The countdown to Texas football is down to 61 days, and we've made our way to the defensive side of the ball. Today, we'll focus on the depth of what could be the deepest room on the roster, the interior defensive line. The Longhorns return multiple major contributors from 2025 and strong portal additions ready to contribute.
Starters: Hero Kanu and Alex January
These are the two leaders in this room to me. "Starters" could be the wrong moniker, considering the amount of rotation that'll happen here. However, I expect No. 93 and No. 97 to be out there together more than any other combination. Kanu has gained buzz early in the offseason for the 2027 NFL Draft. January is more of an unknown, but I(and many others) believe a breakout is coming this season. Kanu-January could join Sweat-Murphy and Broughton-Collins among the special DT duos in recent Texas football history.
Consistent Contributors: Justus Terry, Josiah Sharma, Maraad Watson, Ian Geffrard
It's hard to find where to cut off the next group. However, I expect this group to consistently rotate at least six players at this position and these are the four I've separated. Justus Terry not only has the highest ceiling of this group, but likely the highest ceiling of the entire DT room. I expect him to shine in Will Muschamp's defense all over the defensive line.
Josiah Sharma, Maraad Watson and Ian Geffrard seem to be the favorite options for a true nose tackle. That wasn't a consistent thing in Kwiatkowski's defense but it seems it will be under Muschamp. I believe this trio will fulfill the needs of this position and then some, it's just a matter of their order. I'd tab Watson as the "breakout" star among the bunch but Sharma is another name to keep an eye on. Geffrard could start the season as the go-to player at nose tackle, but Watson and Sharma take over as the season goes on.
Depth Pieces: Myron Charles, Zion Williams, James Johnson, Elijah Ali
These are the four other players that could factor into the rotation in some capacity. Charles and Williams could very well play in the majority of Texas' games but I don't expect many snaps in those games. Johnson and Ali are the two freshmen in the unit and while talented, are likely looking at 2027 as their first true chance to contribute.
This unit is one I believe has the "highest floor" on the entire team. Hero Kanu and Alex January are one of the stronger DT duos you'll find in the country. Justus Terry, Maraad Watson and Josiah Sharma seem to be heading for true breakout seasons. Ian Geffrard adds a physical, experienced nose tackle in short-yardage situations. This group will be good in my opinion but if Terry and Watson take the step forward I expect, they could be one of the best units in the country.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Hero Kanu, Alex January leads deep IDL room
