Since we recently went over three offensive transfers that could play a big role for Texas in 2026, it's only fitting that we flip over to the defensive side of the ball.
Geffrard was the first player to commit to Texas in this year's transfer portal, and that's because he was their main target out of the gate. With Cole Brevard and Travis Shaw out of eligibility, the team needed to find a nose tackle for 2026.
If you look up "nose tackle" in the dictionary, there will be a picture of Geffrard. The 6'5", 387-pound behemoth was one of the most effective 0/1-technique defensive tackles in all of college football in 2025. Not only was he productive, but he played full-time snaps at that weight (over 460 total snaps). He should be a stalwart along the interior for Will Muschamp's defense next to Hero Kanu in 2026.
What? Justin Cryer and not Rasheem Biles? I'm not saying that Cryer will have more of an overall impact than Biles, but don't be surprised if he's on the field more than some think.
Cryer is an absolute menace as an interior blitzer and had a game last year for FSU where he had six QB pressures. He's also excellent against the run, being able to read and process well on a consistent basis. Will Muschamp has been known to favor bigger linebackers in the past, especially on early downs, so don't be surprised if Cryer is on the field just as much as Ty'Anthony Smith in 2026.
Mascoe was one of the lone bright spots on a bad Rutgers defense last season, so much so that he was recruited pretty heavily by a lot of Power Four programs in the portal. He brings size, experience, and surprisingly good run defense to Texas' cornerback room in 2026 and has a legitimate chance to vie for a starting job in the spring.
Cornerback will be one of the most intense position battles in the spring as Mascoe, Kade Phillips, and Warren Roberson will be fighting for two cornerback spots. Kobe Black might be able to throw his hat in the ring as well if he develops a bit more heading into fall camp. Graceson Littleton is already a lock to start at nickel, so this limits Mascoe to the boundary, but that's probably his best spot anyway.