Five Texas Longhorns earn AP All-Americans honors

That list includes Anthony Hill Jr., Jahdae Barron, Kelvin Banks Jr., Alfred Collins, and Michael Taaffe.

With the 2024 college football regular season in the books, the Longhorns have made headlines as awards have been handed out. On Tuesday, that continued when five players were named All-Americans by the Associated Press. That list includes Anthony Hill Jr., Jahdae Barron, Kelvin Banks Jr., Alfred Collins, and Michael Taaffe.

While all five have been key to the Longhorns’ success, only Barron and Banks earned first-team honors. During his fifth season with the Longhorns, Barron has started all 13 games and leads the conference in interceptions with five. As a senior, he has added 47 tackles to his resume.

On the offensive side of the ball, Banks has been one of the Longhorns’ best players and a model of consistency. The Texas native has started every game this season and helped protect quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. He has also added two SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors to his resume.

Hill, Collins, and Taaffe earned spots on the second team. The talented trio were human highlight reels, making life difficult for offensive coordinators. Hill led the way with a team-high 90 tackles, including six for a loss.

He also got some help from Taaffe, who finished the season with 61 total tackles. The local star was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week and the Burlsworth Trophy National Player following the Longhorns win over Vanderbilt earlier this season.

Rounding out the list is Collins, who has taken his game to another level over the past few months. In 13 games, Collins set career highs in tackles with 43 and pass deflections with seven. For the Longhorns, his improved play was a welcome sign.

The Longhorns and this talented group will now focus on making a deep playoff run and building on a memorable 2024 season.

Kelvin Banks Jr. makes history with latest award

On Wednesday, Banks continued receiving national attention when he won the SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy

During the 2024 season, Kelvin Banks Jr. has seen his stock rise as the Longhorns’ offense has thrived. Due to his play, the Humble, Texas native has become a popular name in mock NFL drafts. On Wednesday, Banks continued receiving national attention when he won the SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, annually awarded to the league’s most outstanding blocker.

Over the last three years, Banks has started 39 games. He was a key member of the Texas offensive line that was recently tabbed a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. During the 2024 campaign, he has added to his trophy case with various weekly honors. Those awards include Outland Trophy’s National Player of the Week on Oct. 15, and SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice.

With Banks leading the way, the Longhorns rank 13th in passing offense, 15th in team passing efficiency, and 16th in completion percentage. They have also rushed for over 100 yards in 10 of 12 games, averaging 33.6 points per game.

While Banks’ latest recognition comes as no surprise, he has etched himself into the history books. He is the first Longhorns player to win the SEC blocking award. As the Longhorns look to make a deep playoff run, they will need Banks to build on his recent play.

Regardless of how the season plays out, Banks is making his last few weeks of the 2024 campaign a time he will never forget.

Texas OT Kelvin Banks wins the Lombardi Award

Texas Longhorns Offensive Tackle Kelvin Banks has won the Lombardi Award, given to the most outstanding linemen in college football.

Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks has won the prestigious Lombardi Award, given to the most ‘outstanding college football lineman, whether on offense or defense, who displays exceptional performance and ability and embodies the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.’

The Rotary Club of Houston announced the award Wednesday. Banks joins past Longhorns Kenneth Sims, Tony Degrate, and Brian Orakpo as winners of the honor.

Wednesday was good to Banks, who also won the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy for offensive lineman of the year. He was also named first-team All-SEC selection this week.

Banks, who has protected Quinn Ewers blindside for three seasons, is also nominated for the Outland Trophy. Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat took home the 2023 Outland.

The junior from Summer Creek HS in Humble, TX started all 12 games in the regular season and missed his first career game on Saturday in the SEC Championship game, snapping a streak of 39 straight starts for that began with the first game of his true freshman year.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. named Outland Trophy finalist

On Tuesday, the talented junior received national recognition for his play

As the Texas Longhorns offense has been hard to stop this season, Kelvin Banks Jr. has been at the center of their success. On Tuesday, the talented junior received national recognition for his play. He was named one of three finalists for the 2024 Outland Trophy, which is given annually to the best college interior lineman on offense or defense.

During his three years in Austin, Banks has started 38 games and been a model of consistency. With Banks providing veteran leadership on the offensive line, the Longhorns rank 12th in passing efficiency, 13th in completion percentage, and 18th in total offense.

As Banks has seen his stock rise, he has added to his trophy case. The Humble Texas native has been named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice and Outland Trophy’s National Player of the Week once during the 2024 campaign. Before the season started, the Associated Press, CBS Sports, ESPN, Sporting News, and The Athletic named him a preseason First-Team All-America.

Over the last two weeks, Banks and the offensive line has come through during game-clinching drives. Against Arkansas, Texas ran out the last 6:55 minutes of the game by getting four first downs. Last week, with the Longhorns clinging to a 24-14 lead, Banks cleared the way for an 86-yard touchdown drive to put the game out of reach.

While Banks is focused on helping the Longhorns win a national championship, he won’t have to wait long to know if he will add an Outland Trophy to his long list of accolades. The winner of the 2024 Outland Trophy will be announced on December 12.

Three Longhorns players projected to be first-round picks in PFF College mock draft

The Texas Longhorns have multiple players who could hear their names called as NFL teams look for future stars

With the college football regular season winding down, players nationwide will soon start preparing for the NFL draft. The Texas Longhorns have multiple prospects who could hear their names called as teams seek future stars.

In the last mock draft from PFF College, the Longhorns were a popular team: Three players were projected to be first-round picks: Kelvin Banks Jr., Alfred Collins, and Isaiah Bond. Over the last few years, they have been critical to the Longhorns’ success. While Banks has been considered a draft prospect for months, Collins and Bond have had their stock rise over the last few months.

Through 12 games, Bond has been one of the Longhorns’ best wide receivers. He ranks second on the team in receptions with 42 and receiving yards with 510. His ability to get open would be helpful to any team and PFF College sees him as a good fit for the Chargers and Justin Herbert.

Due to another productive season leading the Longhorns’ offense line, it was no surprise to see Banks’ name in the first round. He is one of the best tackles in his class and would be very valuable to any team, including the Seahawks. At the moment, they are projected to have the 20th overall pick and could use it on Banks with free agency looming for Abraham Lucas.

Rounding out the list is Collins, who is playing the best football of his college career. So far this season, he has set career highs in total tackles, solo tackles and pass deflections. The Longhorns star has also shown a talent for pressuring quarterbacks. PFF College sees him as a fit with the Texans, who are projected to have the 22nd overall pick.

While a lot can change leading up to the draft, the Longhorns’ roster is full of talent that will appeal to many NFL teams when they are on the clock.

Longhorns lineman graded as best pass blocker by PFF

As the Longhorns offense has been hard to stop, Banks has been at the center of their success

During the 2024 campaign, Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. has been one of the best players at his position. The Summer Creek High School product is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by many mock drafts, and his value is only rising. On Wednesday, PFF College graded Banks as the best pass blocker in the nation.

As the Longhorns offense has been hard to stop, Banks has been at the center of their success. The talented junior has been a model of consistency since making his Longhorns debut three years ago. He has appeared in 34 games and helped put Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning in a position to succeed.

Additionally, Banks has continued to add to his trophy case this year. The Longhorns star has been named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice and the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week once. His excellent play was reflected in his 91.4 rating from PFF.

Over the next few weeks, the Longhorns will need Banks at his best. One of the reasons they have been one of the best teams in the country is the offense.  With Banks opening up space for his teammates, Texas has only lost one game and put points on the board in a hurry. As a result they are poised to make a deep playoff run.

With wins at a premium, Banks should continue to see national recognition, which could push his rating even higher. That would come as no surprise for the Longhorns, as Banks has already proven he is one of the best at his position.

ESPN analyst ranks Kelvin Banks Jr. as top five draft prospect in 2025 class

In his latest mock draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kipper released his latest mock draft projects Longhorn offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. in the top five.

While the 2025 NFL Draft is still months away, teams have been busy making their draft rankings. On Thursday, ESPN analyst Mel Kipper released his latest mock draft, which included Longhorn offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. in the top five. The talented junior has put together a stellar 2024 campaign, and his stock has been on the rise.

During the Longhorns’ undefeated start, Banks has been a model of consistency, appearing in every game. In the Longhorns’ latest win over Mississippi State, Banks did not allow a sack or quarterback pressure. Due to his efforts in Week 5, the Texas native was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for the first time in his career.

In Kiper’s draft, the only players ranked ahead of Banks were Travis Hunter, Will Johnson, and Abdul Carter. For teams such as the New England Patriots, who need help on the offensive line, Banks will be a popular target.

Through the first few weeks of the season, Banks has been one of the Longhorns’ highest-graded players. He has also been a key piece of an offense that is averaging 45 points and 513.4 points per game. One of the reasons Texas is ranked No.1 is because of how good the offense has been.

If Banks can build on his impressive start, Kiper’s prediction could come true in just a few months. He has the frame to take care of big pass rushers and has only allowed two sacks this season. Banks will be a valuable addition to any NFL team, regardless of where he is picked.

Kelvin Banks Jr., Trey Moore selected to Lombardi Award watch list

On the Lombardi Award watch list, two Longhorns made the cut in Kelvin Banks Jr. and Trey Moore

With the start of the 2024 campaign quickly approaching, the Texas Longhorns have been heavily involved in preseason award watch lists. On the Lombardi Award watch list, two Longhorns made the cut in Kelvin Banks Jr. and Trey Moore. The award is given to the college football offensive or defensive lineman who displays outstanding performance and ability and best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi.

Following a stellar 2023 campaign, Banks is in the running for the Lombardi Award for the second straight year. Last season, he appeared in 14 games for the Longhorns at left tackle. The Texas native helped the Longhorns’ offense thrive and opened holes for running backs Jonathan Brooks, who recorded 1,158 rushing yards, and CJ Baxter, who recorded 659 yards. While Banks does not show up on the stat sheet, he was a big part of the offense’s success.

Joining Banks on the list is Moore, who is eager to prove himself after transferring to Texas. Last season, he recorded 45 total tackles, including 30 solo stops for UTSA. Due to his play, Moore was named the 2023 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and recognized on the AAC first-team. With the San Antonio native in the mix, the Longhorns defense has added another special player.

While the talented duo will focus on helping the Longhorns rack up wins, they will also be looking to etch their way into the record books. The last Texas player to win the Lombardi Award was Brian Orakpo in 2008. Nine other players in program history have been finalists including Justin Blalock (2006), Rodrique Wright (2005), Derrick Johnson (2004), and Cory Redding (2002).

As the 2024 campaign plays out, this will be one storyline to watch.

Does ESPN’s preseason All-American list disrespect the Texas Longhorns?

The Texas Longhorns have a grand total of one player on ESPN’s preseason All-American list.

ESPN has released its 2024 college football All-American team. How many Longhorns are on the list?

Texas was a college football semi-finalist last season. Texas has a Heisman Trophy candidate at QB. Texas is even picked by some in the national media to win the SEC and the national title. 

The 4th ranked Longhorns should be well represented, right?

Nope.

The Longhorns have a grand total of one player on the list – OT Kelvin Banks Jr. is a first-team All-American on the ESPN list. He’s the only Longhorn on the first team. There are zero Longhorns on the second team. 

Of Banks, ESPN says, “Both tackles on our All-America team have been starters since they were true freshmen. The 6-4, 320-pound Banks has started 27 straight games and been a fixture at left tackle for the Longhorns since the day he stepped on campus. He allowed just one sack in 550 pass-blocking situations last season and earned AFCA second-team All-America honors. Banks won’t have to wait long to hear his name called in the 2025 NFL draft.”

ESPN may be right on the money. Some of the Longhorns studs from 2023 have gone to the NFL. Byron Murphy, Xavier Worthy, T’Vondre Sweat, Jonathan Brooks and Adonai Mitchell would all be considered for the All-American team if they were still playing for Texas. Many of their positions have been filled by underclassmen or transfers. 

That said, you can make a good argument that QB Quinn Ewers should be second team All-American instead of Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. It’s a close call. Similarly, PK Bert Auburn could be the second team kicker, but he was beaten out by Andres Borregales of Miami. Another close call. 

Once again, Texas players will have to prove to the national media that they are All-Americans. Longhorns like RB Jaydon Blue, WR Silas Bolden, DE Ethan Burke, LB Anthony Hill and DB Jahdae Barron could all be postseason All-Americans if their seasons, and Texas’ season, go as Longhorns fans hope. 

ESPN Preseason All-Americans by the Numbers: 

Georgia: 3 First Team | 1 Second Team

Alabama: 3 First Team | 1 Second Team

Michigan: 3 First Team | 0 Second Team

LSU: 2 First Team | 1 Second Team

Ohio State: 1 First Team | 4 Second Team

Oklahoma: 1 First Team | 0 Second Team

Oregon: 0 First Team | 2 Second Team 

Texas A&M: 1 First Team | 0 Second Team 

Tennessee: 1 First Team | 0 Second Team 

Notre Dame: 1 First Team | 0 Second Team 

Clemson: 1 First Team | 0 Second Team 

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Trey Luerssen on Twitter @TreyLuerssen.

Standout OT Kelvin Banks Jr. named to preseason Outland Trophy watch list

No surprises here with Banks being added to the list.

On top of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list being revealed on Tuesday, the FWAA also announced the 75-player watch list for the Outland Trophy. This trophy is given annually to the outstanding interior lineman. Last year Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat won the award and the Longhorns could go back-to-back this year.

Texas Longhorns [autotag]Kelvin Banks Jr[/autotag]. was named to the preseason Outland Trophy watch list on Tuesday. He is among the players who could be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL draft next April. Banks is widely regarded as one of the two best tackles, LSU’s Will Campbell being the other.

Last season, Banks started all 14 games at left tackle. He has started every game of his collegiate career over the first two seasons. Banks led the team with an 86.8 pass-blocking grade from PFF and played a total of 983 snaps.

He will be key for the success of the offensive line as they attempt to contend for the Joe Moore Award, given annually to the best offensive line in college football. With Banks at left tackle, the Longhorns were able to rush for a combined 2,638 rushing yards with 29 touchdowns. As a pass-blocking unit, the team allowed Texas to pass for 4,047 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Keep your eyes on Kelvin Banks Jr. this season as he looks to lead the Longhorns back to the College Football Playoffs and secure the school’s fifth national championship in a loaded conference. It won’t be an easy task but they have the roster to do it, now they just have to prove it.