Expectations For Texas Longhorns' Top Transfer Trey Moore Continue To Skyrocket

Despite losing T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II to the 2024 NFL Draft, Texas Defensive Line coach Kenny Baker has a plethora of talent at his disposal entering his first year in Austin.

Returning defensive ends Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke and defensive tackle Alfred Collins should all play pivotal roles as they did last season, but a couple of newcomers also stand out.

Junior edge rusher Trey Moore, the 2023 AAC Defensive Player of the Year, arrived at Texas in December from UTSA in the transfer portal. Despite the positional depth on the edge, Moore is expected to start for Texas and could flourish into a game-wrecker like Murphy II and Sweat were at times last season.

While a double-digit sack season may be a bullish prediction for Moore matching up against SEC offensive tackles, it is certainly not out of the question. The San Antonio native had a monster sophomore season, totaling 30 solo tackles, one forced fumble, one interception, three passes defended and a whopping 14 sacks, good for third in the FBS . Granted, this was in a group of five conference, but it is apparent why Moore was the No.3 rated edge rusher in this offseason’s transfer portal.

Another option off the edge for the Longhorns will be former five-star recruit Colin Simmons, who set a school record at Texas 6A Division 1 state champion Duncanville with an outrageous 22.5 sacks in his junior season. Simmons has reportedly also stood out in practice despite being a true freshman and will almost certainly be at least a rotational defensive end for Texas.

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If Texas’ defensive front can live up to the talent it retained and acquired this offseason, the unit could attain the heights it did last season despite losing two top-50 draft picks.