Texas Longhorns could face massive roster exodus as Arch Manning, Anthony Hill Jr. lead 15 players with NFL draft decisions looming
Fifteen Texas Longhorns stars — including Arch Manning, Anthony Hill Jr., and Malik Muhammad — could bolt for the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s how their departures might reshape Texas football.
Texas’ statement win against unbeaten Texas A&M has elevated the draft stock of several Longhorns heading into next year’s NFL selection process. As many as fifteen players from the current roster could enter the 2026 draft discussion once the season concludes. This group includes both premium prospects and contributing role players whose potential departure would significantly impact the team’s depth and composition.
15 Texas Longhorns players who could enter the draft in 2026
- Anthony Hill Jr. (LB)
- Arch Manning (QB)
- Trevor Goosby (OT)
- Malik Muhammad (CB)
- Michael Taaffe (S)
- Jack Endries (TE)
- CJ Baxter (RB)
- DJ Campbell (OG)
- Trey Moore (LB)
- Quintrevion Wisner (RB)
- DeAndre Moore Jr. (WR)
- Josh Thompson (CB)
- Derek Williams Jr. (S)
- Agiye Hall (WR)
- Ryan Niblett (WR)
How likely are departures and what triggers them?
The elite talent poses the greatest impact. Manning has emerged as a potential first-overall selection, although indications point toward him returning for another season. Hill Jr. has established himself as the top linebacker prospect with projections placing him in the top-15 range. Both Muhammad and Taaffe have surfaced on preliminary boards for the 2026 class.
The decision to declare early hinges on capitalizing on elevated draft positions, particularly for Hill and Manning whose stock has surged. Senior players may view this as their optimal window to enter the professional ranks. The program’s abundance of NFL-caliber talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by scouts, with ESPN identifying Texas among the schools expected to produce the most 2026 draft selections. A potential downturn in team performance next season or mounting injury concerns could accelerate some departures.
A major factor in deciding to stay centers around Texas wanting to lock in key leaders for a title run. Another year could solidify their status and get them even higher pay.
What it means for the Texas Longhorns
The immediate consequences for the 2026-27 campaign would be substantial. Losing cornerstone players like Manning at quarterback or Hill at linebacker would thrust Texas into urgent replacement mode, testing both their developmental depth and recruiting infrastructure. Should three to five of these prospects depart following the 2025 season, the coaching staff will be forced to accelerate younger players into expanded roles before they’re fully ready, heightening the likelihood of transitional struggles.
The departure of upperclassmen would create a significant leadership vacuum that could challenge the program’s culture and cohesion. Losing multiple contributors simultaneously would increase dependence on both the transfer portal and incoming recruits. In such a scenario, Texas must be positioned for seamless reloading rather than a full-scale rebuild.
However, potential benefits exist in the long view. A wave of high draft selections would enhance the program’s national profile, bolstering both recruiting efforts and NIL opportunities. Establishing a reputation as an NFL talent factory carries considerable weight. Demonstrating the capacity for quick roster turnover without performance decline becomes a competitive advantage. Earlier departures also create opportunities for younger players to gain valuable experience and accelerate their development, building continuity for future seasons.
Should Texas retain its core group for another campaign, the Longhorns would enter 2026 as legitimate national championship contenders with seasoned leadership across the roster. Conversely, a premature draft exodus could force Steve Sarkisian into reconstruction mode precisely when the program appeared poised for sustained dominance.
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