With college football in full swing in just over a month, nationwide programs are preparing for the 2024 campaign. While the Texas Longhorns have been busy adding to their roster, there is room for improvement. On Friday, ESPN ranked each team’s weakness, and for the Longhorns, it was their pass defense.
Last season, the Longhorns ranked No. 116 in pass defense, allowing 254.4 yards per game. Michael Penix Jr. took advantage of their struggles in the Sugar Bowl, completing 76 % of his passes for 420 yards. The spring game provided little encouragement as the quarterbacks lit up the defense. Despite their struggles, Texas has added a few talented players in the last few months.
The new faces include safety Andrew Mukuba and linebacker Trey Moore in the transfer portal. They will also welcome five-star edge rusher Colin Simmons, who will hope to help improve a pass rush that finished 63rd in sack rate last season.
Although the Longhorns are projected to have a talented offense, they need the defense to step up. They finished last season with 12 wins but are now in a tough conference with a smaller room for error. Disrupting the passing game would go a long way in making a good first impression in the SEC.
How the passing defense improves will be a storyline to watch when the Longhorns are back in action.