Texas Football’s Greatest Defenses: Comparing the 2005, 2009, and 2025 Units

Texas has produced some legendary defenses over the past two decades, but three seasons stand apart: 2005, 2009, and 2025. Each of these teams was stacked with NFL talent, national championship ambition, and defensive swagger. Whether they were shutting down high-powered offenses, dominating the trenches, or flying around in the secondary — these groups built a legacy.

We broke each one down by position group: defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs. Let’s get into it.

Defensive Line

Ranking: 2025 (1st), 2005 (2nd), 2009 (3rd)

2005:

The 2005 group was built for dominance. Rodrique Wright, Larry Dibbles, Brian Robison, and Frank Okam led the charge in the trenches. Roy Miller, Marco Martin, Derek Lokey, and Tim Crowder rotated in as trusted contributors. Even future star Brian Orakpo was just a redshirt freshman in this group. Additional depth included Kaelen Jacks, Eric Hall, Nick Redwine, and Chris Brown. This unit combined physicality, IQ, and toughness, helping lead Texas to a national championship.

2009:

This unit had front-line talent but less reliable depth. Sergio Kindle, Sam Acho, and Lamarr Houston were elite pass rushers. Eddie Jones, Alex Okafor, and Russell Carter added more production on the edge. Chris Whaley, after switching from running back, began his transition inside. Despite the top-end talent, the 2009 group lacked the rotation strength of the other two teams, which slots them at third.

2025:

This might be the most loaded defensive line Texas has ever fielded. Colin Simmons headlines the group as one of the top edge rushers in the nation. Justus Terry, Myron Charles, Josiah Sharma, and Lance Jackson bring young explosiveness. Transfers like Cole Brevard, Travis Shaw (UNC), Hero Kanu (Ohio State), Maraad Watson (Syracuse), and LaVon Johnson (Maryland) bring veteran SEC and Power Five experience. Alex January, Ethan Burke, Brad Spence, Zina Umeozulu, and Colton Vasek round out a deep, versatile, and physically dominant group. With both proven talent and elite depth, this unit earns the top spot.

Linebackers

Ranking: 2005 (1st), 2009 (2nd), 2025 (3rd)

2005:

This group had everything you want in a linebacker room. Aaron Harris was a true enforcer in the middle — physical, tough, and hard-hitting. Rashad Bobino was instinctive, smart, and played bigger than his size. Drew Kelson was the new-age hybrid who could run stride-for-stride with Reggie Bush on a wheel route in the national title game — a special player. Eric Foreman, a former high school quarterback, was 6’4”, 215 pounds and could run like the wind — one of the most athletic linebackers on the roster. Robert Killebrew set the tone physically and didn’t mind drawing penalties if it meant sending a message. Jeremy Campbell always flashed in spring and fall, bringing physicality and highlight hits. Scott Derry started a few games and gave the team steady, reliable depth. Roddrick Muckelroy redshirted in 2005 but would go on to become a multi-year starter and emotional leader.

2009:

Led by Muckelroy, this room had experience and toughness. Jared Norton, Dustin Earnest, and Emmanuel Acho were downhill hitters with high IQ and discipline. Keenan Robinson brought speed coverage ability, and was a hard hitting physical LB at WILL and went on to a strong NFL career. He could start for all 3 teams listed. This group could stop the run and execute in coverage, earning them second place behind the legendary 2005 crew.

2025:

The 2025 linebackers bring elite athleticism and upside, but depth remains a question. Anthony Hill Jr. is a projected first-round pick and leader of the defense. Liona Lefau enters as a multi-year starter with high upside. TyAnthony Smith is freakishly athletic and could eventually rise into stardom. Elijah “Bo” Barnes has stood out as a true freshman. Trey Moore plays a hybrid role — off-ball linebacker and pass-rush threat — while Brad Spence transitions to EDGE full-time but retains linebacker flexibility. It’s a strong group, but not as proven as 2005 or 2009.

Defensive Backs

Ranking: 2005 (1A), 2025 (1B), 2009 (1C)

2005:

The DB room in 2005 was elite in every sense. Aaron Ross won the Thorpe Award. Michael Huff also won the Thorpe and could play either corner or safety. Cedric Griffin and Tarell Brown were NFL-caliber corners with size and physicality. Brandon Foster, Ryan Palmer, and Erick Jackson added depth and versatility. The safeties were loaded as well: Michael Griffin, Marcus Griffin, Matt Melton, and Ishie Odugwu — a 5-star prospect — rounded out a group that could cover, hit, and play fast. This unit anchored Texas in big games all year.

2025:

Depth and upside headline the 2025 secondary. At corner: Kobe Black, Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Guilbeau, Wardell Mack, Santana Wilson, Kade Phillips, Caleb Chester, Graceson Littleton, and Warren Roberson — who has taken the next step. At safety: Derek Williams, Jelani McDonald, Jonah Williams, Michael Taaffe, Zelus Hicks, Xavier Filsaime, and Jordan Johnson-Rubell. This group is fast, long, instinctive, and deep. Though many are still young, the potential is unmatched. This could end up being the most talented secondary Texas has ever fielded.

2009:

Still a strong unit. Aaron Williams, Curtis Brown, and Chykie Brown all played in the NFL, with Chykie winning a Super Bowl. Deon Beasley was a productive veteran. Eryon Barnett (RIP) showed promise early. At safety, Earl Thomas and Kenny Vaccaro were both first-round picks. Blake Gideon brought leadership and consistency, starting four years. Christian Scott, Ben Wells, and Nolan Brewster added depth. A solid group from top to bottom, though not as deep as 2025 or as proven as 2005.

The cool part about all three defensive back groups — 2005, 2009, and 2025 — is that they’ll all have been coached by the GOAT himself, Duane Akina, which is truly special. DBU is back!!

Conclusion

Each of these Texas defenses had something special. The 2005 team combined championship leadership with NFL-caliber depth. The 2009 defense was battle-tested and sent elite talent to the league. The 2025 unit may not be fully realized yet, but it boasts the deepest rotation in modern Texas history and could define a new standard if the production matches the potential.

Whether you favor the legends of the past or the stars of the future, one thing’s for sure: Texas knows how to build a defense.