Rasheem Biles Earns SEC Honor After Impactful Texas Debut

Rasheem Biles didn’t need much time to make an impact for the Texas Longhorns.

The senior linebacker was named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week after helping No. 5 Texas dominate Texas State 59-7 in the 2026 season opener at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.

MORE: Texas Jumps to No. 3 in Coaches Poll After 59-7 Week 1 Rout

Biles, a first-year Longhorn after transferring from Pitt, finished with five tackles, half a tackle for loss, one forced fumble and one interception.

It was the first game of his career in which he recorded both a forced fumble and an interception.

Both turnovers directly helped Texas put points on the board.

Biles’ forced fumble was recovered by defensive back Graceson Littleton, who returned it 59 yards for a touchdown and pushed the Longhorns’ lead to 28-0.

Later, Biles intercepted Texas State and gave the Texas offense possession at the Bobcats’ 45-yard line. The Longhorns needed only three plays to turn that takeaway into another touchdown and a 49-7 advantage.

It was the kind of debut Texas envisioned when Biles transferred after spending three seasons at Pitt.

The Columbus, Ohio, native now has four career forced fumbles and four interceptions. He previously earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors in 2024, making Monday’s SEC recognition the second conference weekly award of his college career.

His performance also came against a Texas State offense that entered the season with legitimate production returning.

The Bobcats averaged 427.8 yards per game last season, fifth-best nationally, while scoring 36.5 points per game.

Texas held them to only seven points and 349 total yards, including 188 through the air.

Biles helped set that tone early.

His half tackle for loss came on a third-and-2 during Texas State’s second possession, creating a fourth-down situation the Bobcats failed to convert.

Now the degree of difficulty rises dramatically.

Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday night in Austin, giving Biles an immediate opportunity to prove his opening performance was more than a strong first impression.

The Longhorns brought him in to strengthen a defense with championship expectations.

MORE: Texas' Steve Sarkisian Previews Longhorns Matchup with WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State 'Weapons'

One game into his Texas career, Biles is already delivering turnovers, field position and points.

Against Ohio State, Texas will need more of the same.