As key defenders depart, Texas's defense is primed for a new wave of talent. Discover which rising stars will seize the spotlight next season.
Texas will enter the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl with a winning mindset, but head coach Steve Sarkisian also understands the game is an opportunity for young players to get experience versus a great opponent.
"It raises the competitive level for some of our younger players, and an opportunity to play them and to get them in the game," he said during his Citrus Bowl media availability. "Some players that have been developing as the seasons gone on. Can we continue that growth to really springboard us into 2026?"
Specifically, the defense will lose a lot of key pieces this offseason. Luckily for the Longhorns, they're loaded with talent ready to fill the shoes of their accomplished departures.
Here are some players who are due for a significant increase in playing time next season.
Ty'Anthony Smith
The sophomore linebacker was already a key player for Texas this season, but with Anthony Hill NFL-bound, Smith is in line for an increased role next year.
Smith recorded 51 tackles this season, including 4.5 tackles for loss. His best game statistically came against Georgia, where he tallied nine tackles and two tackles for loss. Hill was notably injured during the second half of that game.
Kobe Black
The Longhorns are losing their two starting corners, Malik Muhammad and Jaylon Guilbeau, which will open up a lot of playing time on the outside. We've already seen the rise of true freshmen CBs Graceson Littleton and Kade Phillips, but don't forget about Kobe Black.
The sophomore saw limited action this season, but showed up in a big way against Texas A&M, recording three tackles and the game-sealing interception.
Black's involvement will be one to watch during the Citrus Bowl and the build up to next season.
Lance Jackson
The true freshman was an early contributor for an already loaded pass-rush, registering two sacks this season.
With Ethan Burke set to leave, the former five-star recruit is a prime candidate to replace him. Jackson was named to the 2025 SEC All-Freshman team, but next season, he'll be looking to add his name next to fellow edge rusher Colin Simmons on the All-SEC team.
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Jonah Williams
Safety Michael Taaffe bids his farewell to Texas after five seasons, leaving a massive void to fill in the back end on the field, but also off the field.
Freshman dual-sport athlete Jonah Williams already saw some unexpected early action this season with Taaffe missing contests against Mississippi State and Vanderbilt through injury. With Taaffe and potentially Jelani McDonald gone, Williams will have a huge role at the safety position.
Williams is also a very important player for the Texas baseball team, meaning he'll miss spring football action. It'll be interesting to see if that affects his situation going into next season.