The Texas Longhorns are heading into the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl with some notable adjustments on defense, particularly at linebacker, after junior starters Anthony Hill Jr. and Liona Lefau opted out of the game. With both key contributors sidelined, the Longhorns have had to get creative to fill the void ahead of their matchup against Michigan.
One of the biggest shifts comes from junior Brad Spence, who’s sliding from edge rusher to inside linebacker. At 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds, Spence brings size and physicality to the middle of the defense, and he’s already been running with the first-team unit in bowl practices.
He’ll line up next to sophomore Ty’Anthony Smith, who’s quietly put together a strong season. Smith finished the regular season as Texas’ fifth-leading tackler, racking up 51 total stops.
He’s shown a knack for getting into the backfield too, with 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles to go along with a fumble recovery.
That duo-Spence and Smith-will be tasked with anchoring a reworked linebacker corps against a Michigan offense that loves to test the middle of the field with physical run plays and play-action passes. It’s a tall order, but the Longhorns are leaning on versatility and athleticism to weather the storm.
And speaking of versatility, keep an eye on Jordon Johnson-Rubell. The sophomore safety, listed at 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds, has been getting reps at linebacker as well.
He’s been working with the second-team defense alongside freshman Elijah Barnes and senior Marshall Landwehr. Johnson-Rubell’s ability to play closer to the line of scrimmage gives Texas a different look-one that could be useful against Michigan’s tight end-heavy sets and short passing game.
With depth being tested and roles shifting, the Longhorns are entering this bowl game with a bit of a new identity on defense. It’s not the ideal situation, but it’s a chance for younger players and position-switchers to step up on a big stage. And for a Texas team looking to finish the season strong, how this reshuffled linebacker group performs could be one of the biggest storylines to watch come Wednesday afternoon.