Texas brings Will Muschamp back as DC, and Emmanuel Acho says the hire could be program-changing for a Longhorns defense ready to level up in 2026.
The Texas Longhorns are turning back to a familiar face to power their future, and optimism in Austin is flying high.
Will Muschamp, the fiery former defensive coordinator who patrolled the Forty Acres from 2008-2010, is returning to Texas as DC after a successful stint as co-defensive coordinator with the Georgia Bulldogs.
For a program chasing that final step to true national-title contention, this move feels like a statement.
Texas underachieved defensively in 2025, finishing No. 36 nationally and ninth in the SEC despite big-time talent across the board. Meanwhile, Georgia's defense - with Muschamp helping run the show - closed the regular season ranked No. 13 in the nation and No. 4 in the SEC.
That contrast alone explains why Longhorns fans are so eager to see what Muschamp can do with burnt orange personnel.
Few people are more excited about the hire than former Texas linebacker and current analyst Emmanuel Acho. In a video posted on X, Acho didn’t hold back, calling Muschamp's return potentially "the greatest news in the last three, four years" for Texas.
In his view, Muschamp isn't just another big-name coach; he's a talent elevator.
"Signing Will Muschamp is better than any recruit," Acho said. "Because Will Muschamp can turn any three-star recruit into an NFL Draft pick. Will Muschamp can turn a five-star recruit into a top-10 pick. Will Muschamp, ain't nothing like him."
Acho went even further, praising Muschamp as the best teacher of defensive football he has ever been around, lauding his tenacity, attention to detail and "uncommon passion" for the game.
That kind of edge is exactly what Texas fans have been craving as the program adjusts to life in the SEC and battles juggernauts like Georgia on a regular basis.
Muschamp's return could pay dividends beyond just the defense.
His deep knowledge of Georgia's schemes and tendencies offers Texas valuable insight into one of the sport's gold-standard programs, potentially helping the Longhorns' offense prepare for those marquee matchups as well.
The full impact of the hire won't be known until the 2026 season kicks off, but the vibe around Austin is clear ... Texas didn't just bring back a coach. It brought back a mentality.
If Muschamp's history is any indication, the Longhorns' defense is about to play faster, meaner and smarter - and that could be the missing piece in Texas' championship puzzle.