Predicting Texas's Week 1 two-deep depth chart

Buck

Starter: Ethan Burke (JR)

Backup: Trey Moore (RS-JR)

Texas's EDGE room is in the best shape its been regarding the depth and talent on the roster this year than we've seen for Pete Kwiatkowski's defensive unit since 2021. Junior Ethan Burke and redshirt junior Trey Moore are both very stout edge rushers who will serve in different roles and capacities for Texas's defensive front this season.

Moore will be utilized at the buck position when Texas wants more speed on the field coming off the EDGE. Burke gives Texas a lengthy run-stopper who can set the edge well and a good pass rusher who was proficient in the sack department last season.

Defensive tackle

Starter: Alfred Collins (SR)

Backup: Tia Savea (SR)

The star of the defensive tackle position for the Longhorns is senior Alfred Collins. Returning for his fourth year at Texas, Collins is expected to have his best season of his collegiate career in the SEC this fall. Grad transfers Tia Savea and Jermayne Lole will also get plenty of snaps for Texas's defensive line rotation.

Defensive tackle

Starter: Vernon Broughton (SR)

Backup: Bill Norton (SR)

The top defensive tackle pairing with the starting defensive line for the Longhorns will feature seniors Collins and Vernon Broughton. When Texas needs to have more size at nose, senior grad transfer from Arizona Bill Norton will be the defensive line anchor.

Jack

Starter: Barryn Sorrell (SR)

Backup: Colin Simmons (FR) OR Justice Finkley (JR)

Senior Barryn Sorrell is Texas's most experienced returning edge rusher this fall. Sorrell gives Texas a good combination of size, power, and run-stopping ability coming off the edge. Colin Simmons and Justice Finkley will also work into the equation, with the latter having specific plans from PK in pass-rush heavy packages for the front seven.