The 2025 Texas Longhorns football team features new interior defensive line talent, while Simmons aims to set a new sack record this season.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns are poised for an exciting campaign marked by fresh talent, strategic adjustments, and the continued pursuit of individual and team excellence. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are looking to build on their recent successes, solidify their defense, and make a strong bid for national prominence.

This preview delves into two focal points for the Longhorns in 2025: the infusion of new talent along the interior defensive line and the ambitious goal of linebacker/safety star, DeMarvion Overshown Simmons, to set a new sack record.

The 2025 Outlook: A Program on the Rise

Since Sarkisian’s arrival, Texas football has seen a renaissance, blending high-powered offense with improved defensive schemes. The 2024 campaign showcased flashes of brilliance, but to truly contend for a Big 12 crown and beyond, the Longhorns need to bolster their defensive front, an area that has historically been a strength and a potential vulnerability.

The 2025 roster reflects a renewed focus on defensive line talent, especially on the interior, where new faces are expected to contribute immediately. Meanwhile, established stars like Simmons continue to evolve and aim for individual milestones, such as the all-time sack record.

New Faces on the Interior Defensive Line: Building a Fortress

The Importance of the Interior Defensive Line

In modern college football, the interior defensive line is pivotal. It anchors the run defense, collapses pockets, and creates opportunities for pass rushers to reach the quarterback. For Texas, strengthening this position has been a priority, especially after the team faced challenges against aggressive rushing offenses in recent seasons.

The 2025 recruiting class and transfer portal acquisitions have significantly bolstered the Longhorns’ interior line, adding depth, explosiveness, and athleticism.

Key Newcomers and Their Impact

• Derek LeBlanc (Transfer from LSU): A versatile 6’4″, 310-pound nose tackle known for his quick penetration and gap discipline. LeBlanc’s experience in SEC competition brings a toughness and maturity that Texas hopes will anchor the middle of the defensive line.
• Jalen Carter (Freshman): A highly-rated early enrollee from high school, Carter is a 6’3″, 290-pound powerhouse with exceptional quickness for his size. His high motor and disruptive ability could earn him significant playing time early in the season.
• Marcus Williams (Transfer from Georgia Tech): An athletic 6’2″, 305-pound lineman with the ability to disrupt passing lanes and clog running gaps. Williams’s agility and strength add a necessary dimension to the interior.
• Sophomore Development: Liam Johnson: A rising star in his second year, Johnson has bulked up to 295 pounds and is expected to take a leap forward as a disruptive force.

Defensive Scheme Adjustments

Sarkisian’s staff plans to deploy a more aggressive 3-4 base defense, emphasizing pressure up the middle and stunting schemes to free up linebackers and edge rushers. The new interior line personnel are critical to executing this scheme effectively, providing the push needed to collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing offenses.

Expectations and Competition

The competition at interior defensive line spots is fierce, with veteran players like Christopher Nelson and T’Vondre Sweat competing for starting roles alongside the newcomers. The coaching staff emphasizes that rotation will be vital to keep players fresh and maximize their disruptive potential.

Defensive Line Goals

• Improve run defense, allowing fewer yards per game.
• Increase total sacks from the 30s to over 40.
• Disrupt opposing quarterbacks consistently, leading to turnovers and negative plays.

Simmons’s Quest for the Sack Record: A Defensive Force

Who is DeMarvion Overshown Simmons?

DeMarvion Overshown Simmons, often called “Simmons,” is a dynamic linebacker/safety hybrid player who has become a cornerstone of Texas’s defense. Known for his versatility, sideline-to-sideline speed, and relentless pass-rushing effort, Simmons has already made a name for himself in college football.

As a senior in 2025, Simmons is chasing history. His goal is to set a new school and possibly NCAA record for sacks by a linebacker or defensive player, a feat that would cement his legacy at Texas.

Why the Sack Record Matters

While Simmons’s primary role is versatile—covering tight ends, dropping into coverage, and making tackles—his pass-rushing ability has become a hallmark. His knack for timing blitzes and relentless pursuit of the quarterback has led to numerous sack opportunities. Setting a sack record would not only showcase his individual talent but also demonstrate the Longhorns’ defensive prowess.

Career Highlights and Progression

• 2023 Season: Simmons burst onto the scene with 8 sacks, showcasing his pass-rushing skills alongside his coverage duties.
• 2024 Season: He improved to 12 sacks, earning All-Big 12 honors and national recognition as one of the top hybrid defenders in college football.
• 2025 Goals: Surpass the Texas record of 25 sacks held by former Longhorns linebacker Derrick Johnson and challenge the NCAA record.

Techniques and Attributes

Simmons’s success as a pass rusher is rooted in:

• Speed and Agility: His quick first step allows him to beat blockers and get to the quarterback.
• Instincts: He has an uncanny ability to diagnose plays and identify blitz opportunities.
• Strength: Despite his agility, Simmons’s strength allows him to shed blocks and maintain leverage.
• Work Ethic: His dedication to film study and conditioning is unparalleled.

Strategies to Reach the Record

• Increased Focus on Pass-Rushing: The coaching staff plans to design specific blitz packages and utilize Simmons’s talents in multiple defensive fronts.
• Exploiting Opponent Weaknesses: Opposing offenses often struggle against Texas’s aggressive front, providing Simmons opportunities to capitalize.
• Staying Healthy and Consistent: Durability and consistency are key; Simmons is committed to maintaining peak physical condition.

The Legacy and Impact

Achieving the sack record would elevate Simmons’s status among Texas legends and college football’s most prolific pass rushers. It would also serve as motivation for teammates and fans, embodying the Longhorns’ relentless defensive attitude.

Team Outlook and Key Matchups

While the spotlight is on the interior defensive line and Simmons’s record chase, Texas’s overall team strength hinges on several factors:

• Offensive Power: Led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a talented receiving corps, the offense aims to sustain high-scoring drives.
• Defense: The revamped interior line, combined with Simmons’s versatility, aims to be among the best in the nation.
• Schedule Challenges: Texas faces tough opponents early, including non-conference games and Big 12 rivals, which will test their depth and resilience.

The 2025 Texas Longhorns football team is a blend of promising young talent, seasoned veterans, and ambitious stars. The infusion of new interior defensive line talent aims to bolster their defensive backbone, making it tougher for opponents to run or pass with ease. Meanwhile, Simmons’s pursuit of the sack record adds an extra layer of excitement, inspiring teammates and fans alike.

With strategic scheming, relentless effort, and a bit of luck, the Longhorns could not only have a successful season but also leave a lasting legacy through individual achievements and team excellence. Fans are eager to watch how these stories unfold on the gridiron, confident that Texas’s 2025 campaign will be one to remember.