Texas DT Alfred Collins announces return for another season

Alfred Collins’ return is as big a win as any portal loss for Texas for 2024.

Alfred Collins is coming back. The defensive tackle announced that he will return to Texas for another season on the Forty Acres.

The Texas Longhorns have endured some big losses both to the transfer portal and the NFL draft. But the news of Collins’ return lofts Texas back into contention for a 12-team playoff barring unforeseen departures.

Outside of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and his pending decision, Collins might be the most important of potential returning players for the team. His importance stems from just how vital its starting defensive tackles were last season.

T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy were two of the best defensive tackles in college football this season. Texas was going to have drop off at the position, but the question at defensive tackle revolved around how severe of a drop off. With Collins in the fold, the Longhorns’ prospects move positively toward contention.

The returning playmaker has been effective and will likely be one of the best defensive tackles in the nation in 2024. The question will be who Texas plays beside him. Fellow defensive tackle Vernon Broughton will likely see plenty of playing time in the rotation, but isn’t big enough to play nose tackle.

Aaron Bryant and Jaray Bledsoe are young, but could factor into the defensive tackle equation alongside freshman defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell. That said, its fair to assume Texas will look to add depth at the position if not another impact starter.

The most important aspect of the position group is that Texas returns its most impactful player outside of Sweat and Murphy. Look for Collins to have the late breakout season Sweat and Keondre Coburn enjoyed in final seasons in Austin.