**Steve Sarkisian Goes In-Depth on Texas Longhorns STAR Position Battle**
The Texas Longhorns are entering a pivotal season under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and one of the most intriguing position battles this fall is at the STAR role—a hybrid linebacker/safety spot critical to defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s scheme. Sarkisian recently provided an in-depth breakdown of the competition, highlighting the strengths of each contender and the importance of the position in Texas’ defensive success.
The STAR position is not a new concept in modern football, but its significance in Kwiatkowski’s defense cannot be overstated. It requires a player who can cover slot receivers, support the run, and occasionally blitz—a true Swiss Army knife in the secondary. Over the past few seasons, Texas has experimented with different players in the role, but finding the right fit has been an ongoing process. This year, the battle appears wide open, with multiple candidates vying for the starting job.
Sarkisian emphasized that the ideal STAR must possess a rare combination of speed, physicality, and football IQ. “It’s one of the toughest positions to play because you have to be able to do a little bit of everything,” Sarkisian said. “You’re matching up with elite athletes in the slot, but you also have to be able to come down and tackle a running back in the open field. It’s not for everyone.”
One of the leading candidates for the job is Jahdae Barron, a senior who has seen significant snaps at nickel and safety throughout his career. Barron’s experience and versatility make him a strong contender, and Sarkisian praised his ability to adapt. “Jahdae has played a lot of football for us, and he understands the defense inside and out,” Sarkisian noted. “He’s got the instincts and the toughness we need at that spot.”
However, Barron isn’t the only player in the mix. Freshman Malik Muhammad has also drawn attention for his athleticism and coverage skills. Though primarily a cornerback, Muhammad’s length and quickness have led the coaching staff to experiment with him at STAR. Sarkisian acknowledged that Muhammad is still learning the nuances of the position but believes his upside is tremendous. “Malik is a special talent,” Sarkisian said. “He’s still young, but he’s picking things up quickly. If he can grasp the mental side of the position, he could be a real weapon for us.”
Another name to watch is sophomore Austin Jordan, who saw limited action last season but has impressed in offseason workouts. Jordan’s physicality and willingness to tackle make him a viable option, especially in run support. Sarkisian mentioned that Jordan’s development has been encouraging. “Austin has put in the work,” he said. “He’s got the size and strength to hold up against bigger receivers and tight ends, which is huge in this league.”
The Longhorns also added Ohio State transfer Kourt Williams II, a hard-hitting defensive back with experience playing in the box. Williams’ familiarity with hybrid roles makes him an intriguing candidate, and Sarkisian hinted that he could be a dark horse in the competition. “Kourt brings a different element to the room,” Sarkisian said. “He’s played in big games, and he understands what it takes to win. We’re excited to see what he can do.”
Beyond individual evaluations, Sarkisian stressed the importance of finding a player who can elevate the entire defense. The STAR position is often the linchpin of Kwiatkowski’s scheme, allowing Texas to disguise coverages and create confusion for opposing quarterbacks. “When you have a guy who can do multiple things at a high level, it opens up so much for the rest of the defense,” Sarkisian explained. “You can be more aggressive with your calls because you know he can handle his assignments.”
The competition is far from settled, and Sarkisian made it clear that the coaching staff will take their time before naming a starter. Fall camp will be crucial in determining who separates themselves from the pack. “We’re going to let these guys compete,” Sarkisian said. “It’s not about who starts Day 1—it’s about who gives us the best chance to win when we line up against Rice and beyond.”
One factor that could influence the decision is how the rest of the secondary shakes out. Texas returns several experienced cornerbacks, including Ryan Watts and Terrance Brooks, which may allow the staff to move pieces around to maximize the STAR role. Sarkisian hinted that flexibility will be key. “We have a lot of guys who can play multiple spots, so we’ll find the best combination,” he said.
Another consideration is how the STAR fits into Texas’ overall defensive identity. Last season, the Longhorns showed flashes of dominance but also struggled at times against high-powered passing attacks. Sarkisian believes that shoring up the STAR position will help the defense take the next step. “We want to be more consistent in coverage, and a lot of that starts with how we handle the slot,” he said. “If we can lock that down, it makes everything else easier.”
Fans are eager to see how the battle unfolds, especially with Texas entering the SEC in 2024. The level of competition will only increase, and having a reliable STAR will be essential against some of the nation’s best offenses. Sarkisian acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in his players. “We know what’s coming,” he said. “But we also know we have the talent to compete at the highest level. It’s about putting it all together.”
As the season approaches, the STAR position battle will remain one of the most closely watched storylines for the Longhorns. Whether it’s Barron’s experience, Muhammad’s potential, Jordan’s physicality, or Williams’ versatility, Texas has several viable options. Sarkisian’s detailed breakdown suggests that the staff is leaving no stone unturned in their search for the right fit.
In the end, the decision may come down to which player proves they can handle the diverse responsibilities of the role. Sarkisian summed it up best: “Whoever wins that job is going to have to earn it every single day. We need a playmaker there, and we’re confident we’ll find one.”
With the season just around the corner, Longhorn fans won’t have to wait much longer to see who emerges as Texas’ next STAR.
