Jahdae Barron and Anthony Hill have both been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. Entering their first year in the SEC, the Texas Longhorns are poised for a big season.
From a roster standpoint, the Longhorns are filled with talent and depth at nearly every position. While the offense will likely receive most of the preseason accolades, the defense should not be overlooked.
On Tuesday, linebacker Anthony Hill and defensive back Jahdae Barron were both included in the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, an award given annually to the best defensive player in college football. They join 75 other players from across the country on the list.
Hill concluded the 2023 season having played in all 14 games, recording 67 total tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, and two passes defended. Most of his sacks came on big stages, including two against Alabama, one against Oklahoma in Dallas, and one in the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma State.
Returning as a fifth-year senior, Barron will be a key leader for the Texas secondary. He played in all 14 games last season, tallying 61 total tackles, 32 solo, 4.5 for loss, one interception, one fumble recovery, and a career-high six pass breakups. Barron is also tied for sixth in program history for most non-offensive touchdowns with three.
Both Hill and Barron will be heavily relied upon by a Texas defense that experienced significant turnover and lost considerable talent from the 2023 season.
The Longhorns will open the season against the Colorado State Rams on August 31 in Austin at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.