What is the 2024 Texas roster missing, and how does Steve Sarkisian fill those holes ahead of 2025?

Texas doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses, but like any championship-contending team, there’s always room to enhance the roster through recruiting and the transfer portal. Steve Sarkisian has done a remarkable job building a team capable of competing for national titles. But there’s always room for improvement.

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Here’s a more detailed look at two key areas for Texas moving forward.

Star/Nickel

If Jaylon Guilbeau declares for the NFL Draft, Texas has several promising players who are poised to take over this critical role. Each of these players brings a unique skill set that aligns with the versatile and demanding nature of the star/nickel position.

• Warren Roberson: Roberson is an exciting prospect with the physical tools to excel. He’s a high-upside player who is still refining his game, but his raw athleticism and physicality stand out. Roberson is capable of defending the run with a strong, sturdy frame, and has an ability to shed blocks and make tackles in open space. His combination of speed and length also allows him to cover receivers effectively, making him a versatile option who can handle both man coverage responsibilities and zone concepts. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to become a true game-changer in this role.

• Jordon Johnson-Rubell: Johnson-Rubell, a standout freshman, has already demonstrated advanced instincts and quick reflexes while playing safety, which are crucial for the star/nickel position. His agility and speed allow him to mirror receivers in space, making him effective in coverage against slot receivers and tight ends. What sets Johnson-Rubell apart is his physicality. Despite his youth, he isn’t afraid to step up in run support and make hard-hitting tackles near the line of scrimmage. His football intelligence also gives him an edge, as he quickly processes plays and adjusts his positioning accordingly. The Longhorns’ current need has him in the deep defensive backfield, but he’s likely poised to take on a larger role and could thrive as a playmaker on defense closer to the line of scrimmage.

• Santana Wilson: With a strong football lineage—his father is former NFL safety Adrian Wilson—Santana Wilson brings an ideal blend of size, physicality, and athleticism, which makes him a good fit for the star/nickel role. Wilson’s ability to play physical in run defense, combined with his fluidity in coverage, makes him a versatile defender. He’s can cover larger, more physical receivers and tight ends.

Offensive Line

The offensive line will face a major transition, with the likely departure of key players like Kelvin Banks, Jake Majors, Hayden Conner, and possibly Cam Williams and DJ Campbell. While Texas has recruited well, replacing such experienced talent is a challenge that will require a combination of internal development and potential help from the transfer portal.

• Key Challenge: The Texas offensive line has been outstanding in pass protection and has the athleticism to execute outside zone runs effectively. However, the unit has struggled to generate the necessary vertical push in the inside run game. This lack of physical dominance up front has limited Texas’ ability to run inside zone with consistency, which is an area they’ll need to improve moving forward. The team needs more “maulers”—powerful interior linemen who can physically overwhelm defenders and create running lanes between the tackles.

• Possible Solution: While Texas has young talent developing behind the current starters, bringing in a veteran lineman through the transfer portal could provide an immediate boost. The ideal addition would be an experienced, physical run-blocker with the ability to anchor the middle of the line. This type of player would help Texas generate the push needed for inside runs, allowing the offense to maintain balance between the outside zone and inside zone schemes, while also preserving the strong pass protection that has been a hallmark of the unit.

Defensive Tackle

The Longhorns are could lose all of the following players from the defensive tackle position after this year: Bill Norton, Vernon Broughton, Alfred Collins, Tiaoalii Savea, and Jermayne Lole. Those five make up the bulk of the snaps at defensive tackle, part of the reason why Texas is looking to go big at the position in the 2025 class.

• Possible Solution: Josiah Sharma, Myron Charles, and two more is the plan for Texas in this class. But as the old adage goes, the closer to the ball you play the harder it is to get on the field immediately. A quartet from the high school ranks would help Kenny Baker‘s pipeline, but the Longhorns are likely portal shopping for a handful of guys to play the position in year two in the SEC.

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Overall Outlook

Texas is in an excellent position for the future, thanks to a blend of young, developing talent and the potential to bring in experienced veterans. At the star/nickel position, players like Roberson, Johnson-Rubell, and Wilson provide promising options, each with the skills to excel in this hybrid role. On the offensive line, while Texas faces significant turnover, strategic additions—particularly in the interior—could elevate the entire offense. With a few key moves, Texas can solidify its roster and remain a legitimate national championship contender.