The road to dominance in college football is paved with talent, but leadership is what turns contenders into champions. Right now, Texas has the tools, the roster is loaded, and the stats back them up. Their defense already ranks among the best.
But analyst JD PicKell believes one key trait can take the Longhorns even higher: leadership. Thankfully, Texas isn’t short on experience. Several veteran players are back. They’ve seen the highs and lows. And now, with a determined roster behind them, the Longhorns are ready to prove they belong at the top, which is exactly what PicKell believes.
JD PicKell Identifies Leadership as a Factor That Could Put Texas On Top
While the offense receives most of the attention as Texas football prepares for another dominant season, analyst JD PicKell believes the defense is the key to national success. The Longhorns return 61% of their defensive production, a unit that ranked third in America in points allowed per game last season.
But beyond that, he also highlights leadership as the defining trait that could push Texas to the top.
As PicKell explains, “We think Arch is gonna be pretty darn good, but very quietly, Longhorns returns 61% production from a defense last year… And so, yes, you bring back some talent. We’ll talk about that more here in just a matter of moments. But I love just as much the talent side for Texas on defense as the leadership side.”
One of those leaders is Safety Michael Taaffe. He has played 43 games with 26 starts. Last season, he recorded 75 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions. After the heartbreaking Cotton Bowl loss, his emotional moment in the locker room went viral. Many thought it was his last game, but he’s back and ready to lead the defense.
.@GregMcElroy‘s No. 1 defense? @TexasFootball🤘
Why the #Longhorns are the best defensive unit in the nation ⬇️#HookEm pic.twitter.com/gJOgCUSfHe
— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) June 4, 2025
Pickell also highlighted Anthony Hill and Trey Moore, both returning with more experience. Hill led Texas last year with 113 tackles and eight sacks, showing his ability to disrupt plays. Moore, a defensive end, had 36 tackles and 6.5 sacks, proving his skill at pressuring quarterbacks.
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PicKell added, “Anthony Hill got another year in the system. Trey Moore, first year last year for him at Texas. I believe from UTSA, he’s back for another year, coming off the edge, making plays for you. So you have the dudes on that side of the ball that can continue to keep the standard where it was last year.”
All of their leadership roles will be crucial because talent alone won’t cut it. The Longhorns need to stay sharp, stay focused, and maintain their high defensive standard.
If they do that and trust in the leadership of players like Taaffe, Hill, and Moore, they could climb all the way to No. 1 in the country. The pieces are in place—now, it’s about turning potential into power.
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