Rasheem Biles was named the SEC defensive player of the year after just one game in the conference, having transferred to play for the Texas Longhorns after starting his career with the Pitt Panthers.
So, yes, Biles was the star of the show as the Horns defeated the Texas State Bobcats in Week 1.
However, second-year defensive back and two-sport athlete Jonah Williams was undeniably the unsung hero of Texas's 52-point victory.
In fact, according to PFF's stats, Williams had the highest tackling grade of any Longhorn who took the field last Saturday, surpassing the likes of Biles, Colin Simmons, and more.
Texas safety Jonah Williams had the highest Pro Football Focus tackling grade of any Longhorn in the season opener. He made six tackles, tied for second on the team.https://t.co/KdJZgNIVC8 pic.twitter.com/M4mdasnPmf
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 6, 2026
Williams earned six total tackles, all solo takedowns, to earn the second-most on the roster, only trailing Texas's No. 1 safety, Jelani McDonald. While it wasn't Williams' debut for the Longhorns, it may have been his true breakout performance, setting the precedent for the rest of his career at Texas.
"Jelani [McDonald] is our best safety, but there have been days when it's been [Jonah Williams]," one source told OrangeBloods earlier this year.
Jonah Williams' comeback will be one for the history books
The reason Williams hasn't already been a household name for many Texas fans is that he struggled with a slew of injuries throughout his freshman season on the 40 Acres.
A broken collarbone in his senior season of high school football was followed by a hamstring injury during his freshman season (2025) with the Texas baseball team, suiting up to play outfield for the Longhorns.
He played in just fives games for the Texas football team last season, seeing minimal playing time as he continued to work back to full health.
Then, in his sophomore baseball season, Williams injured his shoulder, resulting in a necessary surgery to get his body right, but presenting the question of whether or not he would be ready when the football season kicked off this fall.
Well, if there were any lingering doubts about Williams' health going into Week 1, his performance against the Bobcats should have provided a sufficient answer.
As Texas takes on No. 1 Ohio State in Week 2, the Horns will undoubtedly lean on their defensive backs, like Williams, McDonald, and Kobe Black, to shut down wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is not only the star of the Buckeyes' offense but arguably the best college football player in the country.
Yes, there are clear and prominent leaders and headline makers on Texas's defense, but it will be players like Williams who make or break the season for the Longhorns this year, and so far, things are looking just fine for the burnt orange and white.
Add us as a preferred source on Google