Where Texas Lands in PFF's Ranking of the Top Secondaries in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cami Griffin | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The Texas Longhorns will enter the 2025 college football season as one of the highest ranked teams in the country.

Aside from quarterback phenom Arch Manning, Texas has high expectations this year thanks to a few defensive players that are among the best in the nation. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and pass rusher Colin Simmons are undoubtedly two of the most talented players on Texas' roster.

However, the Longhorns secondary may be the strength of the team.

In PFF's ranking of the top-10 secondaries heading into the 2025 season, Texas landed at No. 1. "The Longhorns have the best defensive backfield in college football thanks to two stars in cornerback Malik Muhammad and safety Michael Taaffe," Max Chadwick said.

Chadwick also mentioned the talented depth in Texas' secondary that includes players such as Jaylon Guilbeau, Jelani McDonald, Derek Williams Jr., Kobe Black, Kade Phillips, Xavier Filsaime and Jonah Williams.

"Between PFF’s No. 1 linebacker unit and now our No. 1 secondary, the Longhorns have easily the best back-seven in college football," Chadwick said.

Many believed All-American safety Michael Taaffe would enter the 2025 NFL Draft, but after a heartbreaking loss in the College Football Playoff semifinals last year, Taaffe made the decision to return to Austin for one more season. His leadership on and off the field will play a vital role in Texas' success this season.

Alabama (No. 2), Notre Dame (No. 3), Clemson (No. 4), Ohio State (No. 5), Oregon (No. 6), Indiana (No. 7), Duke (No. 8), Georgia (No. 9) and Penn State (No. 10) were also included in PFF's ranking.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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