Texas Football: Projected 2023 defensive 2-deep upon Jaylan Ford’s return

Defensive line

Texas’ depth will be put to the test along the defensive line in 2023. While there is plenty of talent in the fold along the defensive line, Bo Davis and the Longhorns will have their work cut out for them to replace the duo of Ojomo and Coburn.

Left defensive tackle

Starter: T’Vondre Sweat, Senior

Backup: Kris Ross, Redshirt freshman

A solidified spot among the true defensive linemen for the Longhorns will be held down by returning senior T’Vondre Sweat. The fifth-year senior defensive tackle had his best season in college to date in 2022 and will be looked to as a leader for this front in 2023.

Second-year defensive linemen Kris Ross, Jaray Bledsoe, and Aaron Bryant could also be in line to compete for reps on the two-deep at defensive tackle.

Nose tackle

Starter: Byron Murphy II, Junior

Backup: Sydir Mitchell, Freshman

Nose tackle will be the most solidified spot on the two-deep heading into spring ball if incoming freshman and former blue-chip recruit Sydir Mitchell looks the part. Ahead of Mitchell on the depth chart at nose tackle should be rising junior Byron Murphy II.

Right defensive tackle

Starter: Alfred Collins, Senior

Backup: Vernon Broughton, Junior

The other defensive tackle spot could be turned into more of an open competition heading into spring ball. Rising senior defensive lineman Alfred Collins could be in line to finally secure a starting spot and start to reach his massive ceiling in his fourth year on campus.

Rising junior Vernon Broughton is also a name to watch here as he made some noise coming out of camp last year.

We could also see PK and the Longhorns elect to play more of a true 2-4-5 defensive scheme next season, which would mean that Sweat and Murphy are the two likely starting three-technique defensive linemen in 2023.