On Saturday afternoon, the Longhorns dropped another SEC game in disappointing fashion. While the Longhorns collapsed against Florida, Justin Cryer was one bright spot. The Texas native had his best game of the season and continued his breakout campaign.
Against the Gators, Cryer had a team-high 11 tackles and one pass deflation. He was the only Longhorns player to reach double-digit tackles and stepped up when Colin Simmons left with an injury. While costly turnovers overshadowed his performance, Cryer continued to show why he has become an important piece for Steve Sarkisian.
Justin Cryer on his reaction to Colin Simmons exiting with injury “I actually haven't seen him since, so I'll check in with him after, see how he's feeling.” pic.twitter.com/SX1tOsbORs
— Zach Dimmitt (@ZachDimmitt7) October 17, 2026
Through six games, the Longhorns senior has 38 total tackles and a career-high three pass deflections. He needs only five more tackles to match his career-high, which he set last year at Florida State. Although he has had to adjust to a new system, Cryer is showing why the Longhorns were excited to add him to the roster in the offseason. As the Longhorns look to get back on track next week against Ole Miss, they will have a locked-in Cryer creating chaos on defense. He has at least nine tackles in two of his last three games and ranks third on the team in total tackles behind Rasheem Biles and Jelani McDonald. That trio has been key contributors for Texas this season.
Despite the loss, Justin Cryer spoke about how blessed and thankful he was to compete in the Red River Rivalry, a game he grew up watching
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) October 11, 2026
"Obviously you want to get away with the win but you can't let that take away from the fact that I've had an unbelievable experience today,… pic.twitter.com/aJLF5PnYec
With the regular season only halfway over, Cryer has plenty of time to build on his success. He is on pace to set career highs in multiple categories and shows no signs of slowing down. That is a good sign for a Longhorns team that needs a boost following two straight losses.
As the Longhorns look to improve their standing for a playoff push, Cryer will be a player to watch.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Justin Cryer shines in Longhorns disappointing loss to Florida
