The Texas Longhorns football program is among the most storied in college football history. The Longhorns have consistently been a powerhouse in the sport with multiple national championships, conference titles, and Heisman winners. Over the years, numerous players have etched their names in the annals of Texas football history.
Here’s a look at the five greatest players to ever don the burnt orange and white.
1. Vince Young (Quarterback, 2003-2005)
Vince Young’s name invariably rises to the top when discussing the greatest Texas Longhorns players. As the quarterback of the 2005 national championship team, Young delivered one of the most iconic performances in college football history. In the BCS National Championship Game against USC, Young accounted for 467 total yards and scored the game-winning touchdown on a memorable fourth-and-five scramble with 19 seconds remaining.
Young’s career at Texas was nothing short of spectacular. He finished his college career with 6,040 passing yards, 44 passing touchdowns, and 3,127 rushing yards with 37 rushing touchdowns. In 2005, he won the Maxwell Award and was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. His athleticism, leadership, and clutch performances make him arguably the greatest player in Texas Longhorns history. FanDuel often highlights the odds of promising players like Vince Young when showcasing historic college football moments.
2. Earl Campbell (Running Back, 1974-1977)
Nicknamed the “Tyler Rose,” Earl Campbell is a Longhorn legend defining power running. During his senior season in 1977, Campbell rushed for 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns.. That year, he was also awarded two awards, the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award.
Campbell’s physical running style and ability to break tackles made him nearly unstoppable. Over his Texas career, he amassed 4,443 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns, setting numerous records. After college, Campbell became the first overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft and had a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. His dominance on the field and lasting impact on the program make him one of the all-time greats.
3. Ricky Williams (Running Back, 1995-1998)
Ricky Williams is another Texas Longhorns icon who left an indelible mark on the program. A dynamic and versatile running back, Williams set the NCAA all-time rushing record (since broken) with 6,279 yards during his college career. He also scored 72 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his nose for the end zone.
Williams’ 1998 season was legendary. He rushed for 2,124 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning him the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award, and the Doak Walker Award. Known for his blend of power, speed, and vision, Williams was a nightmare for opposing defenses. His records and accolades solidify his place as one of the greatest running backs in college football history.
4. Tommy Nobis (Linebacker, 1963-1965)
Tommy Nobis, often called “Mr. Everything,” is considered one of the greatest defensive players in Texas Longhorns history. A dominant linebacker, Nobis was a two-way player who also contributed on the offensive line. His toughness, intelligence, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ defense.
Nobis’ crowning achievement came in the 1965 Orange Bowl, where he made a critical fourth-down stop to secure a 21-17 victory over Alabama. He was a two-time All-American and won the Outland Trophy and the Maxwell Award in 1965. After college, Nobis was first selected in the 1966 NFL Draft and enjoyed a stellar professional career. His impact on Texas football remains unparalleled, and his legacy endures as one of the program’s all-time greats.
5. Colt McCoy (Quarterback, 2006-2009)
Colt McCoy is the winningest quarterback in Texas Longhorns history. He finished his college career with a record of 45-8 as a starter. Known for his accuracy, poise, and leadership, McCoy rewrote the Texas record books during his time in Austin. He threw for 13,253 yards and 112 touchdowns, which are school records.
McCoy’s 2008 season was particularly impressive. He completed 76.7% of his passes, threw for 3,859 yards, and accounted for 45 total touchdowns. That year, he finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up and won the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Davey O’Brien awards. McCoy led the Longhorns to the BCS National Championship Game in the 2009 season, but an injury early in the game hampered their chances against Alabama. Despite this setback, McCoy’s legacy remains intact as one of the greatest Texas Longhorns players.
Honorable Mentions
While the five players listed above are widely regarded as the greatest in Texas Longhorns history, several other players deserve recognition for their contributions:
- Bobby Layne (Quarterback, 1944-1947): Layne was a dual-threat quarterback who led Texas to multiple bowl victories and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
- James Street (Quarterback, 1967-1969): Street was the leader of the 1969 national championship team and an integral part of Texas’s famed wishbone offense.
- Cedric Benson (Running Back, 2001-2004): Benson rushed for 5,540 yards and 64 touchdowns during his Texas career, earning the Doak Walker Award in 2004.
- Roy Williams (Wide Receiver, 2000-2003): Williams was a dynamic playmaker who set several school receiving records and was a first-round NFL Draft pick.
Final Words
The Texas Longhorns football program has been home to some of the greatest players in college football history. From Vince Young’s unforgettable championship heroics to Earl Campbell’s bruising runs, each player on this list has left an indelible mark on the program. These legends brought glory to Texas and helped shape the identity of college football as we know it. As the Longhorns prepare for future seasons in the SEC, their rich history reminds them of the greatness that defines Texas football.
