Why Texas’ Defensive Line Could Be SPECIAL | Steve Sarkisian | Arch Manning

March 17, 2026·20 min·1 clip

Texas' defensive line had only 53 pressures last year, but Lance Jackson's versatility could change everything.

This episode analyzes the potential of the University of Texas Longhorns' defensive line for the upcoming season. Host Jeff Howe is joined by analysts Jerry Hamilton and Rod Babers, who provide detailed breakdowns of the roster. The discussion focuses on the interior defensive line and players who can play multiple positions along the front. The hosts begin by evaluating the "over-the-ball" defensive tackles, naming Jaray Bledsoe, Sydir Mitchell, and Tia Savea as key players in that group. They highlight Vernon Broughton's versatility and weight of 333 pounds, comparing his potential to that of Alfred Collins. Analyst Jerry Hamilton states that Bledsoe is a "future NFL draft pick" if he can stay healthy, while Mitchell is viewed as a developmental prospect at 6'4" and 360 pounds. The conversation shifts to the need for increased disruption, noting the defensive tackle group combined for only 53 pressures last season. This leads to a discussion on utilizing versatile players like Lance Jackson, who is reportedly being moved around to play three-technique, four-I, five-technique, and seven-technique. A significant portion focuses on T'Vondre Sweat, who returned after considering the NFL draft and is expected to thrive in Will Muschamp's more aggressive defensive scheme. The analysts project him as a potential Day Two NFL draft pick. They also examine the athletic profiles and needed development of players like Jaray Bledsoe, Alex January, and Justice Finkley. A surprising insight is the emphasis on "athletic stamina," a rare trait for large linemen, which Bledsoe reportedly possesses to a degree that allowed him to play over 460 snaps in the SEC. The hosts suggest the overall success of the defense, including star linebackers, hinges on this defensive line group becoming more disruptive and freeing up linebackers to make plays. The tone is deeply analytical and insider-focused, geared toward dedicated Texas football fans. The style is a conversational breakdown among experts, filled with specific player evaluations, scheme fit discussions, and draft projections. This episode is ideal for Texas Longhorns fans, college football enthusiasts interested in roster construction, and those who enjoy detailed technical analysis of defensive line play. Listeners with no interest in Texas football or in-depth positional previews would likely find it too niche.

As heard by us

A film-room look at Texas' interior defensive line and why its versatility could make it one of the team's strongest groups.

Texas' interior defensive line gets the attention here, and the central takeaway comes through plainly: this unit has more ways to matter than last year's pressure numbers suggested.

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Why you'd press play

If you want the clearest case for Texas front becoming a problem, start here.

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