Texas Star Pass Rusher Named Top-Five Impact Player for 2025
As the 2025 college football season approaches, one Texas Longhorns player has garnered attention as one of the top-five most impactful players to watch in the upcoming year. With the program’s long tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent, the Longhorns’ defensive line continues to stand out as a source of strength, with one player in particular primed to make waves.
That player is Avery Stewart, a star pass rusher from Texas who has already made his mark as one of the most dominant defensive forces in college football. Known for his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, ability to collapse the pocket, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Stewart is expected to take his game to the next level in 2025. His impact on both the Texas defense and the upcoming season cannot be overstated.
Here’s a closer look at why Stewart has been named a top-five impact player for the 2025 season and what makes him one of the most exciting defensive players in all of college football.
Avery Stewart: A Rising Star
Avery Stewart, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound pass rusher, has been a force on the defensive line since he first stepped onto the field for Texas. Stewart’s combination of size, speed, and technique makes him one of the most promising pass rushers in the nation. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and his knack for getting to the quarterback consistently have earned him national recognition.
As a freshman, Stewart showed flashes of brilliance, tallying multiple sacks and tackles for loss while quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ defensive front. By his sophomore season, Stewart had become a key player for Texas, contributing significantly to the team’s ability to shut down high-powered offenses in the Big 12.
What makes Stewart such a dangerous player is his versatility. Not only can he dominate off the edge, but he also has the ability to line up in different spots along the defensive line, allowing Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski to use him in a variety of schemes. Stewart’s ability to disrupt passing plays, close down running lanes, and be a consistent presence in the backfield makes him an invaluable asset for Texas.
Why Avery Stewart is a Top-Five Impact Player for 2025
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Stewart has solidified his place among the top players in college football for a number of reasons. The following factors highlight why he’s expected to have an outsized impact on the upcoming season:
1. Ability to Disrupt the Quarterback
Stewart’s most obvious and potent weapon is his pass-rushing ability. The ability to pressure and sack the quarterback is one of the most coveted traits for a defensive player, and Stewart has demonstrated that he can do it all. Whether it’s a quick burst off the edge or an inside move to get past blockers, Stewart consistently causes havoc in the backfield.
In 2024, Stewart had 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, establishing himself as one of the top pass rushers in the Big 12 and nationally. His ability to get to the quarterback on critical third-down situations was key for Texas, and as the defense continues to grow around him, Stewart will be counted on to maintain that level of pressure.
In 2025, Stewart is poised to build on that success. With another year of experience under his belt and added strength and technique, he is expected to be even more dominant in pressuring quarterbacks. His ability to disrupt passing games will make it difficult for opposing offenses to stay comfortable in the pocket, and as a result, he’s likely to see even more attention from scouts and opposing offenses alike.
2. A Game-Changer for Texas Defense
Texas has built a reputation for fielding one of the most formidable defenses in college football. With Stewart leading the charge, the Longhorns are positioned to take another step forward in 2025. The presence of a player like Stewart allows the Texas defense to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, causing confusion and pressure while freeing up opportunities for other players to make plays.
Stewart’s ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays from the defensive end or outside linebacker position creates an opportunity for Texas to run a more aggressive and versatile defensive scheme. As an edge rusher, Stewart is capable of wreaking havoc on the line of scrimmage, but he’s also a threat in coverage and in run defense. His athleticism and speed make him a versatile asset who can do more than just rush the passer—he can be involved in every aspect of the game.
As a game-changer on defense, Stewart will make life difficult for offensive coordinators who have to account for his presence at all times. If opposing offenses try to double-team him or focus their blocking schemes around him, it opens up opportunities for his teammates to shine as well. This versatility and overall impact make Stewart a vital piece of the Longhorns’ defensive puzzle in 2025.
3. Leadership and Maturity
While Stewart’s physical skills and on-field abilities have been impressive, his leadership and maturity have also been factors that make him a top-five impact player. In 2025, Stewart is expected to be one of the veteran leaders on the Texas defense. Having played key roles in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, he has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates, and his leadership will be crucial as the Longhorns aim for a strong season.
Stewart’s presence on the field commands attention, and his work ethic sets a tone for the entire defense. He holds himself accountable, pushing his teammates to meet the same standards and expectations that he has set for himself. This leadership and drive will be crucial for Texas, especially as the program enters what promises to be a competitive season.
With Stewart as a leader on the field and in the locker room, the Texas defense will be well-positioned to handle adversity and maintain a high level of play throughout the year.
4. Potential for a Heisman-Caliber Defensive Player
While offensive players often dominate Heisman Trophy discussions, defensive players like Stewart have been increasingly recognized for their contributions to the game. In 2025, Stewart has the potential to enter the conversation for the Heisman Trophy as a standout defender. If he continues to put up dominant numbers and remains a constant force on the defensive line, he could make a serious case for the prestigious award.
As of late, the Heisman Trophy has started to acknowledge standout defensive players, with stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Jalen Carter gaining national attention for their work on the defensive side of the ball. If Stewart can follow in their footsteps and deliver a Heisman-worthy season, he could bring even more national recognition to Texas’ already impressive program.
5. Texas’ Path to the Playoffs and National Championship
In 2025, the Longhorns are primed to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. As the program continues to rebuild and reload under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Stewart will play a critical role in Texas’ hopes for a national championship. With a strong defense and a powerful offense, the Longhorns are positioned to be one of the top teams in the country, and Stewart’s play on the defensive line could be the difference-maker in big games.
Texas’ playoff aspirations will largely depend on the performance of key players, and Stewart will be one of the players who can help lead the way. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense and force turnovers could give Texas the edge it needs to make a serious run at the national title in 2025.
The Future for Avery Stewart
As Avery Stewart prepares for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on him as one of the most dynamic and impactful defensive players in college football. Texas will need his leadership and talent to stay competitive in an increasingly tough Big 12, and Stewart will be relied upon to anchor a defense that aims for greatness.
With his skill set, leadership, and potential to make a significant impact in 2025, Avery Stewart is primed for a breakout season that could see him emerge as one of the top pass rushers in the country. Whether he’s disrupting the quarterback, leading the defense, or earning national accolades, Stewart’s 2025 season will be one to remember for Texas Longhorns football fans.