The legacy of dominant linemen at Texas continues to grow, as senior offensive lineman DJ Campbell has been named to the 2025 Outland Trophy preseason watch list, the Football Writers Association of America and Greater Omaha Sports Committee announced Tuesday morning. The Outland Trophy, one of college football’s most prestigious honors, has recognized the nation’s top interior lineman since 1946.
This marks Campbell’s first appearance on the watch list, and he joins a proud tradition of Longhorn greats. Texas has claimed the Outland in back-to-back seasons—with Kelvin Banks Jr. winning in 2024 and T’Vondre Sweat in 2023—bringing the program’s total to five. Other Longhorn legends to hoist the trophy include Scott Appleton (1963), Tommy Nobis (1965), and Brad Shearer (1977).
Campbell, a 6-foot-3 powerhouse from Arlington, Texas, earned First-Team All-SEC preseason honors earlier this month. He’s been a rock on the offensive line, starting 30 of his 37 career games, including all 16 in 2024. Last season, he helped anchor a unit that was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation’s top offensive line.
His protection was instrumental in quarterback Quinn Ewers’ standout season—3,472 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and a top-10 national finish in multiple statistical categories. Campbell also paved the way for a balanced Longhorn offense that ranked 14th in the FBS in passing yards per game (278.8) and averaged 33 points per contest.
In the run game, Campbell opened lanes for Jaydon Blue, now with the Dallas Cowboys, and Quintrevion Wisner, the SEC’s only returning 1,000-yard rusher heading into 2025.
The winner of the 80th Outland Trophy will be revealed during The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, live on ESPN. The official trophy presentation will follow at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 21, 2026.
