Just one game into his Longhorns career and Rasheem Biles is already making headlines. The talented linebacker was named the Southeastern Conference's Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, following a stellar performance against Texas State. In his first game in the burnt orange, Biles showed why he is a special player.
Against the Bobcats, Biles recorded five tackles with a half tackle for loss and forced two turnovers. His turnovers were a forced fumble and an interception that helped keep the momentum with the Longhorns. While the offense scored nearly 60 points, the defense showed it is a force to be reckoned with, with Biles leading the way.
🏈 Co-Defensive Player of the Week | WK 1 🤘 Rasheem Biles, @TexasFootball #SECFB | presented
by Allstate pic.twitter.com/I2nHYXNiZP
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 7, 2026
As the Longhorns held Texas State to 349 yards of total offense, Biles was one of the team's best players. He finished third on the team in total tackles and was tied for first on the team in tackles for a loss. Regardless of the matchup, he made life difficult for the Texas State offense all afternoon.
On Saturday, he flashed the form that made him a star at Pittsburgh. He finished his Panthers career with 183 total tackles and 10.5 sacks. In his last season in the ACC, Biles set career highs in tackles with 100 and assists with 61. That is partly why he was a popular target in the portal.
"One of the greatest defensive plays I've ever seen at Texas"
— Jeff Jones (@JeffJonesSports) September 9, 2026
-Rod Babers, Texas All-American ('02), on the Rasheem Biles punch-out that led to a Graceson Littleton scoop-n-score
Rod breaks down the Horns' first explosive play and turnover.@rodbabers @KVUE pic.twitter.com/Px3ZIBJM8d
For the Longhorns, Biles' successful debut was a welcome sign. He is expected to be a key piece of the defense and will be counted on against some of the country's best teams. If Biles can continue to build on his performance from the season opener, then more weekly awards will be on the horizon.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas Longhorns LB Rasheem Biles earns SEC honors
