Texas football: 5 questions the Texas Longhorns must answer in 2020

4. Will veteran Texas Longhorns defense thrive in a 4-3?

While the defense is often considered a myth in the Big 12 — Texas ranked just 65th in the country in scoring defense last year — the Longhorns need to find success on that side of the ball if they’re going to get to the point where they would like to as a team. The good news for them is that they return nine starters from last year’s unit, many of which could be studs for this team.

Having said that, the most interesting thing to watch will be the schematic switch under new defensive coordinator Chris Ash, moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front. The secondary should be fine with a star-studded unit that won’t change much, led by standout safety Caden Sterns. But he also has B.J. Foster and Jalen Green to help there.

Beyond that, Texas could have a dominant defensive front if all goes well. Comprised of two seniors, Ta’Quon Graham and senior Marqez Bimage, junior Joseph Ossai and redshirt sophomore Keondre Coburn, this group could really show off in the switch to the 4-3 with the ability to generate pressure without being forced to blitz incessantly.

If that’s the case, we could see the Longhorns be one of the best defenses in the conference. While there are some questions at linebacker, the fact that they are bookended by the defensive backs and a strong defensive line should help to mask any deficiencies that may be present.