Three Pressing Questions Facing Steve Sarkisian and Texas Football Defense Heading Into the Highly Anticipated 2025 College Football Season
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the excitement surrounding Texas football is at an all-time high. The Longhorns are coming off a breakthrough campaign that included a College Football Playoff appearance and a Big 12 Championship—proof that Steve Sarkisian’s vision for the program is taking full shape. Now, with Texas entering its first full season as a member of the SEC, the expectations are sky-high. Much of the buzz has centered around the Longhorns’ offense, but the defense—returning multiple All-Americans and several high-upside underclassmen—will be just as crucial in determining whether Texas can take the next step.
In 2024, Texas fielded one of the best defensive units in the country. It ranked near the top nationally in total defense, red-zone stops, and third-down conversion rate. They were physical, fast, and fundamentally sound. But with the added challenge of navigating an SEC schedule that includes the likes of Alabama, LSU, and Georgia, there are still critical questions that must be addressed before the Longhorns can truly be considered national title favorites.
Here are three pressing defensive questions facing Steve Sarkisian and his staff as the 2025 season looms—and why the answers will define Texas football’s destiny this fall.
One of the major reasons for Texas’s defensive dominance in 2024 was the play of its defensive line. The unit was anchored by a veteran group that controlled the line of scrimmage against both pass and run-heavy teams. But 2025 brings some turnover. Key contributors like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, who brought power, leadership, and NFL-caliber talent, have moved on. Their departures create both a void and an opportunity.
The good news? Texas isn’t starting from scratch. Defensive line coach Bo Davis has developed a pipeline of talent, and several young linemen are poised to step up. Alfred Collins returns for his super senior season and is expected to be the tone-setter both on and off the field. Then there’s Vernon Broughton, who flashed at times last season and is now expected to be a full-time starter. Additionally, redshirt freshmen like Sydir Mitchell and early enrollee Zina Umeozulu are physically gifted and have turned heads during spring and summer workouts.
Still, the biggest question is whether this group can control the trenches against SEC offensive lines—many of which are loaded with future NFL draft picks. In the SEC, it’s not just about size; it’s about toughness, technique, and endurance. If Texas can recreate the depth and production it enjoyed last year, it will have a strong foundation to withstand the gauntlet ahead.
Another key area of focus is the secondary. Last season, Texas boasted one of the most improved defensive backfields in the country. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and co-DC Terry Joseph deserve credit for the turnaround, which saw the Longhorns go from liability to strength in pass coverage. But while the unit performed well overall, there were still moments—particularly against explosive receivers and creative offenses—where lapses in coverage were costly.
Now, with the SEC slate looming, the margin for error tightens. Texas will face quarterbacks who can make every throw and wide receivers who can change games with a single play. The question becomes: can the Longhorns’ secondary hold up against the likes of LSU’s speed, Georgia’s balance, and Alabama’s vertical attack?
Jerrin Thompson and Jahdae Barron return as leaders in the back end. Both are experienced, versatile, and capable of diagnosing plays quickly. They’ll be joined by sophomore standout Malik Muhammad, who emerged late last season as a shutdown corner with elite ball skills. Transfer additions like Jyaire Hill from Michigan and Keon Sabb from Clemson add depth and experience.
The battle at the second cornerback spot will be one of the most intriguing during fall camp. Will it be the speedy Austin Jordan? The physical Terrance Brooks? Or perhaps a freshman like Kobe Black steps up and earns playing time early?
Regardless of who starts, the emphasis this offseason has been on reducing mental errors, improving communication, and playing more aggressive man coverage—traits that define championship-caliber defenses in the SEC. Texas doesn’t need to be perfect in the secondary, but it must consistently limit big plays and force quarterbacks to work for every yard.
In 2024, Texas’s linebacker corps was anchored by Jaylan Ford, one of the most productive and dependable players in the country. His ability to read plays, cover tight ends, and deliver punishing tackles made him invaluable. But Ford has graduated, and the leadership mantle at linebacker is now up for grabs.
David Gbenda and Anthony Hill Jr. are expected to be the starting duo this fall, and they represent a blend of experience and high-upside athleticism. Gbenda is a steady presence who understands his assignments and plays with discipline. Hill, meanwhile, is one of the most explosive defenders in the nation—a former five-star recruit who excelled as a pass rusher and run-stopper in sub-packages last year. Now, the coaching staff is asking him to take on a larger role as a true every-down linebacker.
The question is whether this group can match the production and intelligence that Ford brought to the unit. In the SEC, defending the run is non-negotiable. Teams like Georgia and Ole Miss will test Texas with creative run schemes and physical blocking. Can Hill shed blocks and fill gaps consistently? Can Gbenda take the next step as a leader and communicator on the field?
Depth will also be critical. Sophomore Derion Gullette and freshman Tausili Akana are two names to watch. Both bring sideline-to-sideline speed and could play valuable rotational roles. If the linebacker group gels early, it will give the defense a strong spine and allow the coaches to be more aggressive with blitz packages and stunts.
As the 2025 season draws nearer, Texas finds itself in an exciting yet precarious position. The expectations are real. The spotlight is massive. And the margin for error is razor-thin. If Steve Sarkisian and his staff can answer these three defensive questions, the Longhorns will be positioned to not just compete—but to win championships.
The beauty of this Texas defense is its versatility. The scheme can adapt to stop power run games, defend spread attacks, or pressure quarterbacks into mistakes. But for it to work at its highest level, the unit must stay healthy, communicate seamlessly, and embrace the SEC’s weekly grind.
There’s no question Texas has the talent. The recruiting classes have been elite. The coaching is strong. And the buy-in from players has never been higher. The question now is whether all the pieces can come together under the immense pressure of a new conference, national attention, and playoff-or-bust expectations.
If they can, this defense could very well be the best in the SEC—and the anchor of a national championship run.
