Zion Williams’ switch to Texas instantly boosts the Longhorns’ interior run defense; bettors might favor Texas in matchups vs. run-heavy opponents and expect lower opponent rushing props. With four years of eligibility and pro-style size, Williams could start early, meaning spreads in conference games could tighten as Texas projects improved short-yardage and inside-run stops.
Zion Williams Heads to Texas: Massive Interior Upgrade for Longhorns
Steve Sarkisian and Texas have added a high-upside defensive tackle in Zion Williams, who entered the transfer portal after one season at LSU. The 6-foot-4, 360-pound prospect, a Top-30 defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting cycle and a consensus four-star on the prep scene, brings rare size and tackle-room power to Austin.
Playing Time and Eligibility
Williams saw action in five games during the 2025 season and recorded no traditional stats, but he still carries four seasons of eligibility. A Texas native, he returns to his home state with a clear path to compete early for snaps in a front designed to control the line of scrimmage.
What Williams Brings to Texas
Scouts project Williams as a power-based interior lineman who can anchor multiple fronts. He excels at handling double teams, setting the point of attack against the run, and shows enough one-on-one stack-and-shed technique to be more than a pure space-eater. His explosion at the snap, snap anticipation and raw strength make him a natural fit as a nose tackle or three-technique in heavy personnel packages.
Impact on Longhorns’ Defense and Depth
Williams’ arrival immediately improves Texas’ run-stopping upside, particularly on early downs and in short-yardage scenarios. Even if used in rotation, his size changes blocking assignments for opponents, potentially freeing up linebackers and edge rushers to make plays. Over time, he projects as a multi-year starter who can anchor interior fronts and influence the Longhorns’ defensive identity.
Betting and Matchup Implications
From a wagering perspective, Williams’ presence should factor into lines for games against run-heavy opponents. Expect adjustments to rushing totals and potential shifts in spreads where opponent ground games were previously a mismatch. Prop bettors might watch early-season usage for snap-count indicators before backing interior-defensive-line-based markets.
Outlook
While still developing as a collegiate player, Williams’ combination of size, strength and technique gives Texas a blueprint to tighten its interior defense quickly. If he adapts to the speed of the college game and earns significant snaps, the Longhorns could see measurable gains against the run as the season unfolds.
Steve Sarkisian and Co. add the promising defensive lineman, reveals decision to remain in the SEC.
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