Who is the ‘Next Man Up’ at Linebacker for Longhorns After Citrus Bowl Exodus?

Introduction

The University of Texas Longhorns football program is currently navigating a significant roster transition as they prepare for the 2025 season and their upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup. The linebacker unit, traditionally the heart of the defense, has been hit particularly hard by the “exodus” of talent. With key players opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft and others entering the transfer portal, Head Coach Steve Sarkisian and Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski face a critical question: Who is the “next man up” at linebacker for the Longhorns? This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the departing talent, the current depth chart, and the emerging players poised to fill the void in the Texas front seven.

Key Points

Background

The Current State of the Longhorns Defense

The Texas Longhorns defense has been a focal point of the program’s resurgence under Steve Sarkisian. However, the modern college football landscape is defined by player mobility, both through the transfer portal and early declarations for the NFL Draft. As the Longhorns prepare for their Citrus Bowl appearance, the linebacker room has seen a drastic reduction in available bodies.

Understanding the “Exodus”

The term “exodus” in this context refers to the sudden departure of multiple key contributors from the linebacker position group. This is not uncommon in modern college football, particularly for teams with high-level NFL talent. The decisions by Anthony Hill Jr., Trey Moore, and Liona Lefau were calculated moves to preserve their health for the professional draft process or to seek better opportunities elsewhere, creating a sudden need for depth and leadership.

Analysis of Departures

Anthony Hill Jr.: The NFL Bound Star

Anthony Hill Jr. has been the anchor of the Longhorns’ defense. A consensus All-American and one of the most feared defenders in the SEC, Hill declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. His decision to sit out the Citrus Bowl is standard practice for projected high-round picks who wish to avoid injury before the scouting combine. Hill’s departure leaves a void not just in tackles (he led the team in that category), but in defensive signal-calling and sideline-to-sideline pursuit.

Trey Moore: The Edge Threat

While technically an edge rusher, Trey Moore’s role in the linebacker rotation was vital. Moore also opted out to focus on the NFL Draft. His ability to rush the passer and set the edge against the run was complementary to Hill’s inside presence. Losing Moore strips the defense of a proven pass-rushing threat, forcing the coaching staff to look for new ways to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Liona Lefau: The Transfer Portal Surprise

Liona Lefau’s decision to enter the transfer portal is arguably the most impactful regarding future depth. Lefau was widely viewed as the heir apparent to Anthony Hill Jr. He had shown flashes of elite playmaking ability and physicality. His departure means the Longhorns lose a player who was expected to be the starter in 2025. This pivot creates an immediate opportunity for other underclassmen to jump up the depth chart during bowl practices.

The “Next Man Up”: Analyzing the Depth Chart

With the starters and primary backups gone, who steps in? The “next man up” philosophy is being tested to its limits. Here is a breakdown of the likely candidates to lead the linebacker corps in the Citrus Bowl and heading into the offseason.

Jett Bush: The Veteran Presence

Jett Bush is a name that has been in the rotation for several seasons. While he hasn’t been a full-time starter, he offers veteran experience and reliability. In the immediate context of the Citrus Bowl, Bush is the most likely candidate to wear the “green dot” helmet (responsible for communicating with the sideline). He knows the defensive schemes and provides a steady, if unspectacular, presence. However, the question remains if he has the athletic upside to be a full-time starter in the SEC in 2025.

Michael Taaffe: The Safety Turned Linebacker

Michael Taaffe has been a standout in the secondary, but his football IQ and tackling ability make him a versatile asset. In previous games, the Longhorns have utilized safety depth to bolster the linebacker spot in specific packages. Taaffe could see increased snaps closer to the line of scrimmage, acting as a hybrid safety-linebacker (STAR position) to compensate for the lack of traditional linebackers. His leadership will be crucial in keeping the defense organized during the bowl game.

Kade Phillips: The Future is Now

Recruited as a high-ceiling athlete, Kade Phillips is a younger player who has been developing behind the scenes. With Lefau gone, Phillips represents the future of the position. He possesses the length and speed required for a Steve Sarkisian defense. Bowl practices provide a unique opportunity for Phillips to get live reps against a quality opponent. His performance in the Citrus Bowl could dictate the Longhorns’ strategy in the transfer portal this winter.

Tausilla “Tausيلة” Taua: The Physical Presence

Taua (often referred to as Taua) brings a different dimension to the position. While smaller in stature compared to Hill, he is known for his high motor and physical play. He is a candidate to step into the inside linebacker rotation, specifically in run-stopping situations. His development will be critical for adding depth to a thin unit.

Practical Advice: How Texas Rebuilds the Room

Recovering from this level of attrition requires a two-pronged approach: immediate preparation for the bowl game and long-term roster management for the 2025 season.

Strategy for the Citrus Bowl

For the Citrus Bowl, the Longhorns cannot rely on superstar talent at linebacker. Instead, the defensive play-calling will likely shift to compensate.

• Heavy Safety Rotation: Expect to see more defensive backs on the field to improve coverage and speed against the run.
• Simplified Calls: The defensive coordinator may simplify the playbook to ensure the younger, inexperienced linebackers (like Phillips) can play fast without overthinking.
• Front Seven Rotation: The defensive line will need to eat up blocks to keep the new linebackers clean to make tackles.

Offseason Roster Management

Beyond the bowl game, Steve Sarkisian has work to do.

• Transfer Portal Targets: Texas will almost certainly be active in the portal, looking for an experienced linebacker who can start immediately. This is the fastest way to replace a player like Lefau.
• Recruiting Focus: The coaching staff must double down on high school recruiting, specifically targeting inside linebackers who fit the SEC mold.
• Internal Development: The bowl practices serve as a vital springboard. The staff needs to identify which young players can be relied upon next fall.

FAQ

Conclusion

The departure of Anthony Hill Jr., Trey Moore, and Liona Lefau creates a daunting challenge for the Texas Longhorns as they head into the Citrus Bowl. However, it also presents a massive opportunity for players like Jett Bush and Kade Phillips to prove their worth. The “next man up” at linebacker isn’t just one player; it is a collective effort by the remaining roster to step into larger roles. The outcome of the Citrus Bowl and the subsequent offseason will be a true test of the program’s depth and developmental culture.

Sources

• Sports Illustrated – Texas Longhorns Football Depth Chart Analysis
• 247Sports – Transfer Portal Tracker: Liona Lefau
• ESPN – NFL Draft Opt-Outs: Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore
• University of Texas Athletics – Official Football Roster