Sophomore DE Lance Jackson looks built for Will Muschamp’s defensive scheme

With spring ball officially in session, we're starting to see snippets of new transfers, freshmen, and returning players at Texas. One player who caught my eye on the defensive side of the ball is sophomore edge rusher Lance Jackson.

It looks like he's taken another step forward physically, as he's reportedly added significant size in the offseason, going from around 254 pounds to roughly 272 pounds. The added strength should allow him to be used more creatively across the defensive line in 2026.

This past season, Jackson served as a rotational edge rusher behind Ethan Burke, the former four-star recruit from Texarkana, Texas, but he still made his presence known as a potential future star on the defensive front. Jackson finished the year with 16 total tackles (six solo tackles) and two sacks, showing flashes of the disruptive ability that coaches are excited about moving forward.

After Wednesday’s spring practice, RT Young of On3's Inside Texas asked Jackson what his role might look like in Will Muschamp’s defense this season. Jackson’s response reflected the versatility Muschamp values in his defensive front. “You’ll see me everywhere 3-tech, 4i, 5, 9, dropping back or rushing from the 3-tech,” Jackson said.

That type of flexibility could make Jackson an important piece in Muschamp’s scheme. He has a blend of speed and power that allows him to rush off the edge but also slide inside in certain situations, especially now that he has added more size. His versatility, high effort, and aggressive play style should stand out as the season approaches.

If his development continues this spring, Jackson could emerge as a key contributor along the defensive front and form a strong bookend duo with Colin Simmons heading into the upcoming season.