Texas Football: Predicting Longhorns’ Week 1 two-deep depth chart

Mike linebacker

Starter: Jaylan Ford (SR)

Backup: Jett Bush (SR) OR Liona Lefau (FR)

Not only the most important linebacker for the Longhorns this year but also the most important player for this entire unit is senior standout middle linebacker, Jaylan Ford. The preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and deserved 2022 Big 12 DPOY, Ford, emerged as a real playmaker for Texas last season.

Ford is one of the team leaders on defense this season. He’s emerged as a vocal leader and a leader by example in the locker room and on the practice field this offseason.

A committee rotation could be backing up Ford at mike linebacker this fall, involving senior Jett Bush and true freshman Liona Lefau.

Will linebacker

Starter: David Gbenda (RS-SR)

Backup: Morice Blackwell Jr. (JR) OR Anthony Hill Jr. (FR)

A position still up in the air heading into Week 1 against Rice is will linebacker. Redshirt senior linebacker David Gbenda looks to be the starter at weakside backer heading into the season. But we expect Hill to push Gbenda for the starting reps at will linebacker as the season progresses.

Junior linebacker Morice Blackwell Jr. is reportedly expected to miss a few weeks early this season with a lower-body injury. But Blackwell will also rotate at will linebacker during the season. Blackwell will see time at will and sam linebacker this fall.