Texas Football: 5 Key Questions Facing the Defense Ahead of 2025
As Texas football enters the 2025 season, the defense faces several crucial challenges that will determine its success on the field. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have made strides in recent seasons, but their defensive unit remains an area of concern. While the team has recruited talented players and made key coaching adjustments, there are still critical questions to address for Texas to take the next step as a championship contender. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, these are five key questions facing the Texas defense that will require answers in order for the team to achieve its goals.
1. How Will the Defensive Line Adapt to Key Departures?
One of the biggest concerns for the Texas defense heading into the 2025 season is how the defensive line will adjust after losing some key contributors. Players like Keondre Coburn and Byron Murphy have been staples of the Longhorns’ defensive front, and their departures will leave a significant void. With Coburn and Murphy both entering the NFL Draft, Texas will need to find new players to step up and fill those roles.
The defensive line is the foundation of any strong defense, and Texas is no exception. The Longhorns will need to replace the production and leadership of their departing stars. One key question is whether current players like T’Vondre Sweat and Vernon Broughton can take on larger roles and provide consistent pressure in the trenches. Additionally, the coaching staff will need to identify incoming recruits or transfers who can help solidify the line and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The strength of the Texas defense will be largely determined by the play of the defensive line, as it is responsible for both stopping the run and putting pressure on the passer. Without strong play up front, it will be difficult for the rest of the defense to succeed. The Longhorns must find a way to maintain the defensive line’s effectiveness in 2025, and how they adapt to the losses of Coburn and Murphy will be a defining factor for the season.
2. Can the Secondary Overcome the Loss of Key Players?
The Texas secondary has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, but it faces its own set of challenges heading into 2025. The Longhorns will lose some of their top defensive backs, including cornerbacks Jerrin Thompson and Kiernan Swann, both of whom have been key contributors in the secondary. Replacing these two players, who were reliable in coverage and effective at creating turnovers, will be no small task.
One of the most pressing questions facing the Texas defense is how well the secondary will perform without these experienced players. Will rising stars like Jaylon Guilbeau and Jalen Catalon be able to step into more prominent roles? Can the Longhorns find new players in their recruitment class or the transfer portal who can contribute immediately?
The play of the secondary will be pivotal in 2025, especially with the increasing reliance on passing offenses in college football. If Texas is to remain competitive in the Big 12 and beyond, the secondary will need to maintain its ability to lock down wide receivers and limit big plays. This will be especially important against high-powered offenses that rely on dynamic quarterbacks and wide receivers.
3. How Will the Linebackers Adjust to New Coaching and Schemes?
The linebacker corps for Texas has been a source of both promise and inconsistency over the past few seasons. With the departure of key players like Demarco Murray and Juwan Mitchell, the Longhorns will need to reload and find new leaders at linebacker. One of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 season is how the linebackers will adjust to new coaching and defensive schemes.
Under new defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas has transitioned to a more aggressive defensive style that puts greater emphasis on attacking the quarterback and disrupting plays behind the line of scrimmage. While this shift has shown promise, it will take time for the linebackers to fully grasp their roles in this new system.
The Longhorns will need their linebackers to be versatile, playing both in coverage and as pass rushers. Players like Jaylan Ford and Morven Joseph will be expected to take on more responsibility and lead the defense. The question is whether they can consistently execute in both areas, especially in a conference filled with fast-paced offenses that challenge linebackers to be on top of their game every week.
Additionally, Texas will be looking for younger linebackers to step up and contribute immediately. The coaching staff will likely turn to players like Trevor Woods and Brandon Harris to provide depth and possibly even start in some cases. How well these players adapt to the new system and perform on the field will be critical in determining the overall success of the Texas defense.
4. Can the Defense Generate More Turnovers?
One area where the Texas defense has been inconsistent in recent years is in the turnover department. Turnovers are a critical part of any defense’s success, as they not only stop the opposing offense but also give the team’s own offense more opportunities to score. In 2025, Texas will need to find ways to create more turnovers to improve its overall defensive effectiveness.
While the Longhorns have been solid in terms of limiting big plays and defending against the pass, they have struggled to force turnovers consistently. Texas finished near the middle of the pack in turnover margin in 2024, and that lack of takeaways has hurt the team in key moments.
One key question is whether the Texas defense can become more aggressive in creating turnovers, particularly with its defensive line and linebackers. Players like Jerrin Thompson and Jaylon Guilbeau have the potential to be game-changers in the secondary, but they’ll need to develop a greater nose for the ball and make plays when the opportunity arises. Additionally, the defensive line must get more pressure on the quarterback to force errant throws and create turnovers.
If Texas can improve in the turnover department, it would go a long way in boosting the overall performance of the defense and putting the team in a better position to win games. The Longhorns will need to emphasize turnover creation in their defensive schemes and get the most out of their playmakers in 2025.
5. Will the Defensive Coaching Staff Be Able to Develop Young Talent?
The Texas Longhorns have made significant strides in recruiting top-tier talent to the defensive side of the ball in recent years. However, as with any program, the next step is developing that talent and turning raw recruits into polished, game-ready players. The coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, will play a critical role in the development of these young players.
The Longhorns have a strong crop of incoming recruits and transfers who will be looking to make an immediate impact in 2025. Players like Kelvontay Dixon, a freshman cornerback, and Ethan Burke, a promising defensive lineman, will be thrust into significant roles. The question is whether the Texas coaching staff will be able to effectively develop these young players and maximize their potential.
With the pressure to perform at a high level in the Big 12 and beyond, Texas can ill afford to rely solely on veteran players. The team needs to develop its young talent quickly, and the coaching staff will need to create an environment that fosters growth and improvement. If the defense can tap into the potential of its younger players, it will be a significant advantage for the team in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
As the Texas Longhorns prepare for the 2025 season, the defense faces several key questions that will determine the team’s success. From adjusting to key departures along the defensive line and secondary to developing young talent, the Longhorns must find answers to these challenges in order to stay competitive in the Big 12 and on the national stage. With a strong coaching staff, talented recruits, and a renewed sense of focus, Texas has the potential to field one of the most formidable defenses in the country. However, the answers to these five key questions will ultimately determine whether or not the Longhorns can take that next step in their pursuit of a national championship.
