​Two years ago, Will Anderson Jr. burst onto the NFL scene as the next emerging star at defensive end. Last season, cornerback Kamari Lassiter established himself as a legitimate No. 1 defender who thrives in the role of a No. 2 because his teammate commands All-Pro attention. With that backdrop, the question on many Texans fans’ minds is: who will be the breakout star for the Houston Texans in 2026?
ESPN’s Ben Solak believes the Texans will continue to uncover another hidden gem under head coach DeMeco Ryans in the upcoming season. His candidate for breakout fame is safety Calen Bullock, who continues to climb draft boards as a ball-hawking defensive back renowned for creating turnovers and disrupting opposing passing games. Solak notes Bullock’s ascent while highlighting the broader context of the Texans’ defensive evolution.
“Bullock is fresh off a Pro Bowl appearance after just two seasons in the league, so he is perhaps already too accomplished to be called a ‘breakout candidate.’ But how many NFL fans would list him when naming the stars of the Texans’ defense?” Solak wrote. “Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr., Danielle Hunter … Bullock? Well, I’m ready to put him up there.”
Bullock, a former third-round pick from USC, has long carried a concern about his tackling, despite his elite speed and instincts. Standing at 6-foot-2, the back-end defender has built an impressive early resume, logging nine interceptions and 21 pass breakups through his first two seasons. His missed-tackle rate has also shown substantial improvement, dropping from 18.2 percent to under 12 percent in the recent season.
“Bullock has nine interceptions in two seasons thanks to an unreal combination of range, instincts and ball skills,” Solak wrote. “A true center-fielder—one of the dwindling breed—he is admirably physical and willing in run support. Reed Blankenship, his new running mate, should allow Bullock to spend more time in the box or across half of the field, which will increase his opportunities for ball production and, hopefully, national recognition accordingly.”
The Texans are expected to field what could become the most complete unit in the NFL this fall. If Bullock can repeat Pro Bowl-caliber play, his performances could become a defining element in setting the tone for the season’s expectations. His ability to read plays, track the ball, and deliver timely strikes could amplify the Texans’ overall defensive identity, making him a crucial catalyst for their success in 2026.
As the Texans gear up for training camp, which starts on July 21, all eyes will be on Bullock to see if he can translate his early-Pro Bowl form into sustained superstar impact. If he does, Solak’s assessment could prove prophetic: Bullock not only joining the league’s elite but potentially redefining what is possible for a safety in Houston’s defensive system.
For readers seeking the full list of breakout players, more coverage is available through the Texans Wire feature. The article, originally published on Texans Wire, positions Calen Bullock as a standout breakout candidate for 2026 and underscores the broader optimism surrounding the Texans’ defensive unit as training camp approaches.