Texas Longhorns DT T'Vondre Sweat Wins Outland Trophy
Texas Longhorns defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat has won the 2023 Outland Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best interior lineman for offense and defense.
He beat out a three-player field that included Kansas State Wildcats offensive guard Cooper Beebe and Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Joe Alt.
Sweat was a primary reason the Texas defense allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (80.8) in the country during the regular season. The Longhorns also allowed the 13th-fewest points per game (17.5).
Sweat, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, posted 42 total tackles, two sacks and five passes defended during the regular season. He also caught a two-yard touchdown in Texas' 49-21 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Championship.
T'Vondre Sweat
© Andrew Dieb, USA TODAY
In his five-year career at Texas, Sweat has tallied 124 total tackles, five sacks, 15 passes defended and one forced fumble. He'll likely be one of the top defensive linemen selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has praised Sweat throughout the season.
“Sweat has got such athleticism for a big man and can impact the game in a variety of ways,” Sarkisian said. “He can rush the passer. He can defend the run and make critical plays on a lot of these fourth-down stops and third-down stops. He gets his hands on the ball when he isn’t able to get into the backfield. He’s got a lot of tipped and batted balls."
Sweat and No. 3 Texas will take on the No. 2 Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff semis at the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.
