From the very moment Texas quarterback Shane Buechele put his name in the NCAA Transfer Portal, the chances of his Longhorns career being over got stronger by the minute. Nobody was going to blame the junior signal caller for leaving at all, and it was only a matter of time before he would leave Austin for an opportunity to play college football somewhere else next season.
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Although head coach Tom Herman kept him on scholarship this semester and allowed the former starting quarterback to be around the team this spring, the 6-foot-1, 210-pounder, who was recruited to the Texas Longhorns by former coach Charlie Strong, has made his decision.
Shane Buechele will graduate from Texas this spring and finish his college career with the SMU Mustangs as a graduate transfer in 2019. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.
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Buechele officially ends his Longhorns career completely 403 of 648 passes (62 percent) for 4,636 yards with 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also rushed for 268 yards with four more scores.
It was pretty easy to see this coming, especially with the rise of quarterback Sam Ehlinger, but it's also bittersweet for a player like Buechele, an Arlington native who started 19 games for the Longhorns, including 12 as a true freshman in 2016.
"During the time I have spent at the University of Texas I have made lifelong friends and unbelievable memories that have shaped me into the person I am today. First, I would like to thank God for guiding me through this journey. I would also like to thank my teammates for always having my back throughout the past three years on and off the field. In addition, I would like to thank both of the coaching staffs that I have played for during my time as a Longhorn.
"Between the two staffs of Coach Strong and Coach Herman, I have learned not only how to be a better football player and student, but more importantly a better son, brother, and teammate. Next I would like to thank the University of Texas' fans and alumni for being incredibly supportive throughout my time at Texas. You all made my undergraduate years in Austin a time I will never forget. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their never-ending love, encouragement, and motivation along the way.
"This spring, I will graduate with a degree in Sports Management and a minor in business and officially become part of the amazing Texas alumni. After many prayers and trusted conversations, I have made the decision to continue my football and academic career at SMU. I am sad to be ending this special chapter with Texas, but I cannot wait to begin this new journey at SMU.
"Hook 'Em."
— Shane Buechele
A former four-star prospect from Arlington Lamar High School and No. 3-ranked dual-threat quarterback for 2016 by the 247Sports Composite, Buechele will return close to his home in Dallas, likely win the starting job, and give defensive coordinators in the AAC nightmares for the next two seasons.
It was a good run, but all good things must come to an end, and it appears Buechele is happy with his time at Texas and his new Lone Star State home.
