The Texas Longhorns are preparing to get ready for the upcoming football season that is less than a month away. The Big 12 Conference announced the conference portion of the schedule on Wednesday and Texas confirmed their matchup with UTEP. The defense is expected to be much better in year one under Chris Ash. Joseph Ossai and Demarvion Overshown will be playing new roles in a new defensive scheme.
One player expected to compete for a starting role was defensive end Marqez Bimage. The senior defensive end is reportedly opting out of the upcoming season. It was first reported by Anwar Richardson of Rivals. Bimage has splayed in 34 games as Richardson tweeted, he recorded 12 total tackles and one sack while appearing in every game in 2019.
Texas junior defensive end Marqez Bimage has opted out of the 2020 football season, according to my sources. He played in 34 career games and was expected to compete for a starting spot this season. pic.twitter.com/sf5QczNZwb
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) August 13, 2020
It remains unclear if Bimage will focus on returning in 2021 as he will have another year of eligibility remaining. His absence could open up opportunities for freshmen Vernon Broughton Jr and Alfred Collins.
Bimage becomes the first Texas Longhorn to opt out of the upcoming season while senior running back Daniel Young has opted out on the offensive side of the ball. Players who opt out of the season due to concerns over the coronavirus will keep their scholarship and remaining eligibility.
The Longhorns have no shortage of able bodies to play the position and get to the quarterback. However, this is still a blow to the defense. The team is currently in the midst of fall camp and getting ready for the opener. Best guess is that Moro Ojomo could be in the mix to start on the strong side of the defense.