The Texas Longhorns football team experienced the College Football Playoffs for the first time in 2023, following their Big 12 championship win and a 12-1 season record. However, their journey ended in the CFP semifinal with a 37-31 loss to the Washington Huskies in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
With the expanded playoff format, the Longhorns have a good chance to return and potentially redeem themselves from last season’s abrupt end. Quinn Ewers is set to lead the offense again, now bolstered by new wide receivers, including former Alabama player Isaiah Bond.
The offense is expected to perform well, but the key to success in the SEC will be their defense. The team faces several uncertainties on the defensive side. One significant factor highlighted by ESPN is improving their pass defense. Last season, Texas did not blitz frequently and struggled to contest passes, ranking 103rd in pass contest percentage and giving up many big plays. With the departure of key cornerbacks, the hope is that transfers Jay’Vion Cole (San Jose State) and Andrew Mukuba (Clemson) will perform well alongside slot corner Jahdae Barron and sophomore Malik Muhammad.
The Longhorns’ defense has lost several players to the NFL, including defensive linemen Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat, linebackers Jaylan Ford and Jett Bush, and cornerback Ryan Watts. Additionally, transfers Terrance Brooks and Jerrin Thompson have left for other schools. Despite these losses, the defense shows promise with new transfer additions and the arrival of five-star linebacker Colin Simmons, who is expected to contribute significantly in his freshman year.
