At a Glance
- Johnny Nansen will lead Texas defense in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl after Pete Kwiatkowski’s dismissal.
- Incoming defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will take over following the bowl game.
- Linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith steps into a leadership role amid roster changes.
- Why it matters: The coaching shift and player turnover could shape Texas’ defensive identity going forward.
Texas linebackers coach Johnny Nansen is preparing his unit for Wednesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl after defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski was fired on Dec. 18. With Will Muschamp slated to assume the coordinator role after the game, Nansen is keeping the day-to-day routine as normal as possible.
Coaching Transition
The firing of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski on Dec. 18 leaves a gap that Will Muschamp will fill after the bowl. Nansen said:
> “We haven’t changed, from planning and the way practice has been structured. I think guys have been used to hearing my voice in meetings. It has really been normal to us. They are used to change. We understand with guys opting out and now coaches and changes like this, we understand it is part of the business, and the players have been great handling it.”
Player Turnover
The transfer portal and NFL-draft opt-outs have weakened Nansen’s linebacker group. Players affected include:
- Anthony Hill
- Trey Moore
- Liona Lefau
Lefau, who had been seen as the next-in-line linebacker after Hill’s departure, is now entering the transfer portal, opening opportunities for others.
Emerging Leader
Ty’Anthony Smith, a rotational player who has become a leader for the bowl, shared his growth. Smith said:
> “What I learned, it is just how to be confident in my approach, and that is through studying and consistently studying. I think that is what they taught not only me but the rest of the guys. I am just ready to see how we study, and also just go out and play.”
Smith finished the season with impressive numbers:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 51 |
| Tackles for loss | 4.5 |
| Forced fumbles | 2 |
His performance suggests he could step into the role of a key ball-carrier, a spot previously dominated by Hill.
Key Takeaways
- Pete Kwiatkowski was fired Dec. 18; Will Muschamp will take over after the bowl.
- Nansen is maintaining routine while preparing the defense for a coaching transition.
- Ty’Anthony Smith’s leadership and stats point to him becoming the next defensive focal point.
The Citrus Bowl will test how well Texas can adapt to a new coordinator and a reshaped linebacker corps as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
