Forget a rebuild, the Texas Longhorns defense is primed for another elite run if this watch list proves right
Losing elite defenders like Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba to the NFL would significantly limit what most college football teams could accomplish the following year. But the Texas Longhorns aren't in that boat. In fact, as this week's Lott Trophy Award watch list shows, the Longhorns should once again have an elite defense. While forcing […]
Losing elite defenders like Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba to the NFL would significantly limit what most college football teams could accomplish the following year. But the Texas Longhorns aren't in that boat. In fact, as this week's Lott Trophy Award watch list shows, the Longhorns should once again have an elite defense.
While forcing turnovers may prove more difficult without the 10 combined interceptions from the secondary duo, stars Anthony Hill, Colin Simmons, and Michael Taaffe headline a deep and versatile unit. They were each honored by being named to the Lott Trophy Award watch list.
Texas is the only program to have three candidates in the preseason.
The Longhorns will need their stars firing on all cylinders early as they open the season at Ohio State in a College Football Playoff rematch.
Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. led the team with 113 tackles and 17 tackles for loss, plus added eight sacks. He's projected to be the best off-ball linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft and a top 15 pick.
Simmons is in a similar position despite being only a sophomore. After producing 48 tackles and nine sacks as a true freshman, Simmons is arguably the most or second-most impressive defensive underclassmen who isn't draft-eligbile.
Taaffe almost declared for the NFL draft this past year, but the team's second-leading tackler and pass disruptor returned. Versatile and reliable, Taaffe totaled 78 tackles, two sacks, two picks, and 10 pass breakups.
