As the 2027 recruiting class takes shape, the outlook on the defense’s future becomes a bit clearer. Here are my thoughts on that side of the ball.

Defensive Line

The biggest name in the 2027 class is Barbers Hill’s Raiden Cook. I expect he will be a big part of the defensive line’s future and its success. How early will he get snaps? I’ll guess that his first season on campus will be an opportunity for on-field development.

The position group will lose four names to eligibility in Khalil Laufau, Ejiro Egodogbare, Myles Parker, and Quindario Lee. In addition, Ashton Porter and De’Marion Thomas will be draft eligible. A big season for either could boost draft stock. Not a foregone conclusion, but something to monitor.

Incoming: Raiden Cook

Players to monitor: N/A

Prediction: Porter and Thomas’ return would give the youth in the room more time to develop and more stability for at least another season. I could see the staff looking for a pass rusher in the portal, but young guys like Darius Washington, Chance Bryant, and DK Mays could emerge.

JACK

There are four players listed at this position on the roster, and two of them are graduating after this season: Brandon Mack and Latreveon McCutchin. The other two, Sheldon Rice and Grayson Boeker, have five snaps played between them. This year will be big for Rice and his standing at the position going forward.

I think this is where Cael Thigpen fits into the defensive plans, but also, because of the inexperience at the position overall, this is a spot where the staff goes to the portal. Rice could take a leap and position himself as the starter, but I anticipate that the staff will seek experience as the younger players figure things out.

Incoming: Cael Thigpen

Players to monitor: N/A

Prediction: It’s kind of similar to the defensive line: The staff will look for a veteran here in the portal, especially to help with getting to the quarterback.

Linebacker

Sione Fotu played 543 snaps last season per PFF, the most of any returning player at the position. Carmycah Glass is second with 350. I expect a rotation here this season that includes Fotu, Glass, and incoming transfer Jaden Yates, with Christian Brathwaite earning snaps. Unlike Fotu and Yates, Glass and Brathwaite will be eligible to return after this season.

This is a pretty healthy position group that also includes transfer Miller Malone. As well as 2027 commits Jerrell Bridges and Kamryn Harris. I don’t anticipate any further movement here if the staff feels they’re getting a strong showing from players like Glass and Brathwaite. Second-year guy Richmond Ugochukwu will be pushing to get on the field as well.

Incoming: Jerrell Bridges, Kamryn Harris

Players to monitor: Cade Haug, Katy

Prediction: I expect players in-house to step up and fill in for graduating seniors. Glass, Brathwaite, Malone, and Ugochuwku are names to look at. I don’t expect a move in the portal unless the staff feels completely underwhelmed, which I don’t anticipate.

Cornerback

After the 2026 season, Jalen Mayo, JD Rhym, and Keany Parks will be out of eligibility, while Will James and Javion White will be draft-eligible but able to return. White will play the STAR position, but I’ll consider him a cornerback for this exercise. Assuming James returns, he will be looking for a new running mate on the opposite side of the field for the third season in a row in Houston.

Kameron Roberson and Logan Debose are committed in the 2027 class. Players like Alvin Williamson and Jamaal Shaw, if they can get on the field this year, could move up. Younger players Kenzy West and Zaylen Cormier will be in their third season on campus in 2027.

Incoming: Kameron Roberson, Logan Debose

Players to monitor: N/A

Prediction: Outside of James and White, there is a lot of inexperience. I think this will be another offseason where the staff tries to get at least one experienced player to start alongside James. Roberson is gifted; his spring 2027 performance will be worth watching.

Safety

Kentrell Webb and Jordan Allen have been key contributors to the Coogs defense, but they won’t be returning for the 2027 season, and CJ Douglas will be moving on as well. Incoming freshmen Paris Melvin and Javen Holmes may be asked to take over in their second season on campus. Melvin looks primed to get on the field this year, in some capacity.

2027 commit Tavon Bolden looks the part already, along with the most recent Coog commit Marvin Joseph. The position group is full of young talent that may need an experienced player to guide them for a season before they fully take over.

Incoming: Tavon Bolden, Marvin Joseph

Player to monitor: Julian Reese, Palo Duro (committing Aug 28)

Prediction: With the amount of snaps lost to graduation, I could see the staff wanting to add at least one veteran to the room. Melvin’s dynamic ability looks promising for taking one of the starting spots in 2027.