Texas has a historically special pass defense in 2024
The 2024 Texas Longhorns are well on their way to a historical season, particularly with their pass defense. The group has made strides with the new additions after losses of large snap count holders Ryan Watts, Jalen Catalon, Jerrin Thompson and Terrance Brooks. So much so that this may be the best pass defense anyone has ever seen in the burnt orange.
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The strides this Texas defense has made from 2023 is nothing short of remarkable. The addition of Andrew Mukuba has been big but perhaps the biggest development of the offseason was Jaylon Guilbeau’s ascension at Star (nickel). This allowed Jahdae Barron to slide over to corner and further prove himself to the NFL.
That’s worked out better than anyone could have imagined, except perhaps, Michael Huff. Barron has adhered to the reminder from Michael Huff that wearing the No. 7 is an honor and you gotta ball out. Ball out he has.
The addition of Mukuba, a playmaker with range, in tandem with the very good Michael Taaffe has bolstered safety play year over year. Before his injury, Derek Williams was playing well. We’ve also seen flashes of Jelani McDonald‘s tremendous range and upside.
It’s not only the starters who deserve credit but also key depth players who continue to play well. It is a good thing to forget about players like Gavin Holmes and Kobe Black. It means they aren’t allowing big plays when they are subbed in.
All these changes, along with continued development and cohesion, have allowed Texas to put forth a season that is sure to go down in the record books. The coaching from Terry Joseph and Blake Gideon obviously deserves credit. They have created an extremely cohesive, assignment sound defense.
The improvement is truly remarkable.
Overall, the Texas defense has made its mark with an incredible season. It’s good even when you compare it across all of the FBS since the year 2000 when Mack Brown was headed into his third year of coaching. For some perspective, that is 3,094 total teams.
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During that timeframe, Texas ranks No. 1 in Yards Per Completion, No. 5 in Yards Per Attempt, and No. 11 in Passing Yards Per Game. Again that is out of 3,094 teams in D1 football!
This is a season that is truly remarkable. This level of defensive play should not be taken for granted.
With the two looming opponents on the schedule not looking like world beaters in the passing attack, Texas could strengthen its claims as one of, if not the best, pass defenses in the last quarter century. Kentucky and Texas A&M have both been reliant on the run game to primarily drive their offenses.
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With the possibility of a 15-17 game season in which the competition only continues to get tougher and likely more talented than previous teams, Texas will have to play even better to hold onto this level of domination. If they do, it will frankly be more impressive than any of the 10-13 game seasons you see listed above.
