The Texas Longhorns wrapped up their spring football practices, and honestly, there’s a lot to unpack with this squad. The roster’s changed quite a bit, thanks to a mix of new transfers and eager freshmen.
From the offensive line’s shifting landscape to the buzz around future draft hopefuls, the Longhorns are stirring up some genuine excitement for the upcoming season. Let’s dig into 10 takeaways from Texas’ spring sessions.
Offensive Line: Depth and Potential
The offensive line is always a big deal, and for the Longhorns, it’s still coming together. Offensive coordinator and O-line coach Kyle Flood looked to the transfer portal for some much-needed help.
Wake Forest senior transfer Melvin Siani joined the squad, and that’s already making a difference. He brings a solid mix of experience and skill to a group that needed both.
Key Moves and Players to Watch
Siani’s arrival pushed Brandon Baker from right tackle to right guard. That’s not a small shift—guard demands quicker reads and more agility.
Baker’s got a reputation for being a quick study, so there’s hope he’ll settle in fast. Then there’s Connor Robertson, stepping up as the veteran voice on the line.
He’s the only fifth-year senior, so his leadership matters a lot for this unit. Over at left tackle, Trevor Goosby returns, and people are already projecting him as a first-round draft pick.
Goosby’s presence adds some much-needed stability. Siani, by the way, posted an 80.8 Pro Football Focus grade last season—he could end up as one of the top pass-blockers in college football.
Future NFL Draft Prospects
Texas has a reputation for sending talent to the NFL, and this year’s group isn’t lacking in potential. No Longhorns went in the first round of the 2026 draft, but the 2027 class could be a different story.
Top Prospects to Watch
- Arch Manning (QB) – All eyes are on him. He’s expected to be a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
- Colin Simmons (DE) – This defensive end has flashed some serious upside.
- Cam Coleman (WR) – A receiver with the kind of athleticism that translates to the next level.
- Trevor Goosby (LT) – Already getting first-round buzz for his work at left tackle.
- Rasheem Biles (LB) – Linebacker with the versatility NFL teams crave.
Anthony Hill Jr.: A Versatile Linebacker
Anthony Hill Jr. was one of the most talked-about Longhorns leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. He declared after his junior year and was projected to go somewhere between picks 42 and 59.
Some scouts had questions about his instincts and conditioning. Still, Hill’s ability to play all three linebacker spots makes him a pretty valuable piece.
Hill’s Potential and Comparisons
If Hill had focused only on pass-rushing, some scouts think he’d be in the same conversation as top picks like Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. But his production and knack for stepping up in big games suggest he’ll find a way to make an impact in the pros.
Other Draft-Eligible Longhorns
There are more Texas players who could hear their names called during the NFL Draft. Here are a few worth keeping tabs on:
- Jack Endries (TE) – Tight end with the size and skills to contribute right away.
- Malik Muhammad (CB) – Cornerback with the speed to keep up with just about anyone.
- Michael Taaffe (S) – Safety who’s known for hitting hard and making plays.
- DJ Campbell (OG) – Guard with solid technique and real power.
- Trey Moore (OLB) – Outside linebacker who brings athleticism and flexibility.
- Ethan Burke (DE) – Defensive end who could develop into a real problem for offenses.
Historical Context and Recent Success
After a long stretch without first-rounders from 2016 to 2022, Texas has started putting players back in the NFL spotlight. In 2023, RB Bijan Robinson went No. 8 overall to the Atlanta Falcons, breaking a drought for Texas offensive players that stretched back to Vince Young in 2006.
Recent First-Round Picks
- Byron Murphy (DT) – Taken No. 16 by the Seattle Seahawks in 2024.
- Xavier Worthy (WR) – Picked No. 28 by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024.
- Kelvin Banks (LT) – No. 9 to the New Orleans Saints in 2025.
- Jahdae Barron (CB) – No. 20 overall to the Denver Broncos in 2025.
- Matthew Golden (WR) – No. 23 overall to the Green Bay Packers in 2025.
These guys haven’t just made it to the league—they’ve made some noise. Byron Murphy, for example, ended up a world champion with the Seahawks after they took down the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Conclusion
Texas Longhorns’ spring football practices have given us plenty to talk about. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the team’s potential for the next season.
They’ve got a blend of seasoned leaders and some fresh faces that just might shake things up. Honestly, Texas could be on the brink of something big.
The offensive line is showing real progress. A few players are already drawing attention as possible future NFL standouts.
If you’re curious for more details or want the latest updates, check out the full article on 247Sports.
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