After a historic 2024 season, Texas football keeps impressing — even in the spring.
Twelve former Longhorns have been selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, setting a program record. Last season, 11 players were taken.
This year’s group was highlighted by Kelvin Banks Jr., the All-American left tackle taken No. 9 overall by the New Orleans Saints. Three Texas players (defensive back Jahdae Barron, No. 20; wide receiver Matthew Golden, No. 23 overall) went in the first round for the first time since 1980.
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Offensive linemen Hayden Conner and Cameron Williams, taken at the tail end of the sixth round, helped tie the record. Quarterback Quinn Ewers’ selection in the seventh put the Longhorns over the edge.
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Texas tied a program-record with 13 wins this past season, clinching a berth in the national semifinals. They were led by a defense that ranked third in the county in points allowed per game (15.3) and total yards allowed per game (283.7). As a result, two Texas defensive backs were drafted as well as three defensive linemen.
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The offense was led by a veteran quarterback, a rugged running game and a Joe Moore Award-finalist offensive line. Three starters from the offensive line were drafted as well as Golden, the team’s top wideout, and starting tight end Gunnar Helm. The second-leading running back, Jaydon Blue, was drafted as well. Ewers came off the board in the draft’s final round, No. 231 overall.
The 2024 Longhorns fell in the College Football Playoff to Ohio State. The Buckeyes were one of few with more players sent to the NFL than the Longhorns, with 14 picked as of the middle of the seventh round.
Texas begins its 2025 season against Ohio State on Aug. 30.
NFL draft 2025: Full list of Longhorns picked this year
OT Kelvin Banks Jr., No. 9 overall (first round) to the New Orleans Saints
DB Jahdae Barron, No. 20 overall (first round) to the Denver Broncos
WR Matthew Golden, No. 23 overall (first round) to the Green Bay Packers
DL Alfred Collins, No. 43 overall (second round) to the San Francisco 49ers
DB Andrew Mukuba, No. 64 overall (second round) to the Philadelphia Eagles
DL Vernon Broughton, No. 71 overall (third round) to the Saints
TE Gunnar Helm, No. 120 overall (fourth round) to the Tennessee Titans
Barryn Sorrell, No. 124 overall (fourth round) to the Packers
RB Jaydon Blue, No. 149 overall (fifth round) to the Dallas Cowboys
OL Hayden Conner, No. 211 overall (sixth round) to the Arizona Cardinals
OL Cameron Williams, No. 207 overall (sixth round) to the Eagles
QB Quinn Ewers No. 231 overall (seventh round) to the Miami Dolphins
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