The No.10 Texas Longhorns head into their first bye week of the season with SEC play on the horizon after a confidence-boosting victory against the Sam Houston Bearkats. Through four games, the Longhorns have shined in some areas and wallowed in others. With some extra time this week to evaluate, it’s time to hand out report card grades for each position group.
After starting with the offense, we’re now onto the defense as we work through the entire team, position group by position group in a three-part
series.
The 2025 defense has been elite. While the vast majority of expectations speculated that this unit would carry this team, the magnitude of suffocation that the defense has provided was hardly anticipated. The Longhorns have given up just 31 total points over four games, an average of 7.75 points per game, which is good for second in the entire country. Texas leads the nation in yards per game, giving up 212 yards per contest. Most recently, the unit pitched a shutout in route to a 55-0 victory.
Perhaps most important aspect of the dominance from the defensive group is the timing. With the offense struggling, the defense has taken pressure off the other side of the ball and allowed the offense to work through early-season miscues.
While the performances have been strong thus far, we’ll evaluate each position group to highlight strengths, discuss weaknesses, and ultimately provide a grade.
Defensive ends/edges
Grade: B+
This group began the year as one of the most talented rooms on the team. With returning star Colin Simmons partnered with experienced veteran Ethan Burke, the two starters were exemplary talents. Behind them, the talent pool was deep but inexperienced with players such as Zina Umeozulu, Brad Spence, Colton Vasek and Lance Jackson.
Thus far, the group has found production from nearly every player. Simmons began the year slowly, racking up penalties instead of sacks, but quickly corrected. He’s now tied for the team lead in sacks and quarterback hits. As the undeniable star of the group, the sophomore will need to build off his recent performance against Sam Houston.
Meanwhile, Burke has found production without getting to quarterback. He graded as the highest Longhorn during Week 3, according to Pro Football Focus. While he has threatened the backfield and racked up tackles, getting to the quarterback is key for the senior defensive end.
Behind Simmons and Burke, the talent is strong. While a handful of other players have flashed, Spence has shined when given the opportunity. His 25.8-percent rush win rate is fourth highest among qualified players in the SEC.
All in all, this unit has disrupted the opponent on the ground and in the air, demonstrating the depth that makes it one of the best on the team and the talent ceiling that invokes fear into opposing quarterbacks.
With the slow start of Simmons and Burke, there is still room for this group to improve, particularly in consistently creating havoc. As Texas plays higher quality opponents every week, Simmons and Burke cannot afford to go silent. Until it’s clear that this doesn’t happen against impressive offensive tackles or creative blocking schemes, this group has earned a B+ with room to improve.
Interior defensive line
Grade: A
In the offseason, the Texas defensive line brought in a host of new players to replenish the lost production. So far, this group has proved to be one of the fiercest on the team, picking up on the disruption that has become the norm of recent Texas defenses.
Maraad Watson has led the way for this group, and arguably the entire defense, with 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks. The freshman All-American from Syracuse takes on multiple blockers and wins with speed and strength. He’s been helped by Cole Brevard, Alex January, and Hero Kanu, three formidable linemen that each provide enough havoc for defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski to rotate bodies throughout the game.
While the sack production isn’t overwhelming yet, the group has imposed its will thus far this season. This group isn’t just holding its own, it’s establishing itself as part of the backbone of the defense. The depth and disruptive talent earn this group an A- with only more consistent sack production separating it from perfection.
Linebackers
Grade: A+
The linebacking group has been one of the strongest units on the entire team with championship-level performances from multiple players. Anthony Hill receives a majority of the attention, and rightfully so, but Liona Lefau has cemented himself as a superb defender while Ty’Anthony Smith has flashed around the ball every game.
The statistics from Lefau and Smith convey the level of play from each linebacker. Lefau is leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss. He also has a sack and pass break up to his name. In his third year on the 40 Acres, Lefau has jumped from consistent starter to playmaker alongside Hill.
Smith has similarly made a big jump from his freshman campaign a year ago. With 18 tackles, Smith is the 3rd on the team. He’s also added a sack, forced fumble, and fumble recovery. As SEC play gruels on, having another hard nosed linebacker to spell Hill and Lefau without a drop in talent will be an immense benefit for the defense.
While Lefau and Smith have exploded this season, the performances from the more seasoned Hill and Trey Moore have flown under the radar despite being first rate.
Now in his third season, offensive coordinators have two full years of tape to gameplan around trying to stop Hill. His 16 tackles rank fourth on the team and he has forced two fumbles but his lack of any sacks and just one tackle-for-loss is less than ideal.
Given his history and the turnovers he directly created, there is little reason to worry, although more flashes of him in the backfield would be a welcome sight.
Rounding out this group is Moore. In his switch from edge to linebacker, Moore’s versatility has shown. He’s demonstrated excellent athleticism in route to slotting sixth on the team in tackles, recording a sack, and forcing a fumble. He’s rounded out an uber-talented room with veteran experience and a team-oriented approach while continuing to see time on the edge in pass-rushing situations that play to his skill set.
Overall, this group is one that every coordinator in the country dreams about. With the depth, range, athleticism, and physicality this unit has showcased, a grade of an A+ has been earned. They fly to the football, punish ball carriers, and give Texas answers for every look an offense can throw at them.
Secondary
Grade: A-
The Texas secondary has passed every test thus far. The biggest challenge was taming Ohio State and Jeremiah Smith, which the unit handled with success.
While secondaries are traditionally recognized for their pass coverage, the run support from this group has been excellent thus far this season. Safety Michael Taaffe is tied for the team lead in tackles and is regularly running the ally without missing tackles, supporting the run game while still playing center field.
Safety Jelani McDonald has similarly found his way to the football. He’s recorded 13 tackles, a tackle for loss, recovered a fumble, and intercepted two passes while tipping another pass that led to an interception. His 13 tackles are good for fifth-most on the team.
McDonald has flashed incredible athleticism for the Texas defense. His quickness allows him to make plays in space, such as an incredible soaring interception against Sam Houston State, while his knack for the football is highlighted by creating a turnover in three of the four games.
McDonald’s athleticism gives Kwiatkowski the flexibility to be creative on the backend. Between McDonald and Taaffe, either can stuff the run or play over the top.
The entire secondary review wouldn’t be possible without mentioning the contributions from freshman Graceson Littleton. Immediately stepping up, Littleton has shined from the opening game at Ohio State.
His effort and athleticism needed no transition period and have already proved to be a weapon for the Longhorns.
In coverage, Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau, and company have helped to allow just 152.3 passing yard per game and 57.3 percent of passes to be completed, rates that rank 17th and 27th nationally.
As a whole, this unit has looked versatile and explosive. They have shut down opposing aerial attacks and aided in run support by providing good tackling. They’ve also produced a handful of turnovers. Moving forward, the test for this unit will be to handle much more advanced offensive systems compromised of more athletic personnel. While communication has appeared strong, it will undoubtedly be tested against the high-octane offenses in the SEC.
Through four games, the defense has established itself as the foundation of this team and the biggest reason for its top-10 ranking. No unit is perfect and SEC play will demand more consistent coverage on the back end and more finishing sacks from the stars but through the first third of the season, this defense has shown it has the balance, depth, and physicality to carry Texas through the grind of conference play.
