Texas Safety Jelani McDonald Returning for 2026, Stabilizing Secondary
His choice supplies new coordinator Will Muschamp with an experienced anchor in a unit hit by departures.
Overview
- McDonald announced on Instagram on Friday that he will play his senior season at Texas in 2026.
- He started 12 games in 2025 and led the Longhorns with 73 tackles, adding three interceptions.
- Texas is losing key defenders including safety Michael Taaffe, cornerbacks Jaylon Guilbeau and Malik Muhammad, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. to the NFL, and linebacker Liona Lefau to the transfer portal.
- McDonald is expected to be a foundational piece for Muschamp, who will work closely with the secondary and is regarded for developing safeties.
- Across three seasons, McDonald has totaled 108 tackles, four interceptions and four pass breakups.