The Texas graduate will speak at the university’s spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May. 9.

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin will welcome a Longhorn legend to the stage for commencement this spring. 

On Friday, the university announced that former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy will deliver the commencement address on Saturday, May 9. 

“No. 12 is coming back to DKR!” UT posted to X on Friday. 

Earlier this week, the university shared a video online hinting at who this year’s speaker could be, showing the back of a man walking through Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. 

Following Friday’s announcement, UT Austin President Jim Davis posted to X stating that he’s “looking forward to celebrating the class of 2026 with a true leader who has meant so much to our University.” 

McCoy was a starting quarterback for Texas from 2006 through 2009. During his college career, he set the previous record for most NCAA wins as a starter. His No. 12 jersey was later retired by UT, which is “one of the program’s highest honors,” according to the university’s website. 

Following his graduation in 2009, McCoy was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2010. He played with the Browns for two years before joining the San Francisco 49ers, then the Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and most recently, the Arizona Cardinals. 

The 39-year-old retired from the NFL in 2024 and is now the founding and managing partner at HPI Real Estate Services & Investments in Fort Worth. He was also recently appointed to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Last year’s UT commencement speaker was “Yellowstone” creator and Texas native Taylor Sheridan.