Texas Football: Longhorns Defense Primed for SEC Under Muschamp

New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp brings his aggressive style to Texas as the Longhorns prepare for the rigors of the SEC.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the Texas Longhorns begin spring practice under new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, the team is focused on upgrading its defense to handle the challenges of the SEC. Key players like edge rusher Colin Simmons, Ohio State transfer Hero Kanu, and freshman Lance Jackson are bulking up and embracing Muschamp's attacking defensive philosophy. Muschamp, who has extensive SEC experience, is tasked with improving a defense that has been inconsistent in recent years despite some talented players.

Why it matters

Texas is transitioning to the SEC in the coming years, and the Longhorns' defense will need to be stout to compete in the nation's toughest conference. Muschamp's arrival signals a shift in defensive philosophy, as he is known for an aggressive, attacking style that should better prepare Texas for the physical demands of SEC football.

The details

Simmons, who finished fifth in the nation with 12 sacks last season, is looking to take his game to the next level under Muschamp. Kanu, the Ohio State transfer, has added weight to better handle the line of scrimmage in the SEC. Freshman Lance Jackson, the younger brother of former Arkansas standout Landon Jackson, has also bulked up to 275 pounds on Muschamp's instructions. The new defensive coordinator is known for his ability to adjust on the fly and preaches an attacking style of play with man-to-man defense and press coverage.

  • Texas began its second spring practice on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Colin Simmons

A junior-to-be edge rusher who finished fifth in the nation with 12 sacks last season and is looking to take his game to the next level under new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.

Hero Kanu

An Ohio State transfer who has added weight to better handle the line of scrimmage in the SEC, now weighing 320 pounds.

Lance Jackson

A freshman edge rusher who has bulked up to 275 pounds on the instructions of new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, and will look to replace the departing senior Ethan Burke.

Will Muschamp

The 54-year-old defensive coordinator who has extensive SEC experience, including most recently on Kirby Smart's staff at Georgia. Muschamp is known for his aggressive, attacking defensive philosophy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everything. That ain't going to stop.”

— Colin Simmons

“Hey, this is the SEC. It's a little bit different from everywhere else. It's real ball. We've got to look at ourselves. So more lean mass, less body fat.”

— Hero Kanu

“I've seen the video of him hitting the blackboard and stuff. So I knew when he came in here, he was the real deal, and I've loved him ever since.”

— Lance Jackson

“Man, he a great coach. You know, he pushes us every day. You know he want nothing but the best. Like, it's literally nothing other than the best. Like, he's going to get the best out of you.”

— Colin Simmons

What’s next

The Longhorns will continue their spring practice schedule as they prepare for the upcoming season and the transition to the SEC.

The takeaway

Texas' defense is undergoing a major transformation under new coordinator Will Muschamp, who is known for his aggressive, attacking style. The Longhorns are bulking up and embracing Muschamp's philosophy as they look to upgrade their defense to handle the rigors of the SEC. This shift in defensive identity could be crucial for Texas as it transitions to the nation's toughest conference in the coming years.