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Michael Taaffe is one of the best tacklers in the nation in 2025

by: Justin Nash09/19/25
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Michael Taaffe (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Michael Taaffe is loved by just about every Texas fan, even garnering respect from rival fanbases. He has a story that everyone can get behind. An overlooked recruit that bet on himself and walked on to a powerhouse program, not only did he earn a scholarship but he worked his way into the starting lineup and became an All-American. He’s a great player, and in 2025 he is one of the best in the entire FBS in the ability to tackle ball-carriers.

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Many thought Taaffe was making a giant mistake turning away from the NFL draft and choosing to return as a fifth year senior. So far, he has maintained that same All-American level of play, but he has also been particularly effective in the run game. Specifically when it comes to bringing the ball-carrier down, he hasn’t missed an opportunity yet.

Let’s look at how he got to this point.

In 2022, Taaffe was able to work his way onto the field as early as game one vs. ULM. Even if it was garbage time, it’s impressive for a former walk on to see the field. It was after week seven that he started to see a larger number of snaps, showing he had moved up the depth chart. From a fans perspective, unless it was a game where Texas had a decent lead, he was likely viewed as a liability on the field.

Year three for Taaffe in 2023 is where he earned his role as a leader for future Texas teams. Truthfully he was probably already a leader given that he was a former walk-on and his teammates knew of the sacrifices he had to make, as well as the work he had to put in. He started out in a depth role, but similar to the previous season, he earned an increase in opportunity after week seven, cracking the starting lineup. He improved each week.

His senior campaign may have surprised everyone except for his teammates in the building. In a season where he finished as a second-team All-American, he was an impact player for a defense that was among the best any Texas fan has seen in modern football. Taaffe has admitted he had his mind made up to go to the draft prior to the 2024 College Football Playoff, but missing out on a national championship was too much for Taaffe to ignore.

Returning for a fifth year, his preseason accolades didn’t match those of a former walk-on player. He was named to the Bronko Nagurski (best defensive player) and Jim Thorpe (best defensive back) preseason watch lists. Entering the year with a ton of hype, so far he has met the expectations.

Going into week four, Taaffe leads the team in Pro Football Focus tackling grade. At 90.5, that is the best among all Longhorn defenders. He’s third in the nation in tackling grade behind Charlotte’s Randy Franklin and Tulsa’s Zach Williams.

Taaffe has been a force in the stout run defense and leads the team in tackles. Again, he hasn’t missed one yet according to PFF. Up to this point, he is the only defender to finish as one of the top two leading tacklers for Texas in each of the first three games.

In a year where the Texas offense is showing some serious issues, the Longhorns will need to lean heavily on their defense and the experience of players like Taaffe. Aside from Pete Kwiatkowski, Taaffe probably knows this defense the best after playing in it for five years. And he’s doing things All-Americans are supposed to do like lead, play the ball, and bring players to the ground repeatedly.

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