Overview
- On3’s Pete Nakos reported Taaffe had thumb surgery on Monday with no set timetable, though it is not expected to be season-ending.
- Taaffe leads Texas in tackles and carries a 91.1 PFF grade, tied for the nation’s highest at safety this season.
- The Longhorns visit Mississippi State next, leaving his availability unclear for a secondary that depends on his communication and playmaking.
- Redshirt sophomore Derek Williams is listed as the backup but has just 88 snaps and seven tackles this season after a prior knee injury.
- Texas is 5–2 and allowing only 11.3 points per game, increasing the impact of any absence as the passing offense struggles to find rhythm.