Texas football linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. took no one by surprise last week when the three-year starter declared he would enter the 2026 NFL Draft and bypass the upcoming Citrus Bowl against Michigan.
After all, the 6-foot-3, 238-pound Hill projects as a late first-round or early second-round pick, and he’s coming off a reported fractured hand that needs complete healing before he begins the draft evaluation process.
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But how do the other Longhorns with draft eligibility rank in the eyes of the scouts and NFL draft prognosticators? Here’s an early look at Texas’ NFL prospects who have used up their collegiate eligibility as well as a few players that could join Hill and declare early. Players are listed in order of their projected draft position. Arch Manning isn’t listed even though he’s eligible for the draft in April because neither the quarterback nor the Texas football team have given any indication that he plans to forego his last two years of collegiate eligibility and turn pro.
MORE:Michael Taaffe opts out of Citrus Bowl | Arch Manning returning to UT
RELATED:3 reasons why the Citrus Bowl is significant for Texas
Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Trevor Goosby, left tackle, redshirt sophomore
One of the fastest risers on the draft board, the 6-7, 312-pounder shined in his first season as a starter for Texas and looks like a prototypical NFL left tackle with his long frame and quick feet even though he hasn’t declared for the draft. ESPN’s Matt Miller lists him as the 15th-best overall prospect and the No. 2 offensive tackle, ESPN’s Mel Kiper lists him as the No. 7 tackle and CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 31 overall prospect and the No. 3 tackle.
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Anthony Hill Jr., linebacker, junior
Hill played everywhere from the edge to outside linebacker to middle linebacker while earning multiple All-American awards for the Longhorns. That versatility should help him at the next level. Miller lists Hill as the 30th-best overall prospect and the No. 2 linebacker, Kiper lists him as the No. 3 linebacker and CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 74 overall prospect and the No. 5 linebacker.
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Malik Muhammad, cornerback, junior
A two-year starter and a major contributor since his freshman season, the 6-foot, 188-pound Muhammad has ideal length that makes him play bigger than his height Even though he hasn’t declared for the draft. Kiper lists him as just outside of his listed top 10 cornerbacks and CBSSports ranks him as the No. 39 overall prospect and the No. 4 cornerback.
Ethan Burke, edge rusher, senior
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Burke bulked up this season while handling more duties against the run but still flashed some pass-rushing skills. Kiper lists him as just outside of his listed top 10 edge rushers and CBSSports ranks him as the No. 75 overall prospect and the No. 8 linebacker without listing him at edge.
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Hero Kanu, defensive tackle, redshirt junior
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Kanu shined in his first season at Texas after not seeing many snaps at Ohio State. CBSSports ranks him as the No. 89 overall prospect and the No. 13 defensive interior lineman even though he hasn’t declared for the draft.
Jack Endries, tight end, junior
The 6-4, 240-pound transfer from Cal had a quiet first season at Texas and is expected to return to the Longhorns. But he has a pro skill set with strong receiving skills; Miller lists him as the No. 4 tight end, and Kiper ranks him as the No. 6 tight end.
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Michael Taaffe, safety, senior
The 6-foot, 190-pound All-American projects as a mid- to late-round selection who could immediately make an impact on special teams.
DJ Campbell, guard, senior
A former five-star recruit, the 6-3, 325-pound veteran has started 41 games for Texas and projects as a late-round selection.
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Trey Moore, edge rusher/LB, senior
The 6-3, 250-pounder who moved from the edge to linebacker this season projects as a late-round selection or free agent.
Jelani McDonald, DB, junior
The 6-2, 2-00-pounder lacks experience but does boast ideal length and versatility and currently projects as a late-round selection or free agent.
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Cole Brevard, defensive tackle, senior
The 6-foot-3, 345-pound transfer from Purdue didn’t make a massive impact in his one season at Texas, but projects as a late-round selection or free agent because of ability against the run.