How this transfer could make a difference for the Texas football defense in 2025
How This Transfer Could Make a Difference for the Texas Football Defense in 2025
The Texas Longhorns have been building momentum under Steve Sarkisian as their head coach, and with a solid 2025 recruiting class on the horizon, the team is looking to strengthen all areas, especially its defense. One of the most significant developments in college football today is the ability of teams to acquire talent through the transfer portal, and for Texas, adding a key transfer player could make a world of difference for their defense in 2025.
Texas is not far removed from being one of the most dominant teams in college football, but they have struggled to consistently perform at the highest level. One area of consistent focus has been the Longhorns’ defense, particularly their ability to pressure the quarterback, control the line of scrimmage, and limit explosive plays. But the potential addition of a standout transfer player could be the final piece to complete a defense that has the talent and depth to compete with the best in the nation. In this article, we will explore how a specific transfer player could elevate Texas’ defense in 2025.
1. Addressing Defensive Line Depth
The Texas Longhorns’ defense has seen improvements in recent years, but they have struggled with maintaining consistency along the defensive line, especially when it comes to generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In 2024, while there were flashes of greatness, Texas was still inconsistent in terms of its pass rush and run defense. This inconsistency has been a key reason why their defense has not yet reached the level of elite programs like Georgia, Alabama, or Clemson.
The addition of a high-caliber transfer defensive lineman could drastically improve Texas’ ability to dominate the trenches, a critical aspect of any great defense. Players like Jared Verse from Florida State or Tyler Davis from Clemson, who have already proven themselves on the national stage, would immediately step into the starting lineup and provide the Longhorns with a potent force up front.
Why It Matters for 2025:
In modern college football, a strong defensive line can create chaos for quarterbacks and disrupt offenses before they have a chance to settle in. With a defensive line capable of both pressuring the quarterback and containing the run, the Texas defense would have the tools to dictate the pace of games. A transfer lineman who is already proven at a high level would be a game-changer, allowing the defensive backfield to make plays on the ball, knowing the pressure up front would force quarterbacks into mistakes.
2. Improving the Pass Rush
Texas has been missing a true edge rusher who can disrupt quarterbacks on a consistent basis. In the Big 12, where high-scoring games are often the norm, being able to pressure the quarterback without needing to blitz is crucial. A pass rusher who can collapse the pocket, force hurried throws, and sack the quarterback at a high rate is a key weapon in any defense.
In the 2025 season, the Longhorns will likely face explosive offenses led by quarterbacks with quick release times and deep threat wide receivers. For Texas to succeed, they need to improve their ability to get to the quarterback and generate negative plays. The acquisition of a transfer edge rusher with a proven track record of sacking quarterbacks would be invaluable.
Possible Transfer Candidates:
A name like Jalen Redmond, an edge rusher from Oklahoma, who already has a knack for getting to the quarterback, could be a significant addition. Alternatively, a player like Derrick Hall from Auburn, who possesses elite speed and bend, could transform Texas’ pass rush. These transfers would immediately give the Longhorns someone who can make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks and force them into mistakes, which is especially important in the high-stakes Big 12 games.
Why It Matters for 2025:
With a quarterback like Caleb Williams potentially coming to Texas in 2025, the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks is paramount. The addition of a proven edge rusher could make Texas one of the toughest teams in the country to play against, making the quarterback’s job increasingly difficult and helping the secondary create turnovers. A strong pass rush also puts less pressure on the secondary, allowing the defensive backs to cover for shorter periods and make more plays on the ball.
3. Boosting the Secondary with a Shutdown Cornerback
The Texas secondary has shown flashes of brilliance but has often been inconsistent. Against high-powered offenses, there have been times when Texas’ cornerbacks have struggled to cover elite wide receivers, giving up big plays that turned the tide of games. In 2025, with the likely emergence of strong offensive opponents, the Texas defense will need a cornerback who can shut down top-tier wide receivers on an island and allow the rest of the defense to function more effectively.
Why It’s Important:
A lockdown cornerback would allow the Texas defense to focus more on pressuring the quarterback and less on covering elite wideouts. With the rise of pass-happy offenses, having a cornerback who can handle the top receiver on an opposing team is invaluable. Texas’ defensive coordinator could implement more exotic blitzes and pressure packages, knowing that one of the cornerbacks would hold up on the outside.
Possible Transfer Candidates:
One of the most notable cornerbacks in the transfer portal could be Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama, who would add immediate credibility and capability to the secondary. Another option could be Eli Ricks from LSU, who is known for his ability to shut down receivers with his ball skills and physicality. McKinstry or Ricks would be perfect fits for Texas, instantly upgrading the secondary and providing the Longhorns with the ability to match up with some of the best receiving corps in the country.
Why It Matters for 2025:
With improved play from the cornerback position, the Longhorns’ defense would be able to focus on creating turnovers and forcing offenses to make mistakes. A shutdown cornerback would provide more flexibility for the defensive coordinator to attack opposing offenses, knowing that the secondary could handle their business in coverage. This would also allow the front seven to be more aggressive and force opponents into third-and-long situations.
4. Reinforcing the Linebacker Corps
Another area in need of attention for the Texas defense is their linebacking group. While the Longhorns have solid players at linebacker, they haven’t always had the dominant force that can truly control the middle of the field. Linebackers who can cover in space, stuff the run, and rush the passer are crucial for a defense to perform at a high level.
Why It’s Important for 2025:
The linebacker position is the heart of a defense, and a strong linebacker can be a game-changer in a variety of ways. Texas needs a player who can not only cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game but also read and react quickly to running plays. Linebackers who can make plays in both areas are integral to stopping high-powered offenses that attack both the run and pass game.
Possible Transfer Candidates:
The transfer portal could provide a game-changing linebacker, and a player like Henry To’o To’o from Alabama would be a huge addition. To’o To’o is a linebacker who has experience at the highest level and can be an all-around player who makes an impact in every facet of the game. Another viable option could be Errol Thompson from Mississippi State, a linebacker with great instincts and the ability to read plays quickly.
Why It Matters for 2025:
Having a linebacker who can cover sideline-to-sideline and play in all situations is invaluable for Texas in 2025. If they can add a top-tier linebacker via the transfer portal, the Longhorns would have the ability to stop both the run and the pass more effectively. This would give the team the versatility to attack offenses from multiple angles and strengthen the defense as a whole.
5. Building Depth and Leadership
Beyond just adding immediate talent, the Longhorns need players who will lead by example on and off the field. The leadership and experience that comes with a seasoned transfer player can make a huge difference for a defense that will likely be young and unproven in 2025. Players who can mentor younger guys, bring experience to the locker room, and communicate well in crucial moments are essential for building a championship-caliber defense.
Why It’s Important for 2025:
Leadership on defense allows for better cohesion and execution during high-pressure situations. The addition of a transfer player who brings leadership to the field would help ensure that the Longhorns’ defense stays poised in key moments of the game, especially in tight contests against rival teams or in postseason play.
