The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners have officially departed the Big 12 and joined the SEC as of July 1.
In a recent episode of Always College Football, Greg McElroy provided a preview of Texas heading into the 2024 season, ranking them No. 4 in his top 25 rankings. While McElroy expressed a strong liking for Texas, he did raise concerns about the team following the departures of T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II to the NFL. Sweat is now playing for the Tennessee Titans, while Murphy is on the roster of the Seattle Seahawks.
“I do have some concerns, though not major ones,” McElroy commented. “I believe replacing T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy will be quite challenging.”
Texas faced significant losses in talent following the departures of Sweat and Murphy. In the 2023 season, Sweat contributed 45 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and two sacks, while Murphy recorded 29 total tackles, eight and a half tackles for loss, and five sacks.
Defense is frequently credited with winning championships, as the saying goes. Texas relied on its strong defensive line last season to secure the Big 12 Championship and advance to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
However, there is a positive development for the Texas defense. Anthony Hill Jr., who was the team’s second-leading tackler last year with 67 total tackles as a true freshman, will be returning.
Texas kicks off the 2024 season against the Colorado State Rams on August 31st.
Be the first to comment