Muschamp's return and portal additions ignite Texas defense. New coordinators and veteran talent forge a revitalized unit for a championship push.
This offseason has been a game-changer for the Texas Longhorns. Coach Steve Sarkisian has raided the transfer portal for immense talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. He also brought back Will Muschamp as his defensive coordinator in 2026.
Muschamp is a fiery guy who demands hard work, preparation and execution from his players.
The defense will be revamped this season due to defections to the NFL and transfers out of the program. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., defensive back Malik Muhammad and safety Michael Taafe will all be moving on. But the secondary returns two big pieces to solidify that unit: Jelani McDonald and Kobe Black.
That bodes well for a new defensive passing game coordinator, Blake Gideon, who returns to his alma mater at a time when he is needed most.
Gideon spent last season at Georgia Tech as the Yellowjackets defensive coordinator. As Georgia Tech finished 9-4, Gideon coached two of his players to all-ACC honors. Gideon began his coaching career as a defensive quality control assistant at Florida in 2014 after a brief stint in the NFL.
This will be Gideon’s second stint as a coach with the Longhorns. Gideon coached the safeties from 2021 to 2024. In that 2024 season, Gideon coached Jahde Barron and Michael Taafe to All-American seasons. Barron also won the Thorpe Award that season as the top defensive back in college football.
As a player for the Longhorns, Gideon was a four-year starter and served as team captain for two seasons under coach Mack Brown. Gideon started 52 games in the burnt orange, which ranks second all-time at Texas. The Longhorns posted a 38-14 record during Gideon’s playing career.
Gideon earned honorable-mention All-Big 12 recognition four consecutive years. As a senior in 2011, Gideon was on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list. During his time with the Longhorns, Gideon recorded 276 tackles, 10 interceptions, 20 pass breakups, two sacks, eight tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
In 2026, Gideon will have experience in the secondary with the return of McDonald and Black. McDonald led the team in tackles with 80. He also picked off three passes and had three pass breakups. Black recorded 15 stops and one interception.
Last season, the Longhorns secondary intercepted one or more passes in 10 of their 13 games. They also picked off multiple passes in four games. In the bowl win over Michigan, the Longhorns intercepted quarterback Bryce Underwood three times.
As spring practice approaches in a couple of months, the Longhorns defense is going to be coached and taught like never before. The Texas defensive backs are going to learn from one of their own, and become better football players as they practice and play according to the good book of Gideon.