During the first two months of the college football season, defense has been a strength for the Texas Longhorns. While they have a roster full of talent, two players who have stood out are Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba. Due to their play, they have been named quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Through seven games, the Longhorns lead the nation in scoring defense (9.7 ppg) and total defense (237.3 ypg). They also rank ninth in interceptions with 10. With Barron and Mukuba at the center of their success, the Longhorns have been one of the best teams in the country.
In his senior season, Barron has recorded 26 total tackles and added three interceptions to his resume. He currently leads the team in interceptions with three and pass break-ups with five. Last week against Georgia, the Texas native had one of his best games of the season, snagging a career-high two interceptions.
This is brilliant from Andrew Mukuba.
No work? Find workFrom his flats responsibility, Mukuba finds the dig route from the opposite side of the field via Beck’s eyes. Heck of a play.
Credit to Trey Moore on the pressure as well. pic.twitter.com/itv16d2uUK
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) October 21, 2024
While Barron has been an anchor on defense, he has also gotten some help from Mukuba, who has made headlines with his play. Through seven games, the talented defensive back recorded 18 solo tackles and two pass break-ups. In the Longhorns’ loss to Georgia on Saturday, he snagged two interceptions, becoming the first Longhorn with two interceptions in a game since D’Shawn Jamison in 2019.
Although the Longhorns are chasing a national title, they will be watching how voting for the Lott IMPACT Trophy unfolds. They have two very deserving candidates in Mukuba and Barron, who are only getting better as the games pile up. The finalists will be revealed on December 9 at the annual Lott IMPACT® Trophy award show in Las Vegas.