Texas Kicker Will Stone Set to Redshirt, Sources Say
Texas kicker Will Stone is expected to redshirt for the remainder of the 2025 season. This decision will allow him to maintain his eligibility for the 2026 season. Stone, a senior hailing from Austin, Texas, has played in four games this season as Texas’ kickoff specialist.
Performance and Impact
During the 2025 season, Stone participated in games against notable teams including Ohio State, San Jose State, Florida, and Oklahoma. However, he missed important matchups against UTEP and Sam Houston due to a back issue, as noted by Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian. Throughout this season, he has recorded 20 kickoffs and achieved eight touchbacks, while one of his kicks went out of bounds.
Future Prospects
According to sources, this may have been Stone’s final game for Texas, except for potential postseason appearances, which do not affect player eligibility. He was expected to compete with former Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn during the spring. Following the 2024 season, Stone surpassed Auburn, securing his position on the team.
Statistics and History
- Kickoff Statistics:
- Career kickoffs: 300
- Touchbacks: 139
- Kicks out of bounds: 5
- Defensive Record: No kickoff returns for touchdowns during his tenure.
After Auburn transferred to Miami, Texas acquired Mason Shipley from the transfer portal. Shipley has taken on the role of place-kicker, while Stone continued as the kickoff specialist. While Shipley has replaced Stone during his two-game absence, he performed well with 16 kickoffs, achieving four touchbacks and one out of bounds kick. As a right-footed kicker, Shipley’s kicking style differs from Stone’s left-footed approach, which may necessitate adjustments for the coaching staff.
Looking Ahead
The Longhorns are set to face Kentucky this Saturday in Lexington. The team is preparing to adapt to the changes in their kicking game with new specialists ready to step up as needed.
