Defensive Position Rankings: The Longhorns DL will be elite in 2026

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Defensive Position Rankings: The Longhorns DL will be elite in 2026

Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire · Longhorns Wire

Wed, Mar 25, 2026 ·

3 min read

1. Defensive Tackle

This might be the best position group on the entire team. Hero Kanu, Alex January, Justus Terry is an elite trio that will likely be the leaders on the field in 2026. Then, you add Ian Geffrard, Josiah Sharma, Maraad Watson and more that can give you valuable reps throughout the season. This is an elite group that not only should be incredibly stingy against the run, but dangerous pass rushers in Kanu and Terry. This is a group I'm 100% sure will be downright elite in 2026.

2. EDGE

The edge room has the best player on the team and the best defensive player in the country, Colin Simmons. After that, Lance Jackson, Colton Vasek and Zina Umeozulu represent a strong backup group. Lance Jackson is the player that can take this group from great and nearly unstoppable. If teams have to pick whether to leave Simmons 1-on-1 or be terrorized by #40, this Texas defense will be impossible to deal with. Two others to watch here: Brad Spence and Justus Terry. Those two will get reps at EDGE throughout the season and can make impact plays in big moments.

3. Cornerbacks

I love the CB room Texas has. Bo Mascoe is made the most popular player early in spring camp, getting rave reviews all over the place. Kade Phillips and Graceson Littleton should build off strong freshman seasons and factor into the All-SEC discussion. Then, it's Kobe Black, Warren Roberson, Wardell Mack and more guys filling the gaps. To me, this room will be two-deep with guys I trust getting snaps on Saturdays. Mascoe, Littleton and Phillips lead the way but the depth is what makes this room special.

4. Linebackers

This is a room I'm likely less worried about than most of Longhorn Nation. To me, Rasheem Biles and Ty'Anthony Smith are one of the best LB duos in the country heading into the season. The depth is a question but between Brad Spence, Justin Cryer, Tyler Atkinson and the other freshmen(Cummings, Okpala), I believe the answers will reveal themselves. As long as there are not multiple injuries in this room, I expect the LBs to answer many of the questions Texas fans have this season.

5. Safeties

This safety unit is the worst unit on the defense. That's not to say it is a "bad" unit, but it does lack the depth other spots have. Jelani McDonald is an All-American level player but this group will come down to how dynamic he's allowed to be. If Filsaime, Williams Jr. and others can free him up, this group will be as elite as can be. If he's forced to cover for others in the group, like Taaffe did last season, it'll be a good but not great group that leaves meat on the bone in 2026. I'm bullish on Derek Williams Jr. making his way back to his freshman form, but that's almost a must for this unit to excel and that's a question.