Texas Talent in the NFL: 2026 Draft & Super Bowl Watch

As the football world turns its eyes to Levi's Stadium for Super Bowl LX, the footprint of Texas college football in the NFL has never been larger. While we wait to see which former stars hoist the Lombardi Trophy, the 2025-26 season has been a showcase for alumni from the Lone Star State.

The Year of the Aggie & Longhorn

This season saw breakout performances from several key alumni:

• De'Von Achane (Miami Dolphins): The former Aggie has redefined the running back position with his track speed, becoming one of the league's most dangerous weapons.
• Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): The former Longhorn continues to be the blueprint for the modern "offensive weapon," contributing equally in the run and pass game.

2026 Draft Outlook: The Next Wave

Looking ahead to April, the pipeline is fully loaded.

Texas Longhorns on the Board: Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is trending as a Top-15 pick. His versatility—ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage—fits the modern NFL defensive meta perfectly. We also expect Kelvin Banks Jr. (if declared) to be a premier tackle prospect.

Texas A&M Aggies on the Board: The Aggies could have a flurry of Day 1 selections. Edge rusher Cashius Howell has rocketed up boards with his athleticism. Meanwhile, Conner Weigman (depending on his final decision) remains one of the most intriguing quarterback evaluations in the class.

The "Texas to NFL" pipeline is flowing stronger than ever, proving that talent developed in the Lone Star State translates immediately to Sundays.

College Roster Takeaway

NFL attention affects college depth charts because early draft declarations open real snaps. Texas and Texas A&M both have enough high-end talent that April evaluations can reshape spring and summer expectations before a single fall practice. When a starter is viewed as a Day 1 or Day 2 candidate, the backup competition behind him becomes more urgent.

For Texas, the linebacker and offensive tackle rooms deserve close tracking if Hill or Banks move toward the draft process. For Texas A&M, edge and quarterback evaluations could influence both portal behavior and how aggressively the staff develops younger players.

Verification Notes

This article is a watch list, not a final draft board. We will update roster projections only when player decisions, official combine invites, or credible practice reports clarify who is returning and who is preparing for the NFL.