Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst, recently discussed the potential of the Texas Longhorns’ defense for the upcoming 2025 season. Despite the departure of key players like defensive back Jahdae Barron, McElroy believes that Texas possesses the “highest upside” among Southeastern Conference (SEC) defenses. He highlighted the presence of several high-level players returning, contributing to a “star-studded” defensive lineup. However, McElroy also acknowledged certain uncertainties due to these personnel changes, suggesting that while Texas has a high ceiling, there are still unknown factors that could influence their performance.
In the previous season, the Longhorns led the SEC defensively, limiting opponents to an average of 4.4 yards per play. This strong performance sets a high benchmark for the upcoming season, aligning with McElroy’s optimistic outlook for the team’s defensive capabilities.
McElroy also discussed other SEC teams, noting that while Texas has significant potential, teams like Alabama could also emerge as defensive powerhouses in the 2025 season.