Texas Football: Jahdae Barron considering a return to UT

The last decision Texas football is waiting on for the 2024 NFL Draft before the underclassman deadline on Jan. 15 is senior defensive back Jahdae Barron.

Texas got good news with the only other NFL Draft announcement it was waiting on this week when redshirt sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers announced on social media on Jan. 11 that he will return to school for the 2024 season.

Texas football DB Jahdae Barron coming back for a fifth season?

Barron, however, is apparently leaning more toward a return to Texas for the 2024 season than originally presumed. Before the offseason arrived for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns a couple of weeks ago, it was assumed that Barron was likely headed for the 2024 NFL Draft, despite him still having one year of eligibility thanks to the COVID-19 redshirt rule.

Horns247 reported on Jan. 13 (paid content) that Barron has more to think about regarding his draft decision for 2024 after getting feedback from the NFL. Barron is reportedly considering a return to Texas for another season to boost his NFL Draft stock for 2025.

A secondary factor that reportedly has Barron weighing his options for a potential return to Texas for a fifth sason is the addition of rising senior defensive back Andrew Mukuba. The former Clemson Tigers transfer safety Mukuba is close friends with Barron, as the two played football together growing up at close-by high schools.

Barron attended Plugerville Connally and Mukuba went to Austin (TX) LBJ High School.

A possible Barron return for the 2024 season would be massive for Texas's secondary in the SEC

If Barron did return to Texas for another season, it would obviously be a huge deal for the Longhorns' secondary. Barron was arguably Texas's best cover DB in the last couple of seasons. He was an All-Big 12 Second-Team selection in 2023 while registering six pass breakups and one interception.

No Texas defensive back has played more snaps in coverage or registered a better QBR against in coverage than Barron in the last two seasons. He's been an imperative part of the Texas defense, as he can play any position while thriving in one-on-one coverage and defending space for this unit.

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