The Texas Longhorns have long been recognised as one of college football’s elite programs, known for producing top-tier NFL talent. That legacy reached a new milestone in the 2025 NFL Draft, when the Longhorns set a program record with 12 players selected across all seven rounds, surpassing the previous record of 11 set just the year prior. This back-to-back surge in draft success underscores not only the depth of talent in Austin but also the program’s growing reputation for developing NFL-ready athletes.
With players going off the board early and often, the Longhorns were a central storyline throughout the draft weekend. From first-round selections backed by betting odds and media buzz to late-round picks hoping to make their mark, Texas made its presence felt.
Reviewing the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft was a historic moment for the Texas Longhorns, who set a new program record with 12 players selected. This impressive feat surpassed their previous record of 11 picks, set just a year earlier in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As expected, the first round showcased several standout names. An offensive tackle was selected 9th overall by the New Orleans Saints, followed by a cornerback going 20th to the Denver Broncos and a wide receiver taken 23rd by the Green Bay Packers. These players had consistently ranked among the top prospects on draft boards and were favourites to go early, with odds and projections from platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook supporting their high draft stock.
In the third round, the New Orleans Saints picked up another Longhorn, selecting defensive tackle Vernon Broughton with the 71st pick. The fourth round added two more names to the list: tight end Gunnar Helm was selected 120th overall by the Tennessee Titans, and edge rusher Barryn Sorrell was taken 124th overall by the Green Bay Packers. Running back Jaydon Blue continued the streak in the fifth round, going 149th overall to the Dallas Cowboys.
The sixth round featured offensive tackle Cameron Williams heading to the Philadelphia Eagles at pick 207, followed by offensive lineman Hayden Conner, who was taken 211th overall by the Arizona Cardinals. Finally, in the seventh round, quarterback Quinn Ewers was selected 231st overall by the Miami Dolphins.
Longhorns During Draft Day
The Texas Longhorns have a proud tradition of sending elite talent to the NFL, with numerous players hearing their names called early on draft day. Over the decades, several Longhorns have been selected among the highest picks in the NFL Draft, cementing Texas as one of the premier collegiate football programs when it comes to developing pro-ready talent.
The highest-drafted player in Texas history remains Kenneth Sims, a dominant defensive end who was selected first overall in the 1982 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Sims came into the league with enormous expectations after winning the Lombardi Award and earning consensus All-American honours. However, his NFL career was marred by injuries and inconsistency. While he spent eight seasons in the league, he never quite lived up to his top-pick billing.
Another notable high pick was Vince Young, the dynamic quarterback who led Texas to a national championship in 2006. Young was selected third overall by the Tennessee Titans in the same year’s draft. He had a promising start to his professional career, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and making two Pro Bowls. However, off-field issues and inconsistent play led to a short-lived NFL tenure, and he was out of the league just a few years later.
Longhorns Success Stories in the NFL
While not every Texas Longhorn drafted into the NFL has lived up to expectations, the program has produced a long list of standout players who have made significant impacts at the professional level. From Pro Bowlers to Hall of Famers, the Longhorn legacy extends well beyond college football.
One of the most notable success stories is Earl Thomas, a key member of the Seattle Seahawks’ famed “Legion of Boom.” Drafted 14th overall in 2010, Thomas quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier safeties. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro honours, and played a vital role in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl XLVIII victory. His speed, instincts, and leadership defined Seattle’s defence for nearly a decade.
Another standout is Jamaal Charles, who may be one of the most underrated running backs in NFL history. Drafted in the third round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, Charles became known for his explosive speed and agility. He finished his career with over 7,500 rushing yards and holds the highest career yards-per-carry average (5.4) among running backs with at least 1,000 attempts in the modern era. Charles earned four Pro Bowl selections and remains a fan favourite in Kansas City.
Longhorns’ Stars and the Betting Odds
Betting odds and draft predictions have long influenced how fans, analysts, and even teams view top prospects in the NFL Draft. Insights from reliable sources like FanDuel Research often help shape public perception, with projected odds giving a glimpse into where players might land and how they’re expected to perform at the next level. However, as history has shown, the correlation between draft position, betting expectations, and eventual NFL success is not always reliable.
Take Vince Young, for example. Following his legendary performance in the 2006 Rose Bowl, Young rocketed up draft boards and was a heavy betting favourite to be selected early. His draft position reflected that, going third overall to the Tennessee Titans. Oddsmakers and analysts projected a bright future, and early signs were promising—Young won Offensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Bowl. However, despite the initial buzz, his NFL career fizzled after just a few seasons. This disconnect between betting projections and long-term success highlights the unpredictability of player development at the pro level.
Final Words
The 2025 NFL Draft served as yet another testament to the Texas Longhorns’ enduring reputation as a pipeline to the professional ranks. With a record-setting 12 players selected, the program not only showcased its ability to develop elite talent but also reaffirmed its place among college football’s most influential powerhouses. From historic high draft picks to players who overcame long odds to achieve NFL success, Texas has left an undeniable mark on the league.
