Expert: Texas Longhorns Defense Has ‘Highest Upside’ in SEC Despite Question Marks

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their first full season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), all eyes are on how they will adjust to one of the most physically demanding and competitive leagues in college football. While the offense has garnered much of the attention—thanks to standout players like quarterback Quinn Ewers and running back Bijan Robinson—the defense is where many experts see the team’s biggest potential for growth. According to several analysts and coaches, the Texas Longhorns’ defense has one of the highest upsides in the entire SEC, despite some lingering question marks.

At first glance, the defense may appear to be a work in progress. But underneath the surface, there are numerous indicators that point to a unit with immense potential, capable of competing with the best of the SEC. With a mix of returning veterans, talented transfers, and rising stars, the Texas defense has the chance to be both dominant and versatile in 2025.

The Current State of the Texas Longhorns Defense

The Texas Longhorns’ defense, under head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, has seen significant improvement over the past few years. However, it still has room for development. In 2024, the Longhorns’ defense ranked in the middle of the pack in most statistical categories in the Big 12, which was both a disappointment and a point of pride for the program. While Texas had a solid defense, it wasn’t a game-changer, especially when compared to some of the more dominant SEC defenses like Alabama or Georgia.

But in 2025, the expectations are different. With new players stepping into key roles and a more experienced roster, the Texas defense is primed for significant improvement. The defensive front seven has the potential to be one of the most disruptive units in the SEC, while the secondary has depth and talent that could make it one of the best in the conference, despite some unproven spots.

Strengths of the Defense: Front Seven

One of the most exciting features of the 2025 Texas defense is its front seven, which has the potential to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and running backs. The front seven is arguably where the Texas Longhorns have the most upside, and many experts believe it’s the unit that could make the biggest impact in the SEC.

At defensive tackle, the Longhorns return Keondre Coburn, a veteran who has shown flashes of brilliance in his career. Coburn, known for his ability to clog up running lanes and create pressure on the quarterback, has the physicality and explosiveness to make a huge difference in SEC play. Next to Coburn, Byron Murphy II is another key piece in the interior. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound sophomore has shown great promise with his ability to control the line of scrimmage, and many experts believe he’s poised for a breakout year in 2025. Together, these two players form a formidable inside duo, capable of stifling running plays and collapsing the pocket.

The edge rushers for Texas could be a game-changing strength. Ovie Oghoufo, a former transfer from Notre Dame, has shown his ability to get after the quarterback, while Baron Browning has the speed and agility to cause problems off the edge. These players have the skill set to wreak havoc in the backfield, a critical factor in the SEC, where teams rely heavily on the run game. The ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offensive timing will be crucial for Texas in keeping opposing offenses off balance.

In addition to the starters, Texas has a wealth of depth on the defensive line. Players like Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton provide excellent rotational options, giving the Longhorns flexibility and depth that can keep their defensive front fresh throughout the game. With so much depth, Texas will be able to rotate fresh legs in and out of the lineup, maintaining a high level of intensity.

Linebacker play is another strength for Texas, with the Longhorns returning Jerrin Thompson, who has emerged as a reliable and instinctive linebacker. Thompson’s leadership and versatility will be key as Texas looks to improve against both the run and the pass. DeMarvion Overshown, a former safety turned linebacker, provides a unique blend of speed and strength, capable of covering ground quickly and making plays sideline to sideline. Both players have the potential to be stars in the SEC, especially when tasked with shutting down high-powered offenses.

Secondary: Talented But Unproven

While the front seven has the potential to be one of the best in the conference, the secondary is where the most questions remain for the Texas Longhorns. Despite several highly rated recruits and some transfers, there are still concerns about whether the Longhorns can consistently cover SEC-caliber receivers, who tend to be bigger, faster, and more talented than what Texas has faced in previous seasons.

One of the biggest bright spots in the secondary is Jerrin Thompson, who, after spending time at linebacker, has now returned to his roots as a safety. Thompson, known for his ball skills and football IQ, could be a game-changer in the secondary, capable of making key interceptions and being a major playmaker. However, behind Thompson, there are still some question marks.

Austin Jordan, a young cornerback, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains somewhat untested at the highest level. He will need to show he can handle the elite speed and route-running ability that SEC receivers possess. Meanwhile, Kitan Crawford has the physical tools to be a lockdown corner, but he too will have to prove himself on a consistent basis against top-tier SEC competition.

At safety, Texas is hoping that transfer Jalen Catalon can provide some stability and leadership in the backend. Catalon, who transferred from Arkansas, is a former All-SEC performer who brings a wealth of experience and leadership. His ability to read the quarterback and make quick decisions will be crucial for a Texas secondary that will face some of the best offenses in college football.

One of the major concerns in the secondary is depth. While Texas has talent at the top of the depth chart, injuries or poor performances could expose the team’s lack of proven depth. In the SEC, where teams frequently rotate wide receivers and run multiple offensive sets, having depth in the secondary is crucial to sustaining success throughout the season.

Key Factors for Success: Coach Kwiatkowski’s Scheme and Development

The Texas Longhorns’ defense has plenty of talent, but a key component in its potential success is the scheme and coaching of Pete Kwiatkowski, the defensive coordinator. Kwiatkowski, known for his ability to develop aggressive and smart defenses, will be tasked with getting the most out of his players. He has a history of making defenses that are both fundamentally sound and capable of generating turnovers.

In 2025, Kwiatkowski will have to adjust his scheme to the increased physicality of SEC offenses. This means emphasizing toughness at the point of attack, ensuring that his defensive linemen and linebackers are prepared for the powerful running games and dynamic quarterbacks that dominate in the SEC. Kwiatkowski will also need to find ways to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks without overcommitting to blitzing, which could leave the secondary exposed against elite SEC wide receivers.

A significant strength of Kwiatkowski’s defensive schemes is his ability to tailor his approach based on the opponent. Against teams that like to run the ball, Kwiatkowski will likely focus on creating a stout defensive line and using his linebackers to cover the gaps. When facing teams with potent passing games, Kwiatkowski has shown that he can adapt his coverage schemes to keep opposing quarterbacks from having a clean pocket or wide-open receivers.

Additionally, Kwiatkowski’s ability to develop young players will be vital to the success of the defense. The Longhorns have several highly touted recruits and transfers in the pipeline, and Kwiatkowski’s ability to get the best out of them in the high-pressure SEC environment will be key. His track record suggests that he’s more than capable of getting his players to perform at a high level, even in their first season in a new conference.

Looking Ahead: The SEC Test

As the Texas Longhorns look ahead to the 2025 season, their defense will be under the microscope. The SEC is a conference known for its physicality, its depth, and its ability to overwhelm teams with both power running games and explosive passing offenses. While Texas’ defense has its share of question marks, particularly in the secondary, the upside is undeniable.

With a front seven that has the potential to be one of the best in the league, a defensive scheme that emphasizes adaptability and aggression, and a roster full of talented players, the Texas defense is poised to make a significant impact in the SEC. Whether they can put it all together remains to be seen, but there is no denying that the Longhorns have the talent and coaching to compete with the best.

A Defense with High Upside

Despite lingering questions about certain positions, the Texas Longhorns’ defense in 2025 has one of the highest upsides in the SEC. With a dynamic and deep front seven, talented playmakers like Jerrin Thompson and Jalen Catalon, and a coaching staff that knows how to maximize its players’ potential, Texas has the pieces to be one of the toughest defenses in college football.

If the secondary can step up and meet the challenges of facing some of the best offenses in the SEC, the Longhorns have the potential to make a serious run not just in the SEC, but nationally as well. The question now is whether this defense can live up to its high expectations—and if they do, the Longhorns could be on their way to establishing themselves as one of the top programs in the country.