryer such a valuable addition for Texas.
Experience and Football IQ
With 34 games and 10 starts under his belt, Cryer has seen just about everything defenses face at the college level. He's played against pro-style offenses, spread attacks, and everything in between. That experience translates to faster processing, better pre-snap reads, and smarter positioning.
Tackling and Pursuit
Cryer's tackle numbers speak for themselves. He consistently finds the football and finishes plays. His 43 tackles in 2025 came against ACC competition, and his ability to rack up tackles for loss shows he's not just a clean-up guy: he's capable of disrupting plays in the backfield.
Versatility
At 6-foot-1 and 232 pounds, Cryer has the size to hold up against the run and the athleticism to contribute in coverage. That versatility gives Muschamp options in how he deploys his linebackers, whether in base packages or sub packages.
Leadership
Players who have navigated the transfer portal successfully often emerge as leaders. They've had to adapt to new systems, new teammates, and new coaching staffs. That adaptability, combined with Cryer's experience, positions him to be a vocal presence in the Texas linebacker room.
Timing Is Everything
The fact that Cryer committed on the final day of the winter portal window adds urgency and significance to this move.
Texas had been working the portal throughout the window, but landing a player of Cryer's caliber on deadline day shows the staff's ability to close. It also demonstrates Cryer's confidence in his decision: he didn't need weeks of deliberation after his visit. He saw what Texas had to offer and made his choice.
For the Longhorns, this commitment allows them to finalize their 2026 roster with a clearer picture of their defensive depth. Spring practices will begin soon, and having Cryer in the fold means the coaching staff can start integrating him into the scheme immediately.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Texas in 2026
With Cryer on board, Texas has addressed one of its most pressing needs heading into the 2026 season. The linebacker position, which looked thin after the wave of departures, now features a blend of young talent and proven experience.
Cryer may not be penciled in as a Day One starter: that will be determined in spring and fall camp: but his presence elevates the entire position group. Competition breeds excellence, and the Longhorns now have more competition at linebacker than they did a week ago.
For a program that has established itself as a legitimate contender in the SEC, depth matters. Injuries happen. Fatigue sets in during the grueling conference schedule. Having a player like Cryer who can step in and perform at a high level provides invaluable insurance.
The Bigger Picture for Young Athletes
Justin Cryer's journey offers lessons for young football players at every level. His path wasn't linear. He faced adversity at Northwestern, made a difficult decision to transfer, rebuilt his career at Florida State, and now returns home to Texas for his final chapter.
That resilience and adaptability are qualities that define successful athletes: and successful people.
For youth players aspiring to play at the college level, Cryer's story underscores the importance of staying ready, continuing to develop, and trusting the process even when the path takes unexpected turns.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Explore our camps and recruiting programs at myfootballcamps.com. For youth football opportunities and team information, visit boardwalkbeastsfb.com. And for coaching insights and resources, check out coachschuman.com.
Hook 'em, and welcome to Texas, Justin Cryer.
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