The transfer portal allows for second chances and former four-star recruit Byron Vaughns is proof. The former four-star recruit from Fort Worth Eastern Hills committed to Texas out of high school in the 2018 recruiting cycle and played for the Longhorns for three seasons, where he played in 10 games. 

Vaughns flourished at his second stop – Utah State. He played in 14 games, starting five times, while registering four sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He was the Defensive MVP of the Moutain West Championship Game thanks to five tackles, including one sack and two tackles for loss. He started in nine of the 11 games he played at Utah State in 2022, ending the year with a team-high nine quarterback hurries. 

The Bears never allowed more than 30 points during the 12-win 2021 campaign that endeds with a Big 12 championship and a Sugar Bowl trophy.  They allowed at least 30 in six of the 13 games last season en route to a 6-7 record, the second in three seasons under Dave Aranda. Vaughns addresses a need as a pass rusher and the senior should make an instant impact back in the Big 12.