If Texas football (5-2) is going to overcome its ongoing woes on offense and squeeze its way into the Playoff, it will need to rely heavily on its elite defense. Injuries could jeopardize that plan, however. Star safety Michael Taaffe underwent thumb surgery on Monday, according to On3's Pete Nakos. There is no current timetable for his recovery, but the expectation is that he will return at some point this season.

The Longhorns are allowing only 11.3 points per game, which ranks only behind Ohio State and Oklahoma. Taaffe, a 2024 Second-Team All-American, is in the midst of his final year in Austin and has recorded one interception, one sack and 28 solo tackles in 2025. The secondary will surely miss his presence if he is forced to the sidelines.

Texas cannot afford to lose its de

See Full Page