Spring football begins in earnest across the country following Spring Break. The state of Texas is primed for another memorable yar at the FBS level in 2024 with the Longhorns joining the SEC and new coaching staffs at Texas A&M, Houston and UTEP. UTSA begins a new chapter without long-time quarterback Frank Harris as rival Texas State appears set for a Sun Belt title run. The Lone Star State is home to 13 FBS programs. 

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football will rank the 10 best players at each position continuing with EDGE RUSHERS.

We began the list with QUARTERBACKS. 

1. NIC SCOURTON, TEXAS A&M 

2023 review: 10 sacks, 15 TFL, 50 tackles, 1 FF (Purdue)

The edge rusher transferred from Purdue after leading the Big 10 in sacks last season with 10 while adding 15 tackles for loss. He recorded 50 tackles, forced a fumble, and three passes defensed. The Bryan, Texas native returns home with two years of eligibility left. The Aggies needed a dominant pass rusher in Mike Elko’s new defense. 

2. TREY MOORE, TEXAS 

2023 review: 14 sacks, 17.5 TFL, 45 tackles, 1 FF (UTSA)

One of the only holes in Texas’ team last season was a consistent outside pass rush. It was virtually non-existent in the Sugar Bowl loss to Washington, for example. Enter Moore. At UTSA, the former three-star prospect set a school record for sacks with 14 en route to becoming the 2023 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He’ll team with Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke off the edge for the Longhorns. 

3. ELIJAH ROBERTS, SMU 

2023 review: 10 sacks, 12.5 TFL, 37 tackles, 2 FF 

The former Miami transfer made an immediate impact for an improved SMU defense last season as the Mustangs won a conference title for the first time in 40 years. He started in all 14 games on the Hilltop and led the team with 10 sacks. He was a second-team All-AAC selection. 

4. BEN BELL, TEXAS STATE  

2023 review: 10 sacks, 16 TFL, 57 tackles, 1 FF

The big, mean defensive end from Cedar Park returns to San Marcos to terrorize opposing offenses, and to let them know about it. Bell was one of the highest-graded defensive linemen in Texas last season. He reached double-digits in sacks despite only starting in seven games.

5. MAURICE WESTMORELAND, UTEP

2023 review: 7.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL, 37 tackles, 1 FF 

For their struggles the last two seasons, the Miners could always rush the passer from the defensive end position. UTEP will suit up dozens of new players in Year 1 under Scotty Walden, but he’ll need Westmoreland to pick up where he left off in 2023. A dominant pass rusher makes everyone else’s job on defense easier.

6. ISSIAH NIXON, SAM HOUSTON 

2023 review: 5 sacks, 5.5 TFL, 25 tackles, 1 FF

The Sam Houston defense played bowl-eligible level football in the Bearkats’ first foray into FBS football. Nixon was a big reason why. Watch Sam play defense for five minutes and you’ll notice Nixon’s impact. He’ll need to be even better in 2024.

7. CASHIUS HOWELL, TEXAS A&M 

2023 review: 9.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL, 28 tackles, 1 FF (Bowling Green)

Scourton wasn’t the only major pick up at edge rusher for Elko’s Aggies. Howell was a third-team All-MAC selection in 2023 after leading the conference in sacks at Bowling Green. He can play outside linebacker or with his hand on the ground in passing situations. 

8. ETHAN BURKE, TEXAS 

2023 review: 5.5 sacks, 9 TFL, 41 tackles, 1 FF

The strength of the Texas defense should shift from the interior of the defensive line to the edge with players such as Moore, Burke and Sorrell. Burke played in all 13 games with nine starts, leading the Horns with 5.5 sacks as a sophomore. 

9. JIMMORI ROBINSON, UTSA 

2023 review: 4.5 sacks, 11 TFL, 40 tackles

With Moore now at Texas, Robinson is tasked with leading the charge as the program’s best pass rusher. He played in all 14 contests in 2023 but his role should increase drastically this season. 

10. JOSH PEARCY, RICE 

2023 review: 7 TFL, 1 sack, 44 tackles, 1 FF

Pearcy struggled to rack up sacks, but he didn’t struggle to create pressure. He was second on the team with 18 hurries and 26 total pressures. He led the Owls with six quarterback hits. Pearcy was an honorable mention All-AAC selection.