Texas DB, team’s leading tackler, reportedly undergoes thumb surgery
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Texas has suffered a loss to its defensive backs room, but it’s only for a little bit as he recovers from an injury.
Michael Taaffe, the Longhorns’ leading tackler in 2025, had surgery on his thumb on Monday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Per Nakos, the injury is “not expected to be season-ending,” but just when the fifth-year senior will return to the field is “unclear.”
Taaffe is a hometown success story. An Austin native, he played at Westlake High School before walking on to the Longhorns program in 2021. He saw his first playing time in 2022, making 26 tackles. At the end of that season, he was put on scholarship.
He eventually emerged as a key figure in the defensive backfield for Texas. His 48 tackles were fifth on the team, while his three interceptions were tied for the team lead. He also added 2.5 tackles for a loss.
In 2024, Taaffe ended up as a second-team All-American after a stellar season. He was second on the team with 78 tackles and in passes defensed with 10. Taaffe’s 5.5 TFLs were tied for sixth on the team.
In 2025, Taaffe has picked up where he left off. Despite his injury, he’ll be considered one of the top players at his position during the NFL Draft.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
