Full list of Texas football players headed to NFL

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the state of Texas is once again a hub for collegiate football talent. From powerhouse programs like the University of Texas to emerging teams like UTSA, the Lone Star State has produced a diverse crop of NFL-bound players. Below is a comprehensive list of Texas-based athletes who have declared for the draft, organized by their respective universities.

University of Texas Longhorns

1. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback
   • The junior quarterback declared for the draft after leading Texas to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances. Ewers threw for 9,128 yards and 68 touchdowns in his career, establishing himself as one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft.
2. Kelvin Banks Jr. – Offensive Tackle
   • An All-American left tackle with 42 career starts, Banks won prestigious awards like the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award. He is widely regarded as a top-15 pick in the draft.
3. Hayden Conner – Offensive Guard
   • A consistent force on the offensive line, Conner started 43 games and is considered one of the top five guard prospects in the draft.
4. Jaydon Blue – Running Back
   • Blue displayed his playmaking abilities with 730 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, and six receiving touchdowns in 2024. His versatility makes him a mid-round prospect.

Texas A&M University Aggies

1. Shemar Stewart – Defensive Lineman
   • Stewart declared after a strong junior season with 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for loss. His athleticism and potential project him as a first-round pick.
2. Nic Scourton – Edge Rusher
   • The transfer from Purdue recorded five sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024. Scourton’s speed and power make him one of the draft’s most exciting pass-rushers.
3. Tre Watson – Tight End
   • Watson, who joined the Aggies from Fresno State, caught 21 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown. His size and experience add depth to the tight end class.

Texas Tech University Red Raiders

1. Tyler Shough – Quarterback
   • Shough completed his college career with 7,200 passing yards and 56 touchdowns. His arm strength and athleticism make him a mid-round developmental prospect.
2. Tahj Brooks – Running Back
   • Brooks rushed for 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024. His combination of power and vision has elevated him to a likely third-round selection.
3. Myles Price – Wide Receiver
   • Price led Texas Tech’s receiving corps with over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. His agility and route-running make him a potential Day 2 pick.

Baylor University Bears

1. Blake Shapen – Quarterback
   • Shapen threw for 8,000 yards and 65 touchdowns in his college career. Known for his accuracy, he’s projected as a late-round developmental pick.
2. Richard Reese – Running Back
   • Reese contributed 1,200 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024. His ability to contribute as a pass-catcher makes him a versatile option for NFL teams.
3. Garmon Randolph – Edge Rusher
   • At 6’7″, Randolph racked up 9.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2024. His size and athleticism make him an enticing mid-round defensive prospect.

University of Houston Cougars

1. Donovan Smith – Quarterback
   • Smith thrived in Houston’s Air Raid system, throwing for 3,800 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2024. His mobility and arm talent make him a mid-round pick.
2. Matthew Golden – Wide Receiver
   • Golden, Houston’s leading receiver, recorded 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024. His big-play ability has scouts projecting him as a Day 2 selection.
3. Derek Parish – Linebacker
   • Parish led the Cougars in tackles and added four sacks in 2024. His physicality and leadership make him a potential special teams contributor at the NFL level.

TCU Horned Frogs

1. Chandler Morris – Quarterback
   • Morris stepped up as TCU’s starting quarterback, throwing for 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2024. His dual-threat abilities make him an intriguing late-round option.
2. Emani Bailey – Running Back
   • Bailey rushed for 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. His speed and vision make him a potential Day 3 gem.
3. Bud Clark – Safety
   • Clark showcased his ball-hawking skills with five interceptions and 12 pass breakups in 2024. He’s a mid-round pick with high upside.

SMU Mustangs

1. Preston Stone – Quarterback
   • Stone had a breakout 2024 season, throwing for 4,200 yards and 39 touchdowns. His accuracy and poise under pressure have boosted his draft stock.
2. Jordan Kerley – Wide Receiver
   • Kerley tallied 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024. Known for his ability to win contested catches, he is a projected mid-round pick.
3. Nelson Paul – Defensive End
   • Paul recorded 11 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, earning All-AAC honors. His relentless motor makes him a promising defensive line prospect.

Other Notable Texas Players

1. Trey Moore (UTSA) – Edge Rusher
   • Moore dominated Conference USA with 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in 2024. Scouts see him as a mid-round pick with pass-rushing upside.
2. Frank Harris (UTSA) – Quarterback
   • Harris finished his collegiate career with over 11,000 passing yards and 95 touchdowns. His experience and leadership qualities make him a late-round or free-agent target.
3. Zakhari Franklin (UTSA) – Wide Receiver
   • Franklin capped off his career with 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024. His production and ability to create separation have him pegged as a sleeper pick.

Conclusion

Texas has long been a breeding ground for elite football talent, and the 2025 NFL Draft is no exception. From highly touted prospects like Quinn Ewers and Kelvin Banks Jr. to hidden gems like Trey Moore and Zakhari Franklin, this year’s draft class showcases the depth and diversity of talent in Texas. As these athletes embark on their professional journeys, they carry the pride and legacy of their respective programs, solidifying Texas’ reputation as a football powerhouse.