Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has been one of the top defenders in the SEC since the beginning of the 2024 season, and he's undoubtedly continued on the path in 2025.
Throughout the first 6 games of the 2025 season, Hill's totalled 37 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. Though he hasn't been used as often when it comes to rushing the passer, he's still finding ways to make his presence felt in the passing game.
He hasn't registered a sack yet, but he consistently puts pressure on the quarterback whenever he does get the opportunity to blitz. Hill's also been excellent in coverage this season, breaking up a couple of crucial throws over the last few games.
One of my favorite parts of the game is when Deion Burks thought he was running through / around Anthony Hill Jr.
— One Stop Texas (@OneStopHorns) October 12, 2025
That would be a no 😂 pic.twitter.com/OrvJkBoYQ4
In Wednesday's SEC teleconferece, Steve Sarkisian opened up about Hill Jr. and his performance so far in Pete Kwiatkowski's defense:
"I think Anthony's playing really good football for us right now. We've got a really versatile group of players and people and what we're trying to get done. We had a little different package going Saturday with Brad Spence on the field as well. I think (Pete Kwiatkowski) is doing a great job changing things up and giving people different looks where they can't hone in on us. I think Anthony's playing really well for us right now."
Every Texas Longhorn football fan already knew this and knew how good Hill Jr. has been, but this is one of the first times that Sark's come out and praised him publicly.
Hill Jr. has been the heart and soul of Texas' defense since the moment that he stepped on the field, and his energy and leadership ability is what makes him so special to this team. Alongside Colin Simmons and Michael Taaffe, Hill jr. is a player that every offensive coordinator absolutely has to gameplan for each week in order to have some chance of success offensively.
Despite only being a true junior, he'll most likely be one of the top, if not the top linebacker selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Also read: Steve Sarkisian explains why 2 Texas players suddenly left the program this week