Longhorns Defense Makes ESPN's Top 25 Future Rankings
How bright is the future of Texas football? It all comes down to defense in the SEC.
As the Longhorns prepare for their final season in the Big 12, all eyes are on third-year defensive coordinator Pete Kwitkowski's unit entering 2023. The Longhorns have built a reputation for finding talent on offense, but the SEC staple programs win based on defensive play.
ESPN recently ranked its future top 25 defenses through the 2025 season, giving teams a three-year window for development and growth. Entering 2023, the Longhorns rank 17th despite losing five players to the NFL draft.
One of the key reasons for a substantial ranking? Immediate upside in front seven.
Texas saw the improvement it hoped for on defense in 2022. The unit rose from 99th nationally in points allowed in 2021 to 27th, and from 102nd in yards per play allowed to 18th. The Longhorns held Alabama to 20 points, TCU to 17 points and shut out short-handed Oklahoma in the Red River game. Veteran coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski seemed to settle in, and Gary Patterson's influence on the defense also showed. Texas loses key contributors in the front seven but should be able to build around junior edge rusher Barryn Sorrell, linebacker Jaylan Ford, senior tackle T'Vondre Sweat and others. Ford earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022 after leading Texas in tackles (119), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (3), while tying for second in tackles for loss (10). He'll be complemented by veterans such as senior Jett Bush and junior Morice Blackwell Jr., and also emerging young players like freshman Anthony Hill, ESPN's top inside linebacker and No. 16 overall recruit in the 2023 class. - Adam Rittenberg
Ford will replace DeMarvion Overshown as the vocal leader and enforcer of the defense. Electing to return to the Forty Acres after garnering All-Big 12 honors, expectations are high for the Frisco native to transform into one of the conference's top defenders.
Last season, Ford was considered the runner-up for the conference's Defensive Player of the Year behind Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah. This year, he's projected to be an early preseason All-American favorite after notching a career-best in tackles (119) and interceptions (4).
Pass rush could make or break the Longhorns' chances of becoming a viable threat to win the Big 12 in 2023. Last season, Texas ranked 30th in tackles for loss (89) and 71st in sacks (27). Sorrell is the only returning defender to record more than one takedown from last season, but the potential of Byron Murphy and Alfred Collins in expanded roles should fortify the point of attack.
The secondary should be considered a strength with the return of Jahdae Barron and Jerrin Thompson. Arkansas transfer Jalen Catalon, a former Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, should provide a boost in place of the departed Anthony Cook should he stay healthy.
Last season, the Longhorns ranked 90th in pass defense and allowed 18 touchdowns in coverage. Another year for Ryan Watts should provide more stability on the outside. Texas also added former Wake Forest starter Gavin Holmes via the transfer portal earlier this offseason.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian was also pleased with sophomore Terrance Brooks's progression in spring practice. Last season in six games, Brooks showed potential as a boundary defender with three pass breakups, including two against No. 12 Washington in the Alamo Bowl.
The Longhorns open the season at Royal-Memorial Stadium against Rice on Sept. 2.
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