Texas Longhorns stars boosted their NFL Draft stocks in College Football Playoff win over Arizona State
The Texas Longhorns cut it a bit too close, but ended up pulling off an absolutely wild College Football Playoff win over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on New Years Day. And it all came down to a handful of difference-making stars for the Longhorns who definitely boosted their NFL draft stocks in a […]
The Texas Longhorns cut it a bit too close, but ended up pulling off an absolutely wild College Football Playoff win over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on New Years Day. And it all came down to a handful of difference-making stars for the Longhorns who definitely boosted their NFL draft stocks in a huge way.
Steve Sarkisian's offense came out swinging early with Quinn Ewers looking like the potential NFL quarterback he may be one day here soon, but it wasn't just him that won the day for Texas.
Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver
When Matthew Golden first transferred to Texas from Houston this past off-season Steve Sarkisian and his staff knew he was talented, but he's blown everyone's wildest expectations away this year.
Coming into the Peach Bowl, Golden already had nearly 1000 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns on the year as the team's most productive pass-catcher. He had slowly been rising up NFL Draft boards this past fall as he proved to be the best wide receiver on the Texas roster (with Isaiah Bond dinged up quite often). But after his unbelievable Peach Bowl performance? He's definitely on every single NFL team's radar as a high caliber receiver now if Golden chooses to declare this spring.
When the game was on the line, 4th and 13 in overtime, where did Texas turn? Matthew Golden. His subtle fake of a deep out into the perfect seam route for a touchdown sent the game to double overtime, eventually leading to the Longhorns' 39-31 victory.
Golden's contribution wasn't just that one epic overtime play. He finished the day with seven receptions for 149 yards as he completely owned the Arizona State defensive backs all game long. It didn't matter, even if he was still covered up Golden just found a way to win, as you can see in the post below.
As of this writing, Matthew Golden is still not considered an early round 2025 NFL Draft prospect given the latest mock draft data and projections, but that might change very soon. Golden still has one more year of eligibility remaining, so he may choose to return. However, if he continues to dominate throughout Texas' playoff run Golden might wind up heading to the pros.
Andrew Mukuba, Jahdae Barron & Michael Taaffe
Andrew Mukuba, Jahdae Barron, and Michael Taaffe have been the best defensive back trio of any one team all year long so it's not exactly surprising to Texas fans to see them ball out. All three racked up at least eight tackles (Barron had 11), wreaking havoc all over the field, stopping plays in their tracks.
Taaffe logged an impressive pass break-up that helped end a drive early in the game. Jahdae Barron also defended a pass and only gave up 12 receiving yards on the three targets sent his way. Then of course Mukuba snagged the game-sealing interception in overtime that sent the Texas Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Jahdae Barron has been rising quickly in NFL Draft conversations all year long as a potential Top 40 pick overall. He may end up sneaking into round one if he keeps playing at this elite level.
Mukuba has also risen into fringe Top 100 territory, but after allowing just one reception for seven yards all game long and grabbing a game-winning interception, that certainly can't hurt his consensus position as his draft preparation process is about to begin.
Taaffe still isn't quite getting the recognition he deserves, but he'll now have another opportunity against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Mukuba and Barron are both out of eligibility, so they're definitely heading to the NFL after this season concludes. Taaffe still has one more season, but he may choose to declare as well. Let's hope they can finish strong in what may be their final season for Steve Sarkisian and their Longhorns' teammates, ultimately winning a national championship here soon!
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