The Texas Longhorns are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while much of the conversation has centered on quarterback depth and offensive weapons, there’s one position group that deserves just as much attention: linebacker.
With Anthony Hill Jr., Liona Lefau, and Trey Moore all moving on, Texas is facing a significant talent and experience gap in the middle of its defense. That’s a tough hit for any program, especially one with championship aspirations.
Right now, Ty'Anthony Smith is the only returning linebacker who’s logged more than 24 defensive snaps. That’s not just a depth issue - it’s a starting lineup concern.
And with Will Muschamp taking over as defensive coordinator, the linebacker role becomes even more critical. Muschamp’s defenses have always leaned heavily on versatile, instinctive linebackers who can fly sideline to sideline, fill gaps in the run game, and drop into coverage without hesitation. That means Texas isn’t just looking for bodies - they’re looking for impact players who can anchor the heart of the defense from day one.
Expect the Longhorns to be aggressive in the transfer portal, and don’t be surprised if a big chunk of their NIL resources is funneled into securing top-tier talent at linebacker. Here are three names that make a lot of sense for Texas as they look to reload at the position:
Jon Jon Kamara - Kansas
Kamara might not have been a full-time starter for the Jayhawks in 2025, but when he was on the field, he made it count. At 6'4", 230 pounds, he brings the kind of size and athleticism that jumps off the screen. He’s long enough to match up with tight ends in coverage and sturdy enough to hold his own in the run game - a rare combo that fits the mold of what Muschamp has traditionally valued in his linebackers.
Kamara was primarily used in sub-packages and rotational roles as a sophomore, but he showed flashes that suggest he’s ready for a bigger role. With three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2024, he’s not just a short-term fix - he’s someone who could grow into a foundational piece for the Longhorns' defense.
Khmori House - North Carolina
If there’s a linebacker in the portal who feels tailor-made for Texas, it’s Khmori House. The Longhorns were heavily involved in his recruitment coming out of high school in 2024, and now they have a second shot at landing him. This time, the stakes are even higher.
House moves with the kind of fluidity you usually see from defensive backs. He’s smooth in space, quick to diagnose plays, and has the closing speed to make tackles in the open field. At 215 pounds, he may not have prototypical size, but he plays bigger than his frame suggests - especially against the run, where he consistently showed toughness and physicality for North Carolina in 2025.
If Texas is looking for a linebacker who can stay on the field in all situations and thrive in a modern, fast-paced defensive scheme, House could very well be their top target.
Steven Soles Jr. - Kentucky
Soles Jr. is the kind of player who doesn’t fit neatly into one category - and that’s exactly what makes him intriguing. At 6'2", 240 pounds, he’s built like a defensive end, but he moves like a linebacker. Over the past two seasons at Kentucky, he was used all over the field - rushing the passer off the edge, dropping into coverage, and filling gaps in the run game.
That kind of versatility is something Muschamp has leaned into in the past. He’s not afraid to deploy "tweener" types who can create mismatches and disrupt offenses in multiple ways.
Soles Jr. brings that edge, both literally and figuratively. He’s physical, experienced, and has the kind of motor that would fit right in with the Longhorns' defensive identity.
The Bottom Line
Texas isn’t rebuilding - they’re reloading. But to keep pace in the ever-evolving college football landscape, especially with a new defensive coordinator at the helm, they’ll need to hit on a couple of key additions in the linebacker room. Kamara, House, and Soles Jr. each bring something unique to the table, and any one of them could end up playing a major role in the Longhorns' 2026 campaign.
With the transfer portal wide open and NIL playing a bigger role than ever, the next few weeks could be crucial for Texas as they look to solidify the spine of their defense. Keep an eye on this position group - it might just hold the key to how far the Longhorns can go next season.