Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles credits basketball training for Ole Miss game-winning pick
The senior linebacker said his experience in passing lanes helped him intercept a pass that secured a 34-27 victory over Ole Miss.
By Harper Collins ·
Rasheem Biles, a linebacker for the No. 11 Texas Longhorns, attributes his ability to read football defenses to his years of playing basketball. This skill proved decisive in a recent game against Ole Miss.
With 1 minute and 42 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Texas led 24-3. Ole Miss faced a fourth down and goal from the 2-yard line. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss attempted a short pass to receiver Horatio Fields. Biles undercut the route and intercepted the ball.
The turnover stopped the Rebels from scoring, allowing Texas to maintain its lead. The Longhorns finished the game with a 34-27 win. Biles credited his basketball background for his position on that play.
Biles said he used to be in passing lanes frequently during his basketball career. He stated that this experience helped him anticipate where the football would be in the air. He noted that basketball translates to football, particularly on defense.
The Ohio native played high school basketball at Pickerington Central. During his junior year, he helped the Tigers end Centerville's 45-game winning streak in the Ohio Division I championship game. His teammates included Devin Royal and Sonny Styles, who was drafted seventh overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said Biles possesses a natural feel for the game. Sarkisian noted that Biles plays instinctually, a trait visible on his film from Pitt. The coach said this instinct allows Biles to stay near the ball and create turnovers.
Sarkisian told reporters that the coaching staff planned a specific defense for the Ole Miss play in question. However, Biles and defensive backs Graceson Littleton, Derek Williams Jr., and Bo Mascoe chose to play their coverage aggressively. Littleton covered the inside route, while Williams and Mascoe double-teamed tight end Caleb Odom.
Biles said defensive coordinator Will Muschamp prefers that he play freely without hesitation. Biles said his coaches do not mind him improvising as long as he stays within the scheme. He said he feels free to use his instincts on the field.
Biles finished the game against Ole Miss with four tackles, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. He shared the SEC defensive player of the week award with Oklahoma's Owen Heinecke. According to Pro Football Focus, Biles and senior linebacker Justin Cryer were on the field for 85 of Texas' 86 defensive snaps in that game.
Cryer, who transferred from Florida State, also recorded an interception and five tackles in the win. Both players joined Texas as transfers and have earned substantial playing time. Cryer said he left his previous program to compete at a high level, not to take a break.
