Derek Williams earns larger role before LSU homecoming

Texas safety Derek Williams will return to his home state for Saturday’s game at LSU after turning a near transfer into a larger role on the Longhorns defense.

The New Iberia, Louisiana, native suffered an ACL injury on special teams against Oklahoma in 2024. He returned in 2025 and appeared in 12 games. Jelani McDonald and Michael Taaffe held the starting jobs while Xavier Filsaime competed for more snaps.

Williams planned to enter the transfer portal in December and did not play in Texas’ Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan. He withdrew from the portal in early January after defensive coordinator Will Muschamp arrived and safeties coach Blake Gideon returned to Austin.

Steve Sarkisian credited Muschamp and Gideon, along with conversations involving Williams and his mother, for helping the safety decide to stay. Sarkisian said Williams needed time to regain his pre-injury form and had grown frustrated with his playing time and performance.

Williams has turned that decision into production this season, aided by Kobe Black missing time with an injury. Through nine games, Williams has started four times and ranks fourth on the team with 41 tackles, along with three pass breakups and 2.5 tackles for loss.

He recorded six tackles and a tackle for loss against Mississippi State, then made six tackles in Texas’ 34-20 victory at Missouri. At Missouri, linebackers Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer joined Williams atop the team’s tackle totals.

Pro Football Focus credited Williams with allowing 90 yards on 11 catches since surrendering a 43-yard reception against Ohio State. In run defense, he ranks second on the team with 19 tackles of opposing ball carriers, two missed tackles and an average tackle depth of 5.5 yards.

Williams arrived at Texas as a consensus five-star recruit ranked as the No. 3 safety nationally. He played in 13 games as a freshman in 2023 and made his first career interception during the following season’s road victory over Michigan.

Sarkisian now believes Williams is playing better than he did before the injury. His next assignment carries a personal angle, with the Louisiana native returning to face the LSU program Texas beat for his commitment.

Why it matters

Williams gives Texas an experienced safety who has contributed against both the run and pass. His decision to remain in Austin preserved a defender who ranks fourth on the team with 41 tackles through nine games.

What to watch next

Williams and Texas travel to LSU on Saturday for the safety’s return to his home state.