These Longhorns don’t have much time to decide whether to jump into NFL Draft, transfer or stay at Texas
Longhorns projected to have 13 NFL Draft picks this spring but some of those could return to UT in 2025
Now that the season is over, the Longhorns don’t have much time to sit around and relax. They’re already behind the rest of the SEC in building a roster for 2025.
Obviously, it’s a great recruiting poster when Texas goes deep in the College Football Playoffs. But other teams have already had a few weeks to look through the transfer portal, and a lot of players have already committed and signed for the spring semester.
Wednesday is the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft. Also, Texas players who wish to transfer have only five days since the end of the season to decide whether they want to go into the portal.
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With that in mind, let’s look at which NFL Draft-eligible players are likely to go pro and who faces some important decisions ahead.
These Longhorns expected to go pro
Kelvin Banks Jr., LT: The mammoth tackle is a projected first-round pick, possibly in the top 10 or even top five according to most draft analysis.
Quinn Ewers, QB: Ewers told ESPN prior to the Cotton Bowl he doesn’t see himself playing college football in 2025.
Isaiah Bond, WR: Bond didn’t have anywhere close to the productive season with Texas he expected when he transferred from Alabama. The NFL will love his speed, though.
Cam Williams, RT: Williams moved up the mock draft boards as the season went along, although he didn’t have a bright, shining moment in the Cotton Bowl. Still, he’s a 6-foot-5, 335-pounder. The NFL loves those guys.
Matthew Golden, WR: The Houston transfer became a tremendous weapon for the Horns throughout the season. His production alone late against Arizona State would capture an NFL general manager’s imagination.
These Longhorns have decisions to make
Jaydon Blue, RB: Blue overcame some fumble problems midseason and got out of the coaches’ doghouse to become a touchdown machine. His speed against Clemson and sure-handed receptions against Ohio State were tremendous. He could go pro, get paid to transfer or stay put.
Trey Moore, DE: The edge rusher also has multiple options, and it’s not exactly a slam dunk that he would return to Texas. Watch this one close.
DJ Campbell, RG: The Horns are already having to rebuild their offensive line, if they lose two tackles and senior center Jake Majors. Horns could make a huge NIL push to keep Campbell in the fold.
These Longhorns are likely to return
Michael Taaffe, S: Taaffe has gone from walk-on status to All-American. It was believed that if he had a tremendous game against Ohio State, he would consider going pro. Now, Taaffe is likely to return and be a solid piece for the 2025 defense.
Bert Auburn, K: Auburn could go into the portal and gauge the waters. But here’s someone who had a rough season from 40 yards or more and may want a change of scenery. Coaches benched Auburn for the Cotton Bowl and went with backup Will Stone.
