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Three Texas Longhorns defenders make Chris Low's ESPN Preseason All-America Team

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Berry | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 2:00 PM ET

ESPN's Chris Low has released his 2025 Preseason All-America team Monday. With college football team returning next weekend, it only felt right I guess for another preseason All-America team to be published. The good news is, the Texas Longhorns have two players on the first-team and another on the second-team.

In fact, only five players who were first-team selections last year made the cut the this year: Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Florida center Jake Slaughter, Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada.

Let's take a look at which Texas players made it and what Mr. Low thinks of them.

Anthony Hill Jr. - linebacker

"From the time he arrived on the Forty Acres, Hill has been destined for stardom. Now in his third season, the 6-3, 235-pound Hill is one of the country's most well-rounded linebackers. He tied for fourth among FBS linebackers last season with 16 ½ tackles for loss, and he also forced four fumbles. Whether he's pressuring the quarterback or chasing down ball carriers, Hill is a big play waiting to happen on defense."

Anthony Hill Jr. is going to be a big riser in this class https://t.co/UOzmTsnXYv pic.twitter.com/LvTUpaFAfl
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) June 11, 2025

Michael Taaffe - safety

"Taaffe came to Texas as a walk-on and enters his redshirt senior season as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. Taaffe has played in 43 career games with 26 starts. He had 78 total tackles last season, including 5 ½ for loss, 2 interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Taaffe's instincts and range are both outstanding. His 91.3 coverage grade led all safeties last season, according to Pro Football Focus."

Michael Taaffe went from walk-on to one of the top Safeties in the country pic.twitter.com/Sh8dRHcy1G
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 24, 2025

Colin Simmons - defensive end (second-team)

Edged out by South Carolina's Dylan Stewart, Simmons is set for an encore sophomore season after being one of the best players in the country last season regardless of class. The former five-star prospect finished the year with 14 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles. He was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, SEC All-Freshman, and Freshman All-America. The 6-foot-3, 240 pounder will lead one of the best defenses in college football with his trademark first-step and relentless motor.

Colin Simmons does not look like a true freshman. This get off at the snap is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/xK6R2sqE9u
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) September 28, 2024

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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