The Texas coaching staff was elated when they were able to coerce players like UNC DT Travis Shaw, Purdue DT Cole Brevard, and Ohio State DT Hero Kanu to transfer in for the 2025 season, knowing that they were most likely losing Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton to the NFL.
Maryland DT Lavon Johnson was also added later in the spring, but their most recent defensive tackle commit could end up being the best of the bunch.
Maraad Watson was a freshman All-American last season at Syracuse while starting 11 games at nose tackle for the Orange. The 6'3", 315-pound interior defensive lineman dominated ACC offensive lines on run downs, refusing to budge against man blocks and double teams all season long. His ability to anchor down and maintain leverage allows him to consistently plug up run lanes in the "A" gaps. Though he sometimes lacks explosion in his first step, his lateral movement and play recognition helps him maintain an advantageous position when riding out offensive linemen on zone plays.
"If there is one player who can be counted on to be an immediate impact player this year, it’s Maraad Watson."
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) June 5, 2025
"The true freshman All-American from Syracuse is expected to come in and become an immediate starter at defensive tackle." - @travisgaley
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Watson finished his freshman campaign with a stat line of 31 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 10 QB pressures, and 1 pass deflection. Texas defensive line coach Kenny Baker will most likely focus all of his time and energy on helping Watson develop as a pass rusher since he's somewhat raw in that aspect as of right now. He has solid length and excellent leg drive, so the tools are there to add some new pass rush moves to his repertoire.
Though he's beginning to get more attention as fall camp gets closer, he's still not being talked about enough. Most of the attention has been revolving around Travis Shaw and Cole Brevard when it comes to the Longhorns' interior additions this offseason.
Shaw and Brevard are even larger than Watson, but Watson's youth was the most significant factor in regards to his value for the Longhorns. Both Shaw and Brevard will unfortunately be out of eligibility following the 2025 season. Texas fans shouldn't be surprised if the former Syracuse product ends up seeing more game action throughout the 2025 season than Shaw or Brevard.