Tag: Texas Longhorns

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 76, Texas DT Vernon Broughton

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Texas defensive lineman Vernon Broughton.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

Disappointing. That would be the word best used to describe the play of Green Bay’s defensive line this past season under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. It was so disappointing that they gave defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich his walking papers and replaced him with DeMarcus Covington, who served as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator this past season.

It will be up to Covington to see if he can get the production to catch up to the potential of a group that has four former first-round picks. 

It’s a group that will remain largely intact, except for TJ Slaton, who is set to hit the open market.

A player who could be on Green Bay’s radar as they look to add more talent to the mix is Vernon Broughton. The Texas defensive tackle checks in at No. 76 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

During his first three seasons on campus, Broughton recorded three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. In 2024, Broughton recorded five tackles for loss and one sack, while playing behind T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy

This past season, Broughton recorded 39 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, and forced two fumbles. 

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“Broughton was one of the biggest surprises from the Texas defense,” Joey Hickey, a contributing writer for Athlon Sports said. “After Texas lost T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy to the NFL, many expected the Texas interior to be a weakness. Broughton played a huge role in Texas having the fourth most sacks in the nation.”

Broughton is an active interior presence and has an ideal frame. He gets upfield quickly and is a violent pass rusher, with the power to bench-press offensive linemen off of him. He shows good closing burst to the quarterback and finished this past season with 32 pressures. 

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“Broughton is bruising, physical and technical as a pass rusher,” Hickey said. “He had talent out of high school as one of the best defensive recruits from the Tom Herman era at Texas. He has the technique of a veteran player with several years of college coaching.”

Broughton does a good job of getting off blocks and disrupting the action in the backfield. He uses his hands well and has a radar for the football. The Texas defensive tackle has the lateral quickness to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. He has a strong trunk and can be hard to move off his spot. According to Pro Football Focus he finished this past season with 26 run stops. 

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“Run defense has perhaps been Broughton’s biggest area of improvement,” Hickey said. “He isn’t necessarily elite in run stuffing but can hold his own in the trenches.”

Fit with the Packers

Adding a player like Broughton to the mix could provide Green Bay’s interior pass rush with a much-needed shot in the arm. Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark, Karl Brooks and Slaton combined for 10 sacks this past season, with five of them coming from Wyatt.

Broughton would slot into the rotation and help Green Bay’s run defense continue its upward trajectory while helping Green Bay’s pass rush become a more consistent force.

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“With Broughton, you’re getting a well-developed player,” Hickey said. “He comes from a culture of competition in the defensive tackle room. There’s a pattern of several Longhorns defensive linemen who didn’t transfer, competed and made the most of their opportunity when they got it. Keondre Coburn, T’Vondre Sweat and Alfred Collins all broke out as “super seniors” which speaks to their ability to face adversity and make the most of it. Broughton could also make an immediate impact perhaps faster than other rookies because he’s older and perhaps stronger.”

Bucs hire former Texas Longhorns HC as defensive line coach

Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times reported on Wednesday night that the team was hiring Charlie Strong as their new defensive line coach. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went big-name fishing to replace Kacy Rodgers, who left for the Detroit Lions. They chose a name familiar to the Tampa Bay area and with experience coaching at the top level of football.

Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times reported on Wednesday night that the team was hiring Charlie Strong as their new defensive line coach.

Strong is know for being a college head coach with the Texas Longhorns, Louisville Cardinals, and USF Bulls. He has a head coaching record of 70-49, but his best work may have come as an assistant. He has two National Championships in those roles and has been coaching since 1983.

Strong has NFL experience coaching with Urban Meyer at the Jacksonville Jaguars as their assistant head coach inside linebacker coach.

Strong was a defensive line coach before during a stint at Notre Dame, where he held the job from 1995 to 1998. He coached four Fighting Irish defensive linemen into NFL players during his time there.

Strong now returns to Tampa Bay with a defensive line headlined by Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, and expectations to improve others in the position group as well.

The Athletic mocks Texas QB Quinn Ewers to Seahawks in 2nd round

The Athletic mocks Texas QB Quinn Ewers to Seahawks in 2nd round

The Seattle Seahawks have more questions at quarterback for this offseason. Geno Smith, who has been the starter for the last three years, is going into the final year of his contract. Smith approached the team about an extension last summer, and will surely be pushing for one again in the coming months.

Extending Smith is certainly a viable option for Seattle, as it would ensure their long-term starter remains in the city and could help alleviate cap concerns. It would also likely signal the Seahawks intention of drafting a quarterback to develop for the coming years.

The quarterback class for the 2025 NFL draft is not considered to be as deep as it was in 2024, but there are still some Seattle should consider as a project. One such quarterback is Texas Longhorns starter Quinn Ewers, who has declared for the draft.

Ewers being a Seahawk is something The Athletic is predicting, as the Longhorn finds his way to the Emerald City in the second round in their latest mock draft. NFL Draft analysist Nick Baumgardner mentioned on Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob Show “There’s a lot of really good stuff with him – a lot, a lot, He’s been through a ton of high-pressure situations there at Texas. It’s a hard place to play and he got criticized a lot, but he’s overcome it.”

Ewers had a stellar career on the 40 Acres, especially his last two. Overall, Ewers completed 64% of his passes for 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He guided Texas to a Bix XII title in 2023 and to the SEC Championship Game in 2024. During the inaugural run of the expanded College Football Playoff, Ewers’ Longhorns won two playoff games – including throwing two critical touchdowns in overtime during the Peach Bowl. Ewers got Texas to the College Football Semi-Final in back to back seasons.

However, he certainly is a project. Perhaps sitting behind Geno Smith for a year or two could help his development at the professional level.

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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 80: Texas OL Kelvin Banks Jr.

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

The last time the Green Bay Packers owned the 23rd overall pick they selected Bryan Bulaga during the 2010 NFL Draft. Fast forward 15 years and the Packers own the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could use it on an offensive tackle. 

A potential target on April 24 is Kelvin Banks Jr. The Texas offensive tackle checks in at No. 80 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A former five-star recruit and Texas native, Banks finished his career as a Longhorn with 42 career starts at left tackle. 

“Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers gets a lot of credit for helping bring Texas “back,” but Kelvin Banks may have been the catalyst for the Longhorns’ two years of playoff-caliber football,” Joey Hickey, a contributing writer for Athlon Sports, said. “When Banks arrived at Texas, the program could not consistently field a high-level offensive line. After helping the team rebuild in the trenches, Banks could become the first Texas offensive lineman drafted in the first round of the NFL draft since 2002.”

Banks may be one of the most athletic offensive tackles in the 2025 draft class. He’s got the easy athleticism to climb to the second level and shows good range as a run blocker. Banks has strong hands to control the defender at the point of contact. 

“Kelvin is a powerful blocker,” Hickey said. “When you get him moving forward as a pulling blocker his strength allows him to uncoil with significant force. He is adept enough at anticipating where the defender will be not to miss his blocks.”

Banks is ideally built and has agile feet. He has a quick setup in pass protection and is smooth in his lateral slide. The 42-game starter processes things quickly and has an answer for everything that rushers attempt to deploy. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks gave up one sack and 10 pressures. 

“Banks has great footwork and quick feet,” Hickey said. “His alertness immediately after the snap prevents edges from beating him around the corner. If an edge gets a step ahead of him, he is capable of catching up and limiting damage as well.”

Fit with the Packers

A year ago, the Packers selected Jordan Morgan in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A starting left tackle in college, Morgan played exclusively at guard during his rookie season for the Packers and that may be his natural position in the NFL.

If the Packers believe Morgan’s best fit is at guard, they’ll likely be in the market for an offensive tackle in the upcoming draft. Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker are both entering contract years, as is staring right guard Sean Rhyan.

Will the Packers be able to re-sign all three to keep the offensive line intact? It’s a safe bet that Gutekunst will put a priority on re-signing Tom and he may wait to see how the season plays out before handing Walker and Rhyan second deals.

With all that uncertainty surrounding the future of both starting tackle positions, it’s not out of the question that the Packers draft an offensive tackle in the first round of the upcoming draft.

Banks checks all the boxes. He’ll turn 21 years old in March. He’s a gifted athlete and well-put-together.

If he’s on the board when the Packers are on the clock with the 23rd overall pick, his talent may be too good to pass up, even if it means they have to wait a year before he becomes the franchise left tackle.

“In one of Kelvin’s last visits to Texas, he watched Kansas beat Texas 57-56 in overtime,” Hickey said. “What could have been a nail in the coffin for most recruitments, didn’t deter Kelvin from coming to Austin to bring Texas back. He’s as high character a player as you’ll find. He’s not afraid of a challenge. He’s everything I’d want in a franchise left tackle.”

Some NFL teams are going to view Banks as a guard. If the Packers take him in the first round, they likely view him as a future franchise left tackle.

There is no denying that Walker, a former seventh-round pick has exceeded expectations. He’s been a rock-solid blindside protector for Jordan Love.

The question becomes, can the Packers afford to pay Tom, Walker and Rhyan? Also, throw in the potential new contracts for Romeo Doubs and Christain Watson and things could start to add up quickly.

The Packers like to get out in front of potential issues and they could look to add an offensive tackle early in the upcoming draft with an eye on that played potentially replacing Walker. If Banks is on the board, he could be Green Bay’s starting left tackle when the 2026 season kicks off on Thursday Night Football as the Packers begin their quest for a repeat.

Chiefs scouting report: Texas Longhorns WR Matthew Golden

The Kansas City Chiefs should target Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs found some answers in their wide receiver room by the end of the 2024 regular season. Expect general manager Brett Veach to fortify the position in the 2025 NFL draft.

Texas Longhorns pass-catcher Matthew Golden is built like a slot receiver but spent most of his college career playing outside. His polished style makes him a candidate to continue playing out wide in the NFL, making him compatible with Kansas City’s existing receiver room.

Golden’s agility and fast footwork make it difficult for corners to press him during his release. He still needs to diversify his release package, but his athletic traits give him a clear path to success against press coverage. Golden’s burst off the line and top speed make him a threat to overtake and stack press and off-man coverage or quickly out-leverage zone coverage.

Golden is a loose athlete who sinks and bends at the top of his routes. He quickly decelerates to create separation on sharp comebacks and curls. His nimble footwork helps him shake cornerbacks at the top of the stem before separating into space.

Golden primarily thrived on schemed touches and intermediate routes at Houston in 2023, but he showcased an improved ability to win vertically with the Longhorns in 2024. He’s a three-level receiving threat with the speed and route running to warrant a high draft pick.

Golden lacks a large catch radius, but he adjusts well for the ball and makes some spectacular plays at the catch point. He doesn’t have the mass to break tackles with physicality but generates yards after the catch with his burst and vision. His experience as a kick returner helps him set up blockers and locate space.

Golden’s projected draft positioning skyrocketed in the past month after he authored several notable performances in the SEC Championship Game and College Football Playoff. The Chiefs will need to invest a high draft pick if they want to add him to their wide receiver room.

Texas Longhorns land big Ohio State DL from transfer portal

Texas Longhorns have scored another big commitment from the transfer portal with Ohio State DL Hero Kanu agreeing to commit to UT.

The Texas Longhorns have landed a big piece to the transfer puzzle … literally. Ohio State defensive lineman Hero Kanu has committed to UT from the transfer portal. Kanu is 6’4″ tall and weights 315 pounds.

This is the third interior defensive lineman that has committed to Texas during this portal window. Cole Brevard from Purdue and Travis Shaw from North Carolina have already joined the Longhorns. Kanu will have two years of eligibility remaining when he arrives at the 40 Acres.

Kanu came to the United States from Geltendorf, Germany in high school when it was clear he was going to be a college prospect and attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School in California. Gerry Hamilton of On Texas Football says Kanu offers UT a high-value prospect.

“You get a guy that’s three years into his college development at Ohio State, and that’s high level development. … a guy that redshirted in 2022, he came out as a 4-star prospect. Played a little bit in 2023 and a little bit in 2024. So he’s through that physical and technical development curve. Texas is getting him at a time when he’s ready to come in and play real snaps and be a really strong rotational player for Texas.” — Gerry Hamilton, On Texas Football.

Kanu visited Austin on Sunday before taking a trip to Gainesville to check out Florida. Kanu liked what he saw at Texas. “Man, it was cool. It was only a limited time so it was only like a conversation,” Kanu told 247Sports. “I had a good conversation with Coach Sark. Just having a conversation about the future.”

Kanu played in 26 games with the Buckeyes and had 14 tackles and one sack. As a 2022 recruit, he ranked as the No. 17 defensive lineman and the No. 118 overall player in the country, according 247Sports.

Which Texas Longhorns seniors will play in the Senior Bowl?

Only one Longhorn is currently rostered on the Senior Bowl roster, despite four others receiving invites.

The Texas Longhorns were set to have a strong presence at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, with five players originally slated to participate in the showcase event. However, as the game approaches this Saturday, only one Longhorn—defensive lineman Barryn Sorrell—remains on the official roster.

Andrew Mukuba, Alfred Collins, Gunnar Helm, and Vernon Broughton had all accepted invitations to the Senior Bowl, a premier opportunity for NFL prospects to perform in front of scouts, coaches, and executives ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite their initial participation in the week of workouts and activities, the length of the Texas football season has left the other four players inactive for the weekend.

Sorrell will now carry the burnt orange flag solo in Mobile, aiming to showcase his skills and leave an impression on NFL decision-makers during one of the most prestigious pre-draft events.

Barryn Sorrell, a fourth-year defensive end, has cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of the Texas Longhorns’ defense. With 39 career starts in 48 collegiate games, Sorrell delivered his best season yet. He was one of just four Longhorn defensive players to register double-digit tackles for loss (10.5) and at least 5.5 sacks. Additionally, he led the defense with 12 quarterback hurries, the only Longhorn to achieve double-digit hurries.

Texas Longhorns athletics lead nation in operating revenue and expenses

It comes at no surprise that the Texas Athletics program is boasting the No. 1 operating budget and revenue across all college sports.

The University of Texas has solidified its standing as a financial powerhouse in college sports, becoming the first Division I public school to report more than $300 million in both operating revenues and expenses in the same fiscal year, according to a newly released financial report to the NCAA.

For the 2024 fiscal year, Texas recorded $331.9 million in operating revenues and $325 million in operating expenses, cementing its status as a national leader in athletic spending. These figures, obtained by the USA TODAY Network through an open-records request, surpass previous records, including Ohio State’s $292.3 million in spending reported earlier this year.

The Longhorns’ unprecedented revenue was boosted by a $133.9 million increase in contributions, which included a significant one-time donation to fund construction of the Moody Center, the on-campus arena that opened in 2022. Contributions also surged due to the football team’s success during the 2023 season, highlighted by a 12-2 record, a Big 12 championship, and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance.

Even after accounting for $43 million allocated to the Moody Center, Texas’ adjusted operating revenue and expenses still ranked among the highest ever recorded by a public university, totaling $288.9 million and $282 million, respectively.

The Longhorns also reported significant increases in royalties, licensing, advertising, and sponsorship revenue, which rose by $14.1 million to $68.8 million, due to changes in reporting methodology. Previously, these figures were reported net of related expenses; they are now presented on a gross basis per NCAA guidance.

Expenses for Texas Studios, which replaced the Longhorn Network as part of the university’s transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), also contributed to the financial shift. Additional expenses included pay raises and contract amendments for football head coach Steve Sarkisian, whose compensation rose from $5.6 million in 2023 to $10.6 million in 2024, as well as severance costs tied to coaching changes in baseball and men’s swimming.

The report highlights the Longhorns’ strategic focus on maintaining their position as a leader in collegiate athletics. Despite moving to the SEC, Texas sponsored 21 teams in 2024, compared to Ohio State’s 35 teams, showcasing its efficiency in generating and allocating resources.

With an endowment spanning $45 billion across its system, Texas continues to set the standard for financial success in college sports and academics, leveraging its resources to enhance its programs and prepare for its future in the SEC. The University of Texas System is second to none in terms of public endowment, only trailing Harvard University in terms of nation-wide endowment. The system does support 14 universities across it’s system, with the University of Texas at Austin as it’s flagship program for both the state and system.

Texas Hockey sets bar high after A&M series sweep, eyes conference title

Don’t underestimate the power of hockey in the South, learn why UT is making the case for a conference win.

When you think of Texas, hockey probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. For many, the Lone Star State conjures images of football, BBQ, and wide-open spaces—not the ice rink. Even outsiders, like Ohio State, have been hilariously misinformed about Texas, mistakenly believing cacti grow in Arlington. Yet, hockey is carving out its place in Austin, where students and local fans are rallying behind the sport with growing enthusiasm.

Fresh off an undefeated 4-0 run at the Big Mountain Hockey Conference tournament, the Texas Longhorns brought that momentum back home this past weekend. In back-to-back games against their fiercest rival, Texas A&M, the Longhorns delivered a statement. They secured a gritty 3–2 win on Friday, then traveled to College Station on Saturday and unleashed an offensive onslaught, skating to an emphatic 11–3 victory to close out the Lone Star Showdown on ice.

“Come down here and play,” senior goaltender Jesse Reinhard said. “A lot of people don’t know about the sport, and a lot of them love it. They just (have) got to get to know it. Southern hockey would be sweet to be big.”

Playing in the Texas Collegiate Hockey Association (TCHA), a Division II league under the American Club Hockey Association (ACHA), the Longhorns don’t receive scholarships or financial assistance. Instead, these players rely on their families, their own funds, and a shared love for the game to keep their skates on the ice.

“It’s important for them because they all probably played in high school,” said Reinhard’s mother, Terri Reinhard. “It’s hard to get into the majors. It’s hard to get into D1 schools, and club hockey is way more competitive than people think.”

With their weekend wins, the Longhorns clinched the top spot in the TCHA standings with a 17–6–2 record and just one game left in the regular season. Now, their sights are set on earning their first league championship and making a deep run at nationals—a testament to how far hockey has come in Texas. “I think we need to make a run and make an appearance at nationals and show people that Texas has hockey,” graduate Forward Brayden Stevenson said to the University paper.

Texas Longhorns named ‘coolest college football team’ in new ranking

The Action Network names the Texas Longhorns the coolest college football team.

From “Keep Austin Weird” to “The Live Music Capital of the World,” the University of Texas has always been a fun place to go to college. When added to the fact Texas is one of the best schools in the country and an original “Public Ivy,” it’s no wonder other schools are jealous.

Austin is a big city with a lot to do, from concerts to bars to restaurants. The State Capital is also situated in one of the most diverse and beautiful locations in Texas, at the foot of the Hill Country. Now, everyone is finding out how “cool” UT is.

The Texas Longhorns have been crowned the “Coolest College Football Team” by The Action Network in a recent ranking of the top 100 Division I football programs.

The Longhorns clinched the top spot with a perfect Cool Score of 100, calculated through a detailed, data-driven methodology that assessed each team’s overall value, culture, and performance.

How the rankings were determined

The Action Network evaluated programs based on a variety of factors, ensuring fairness and credibility in its analysis. The Cool Score was determined by considering:

  • Population of City/Town: The vibrant city of Austin, with a population of 931,840, serves as the Longhorns’ energetic home.
  • Tailgating Culture: Fan enthusiasm is evident in the high number of tailgating-related searches in Texas.
  • Fanbase Dedication: The Longhorns garnered an impressive 450,000 online searches, reflecting their devoted following.
  • Microbreweries: Austin boasts 25 microbreweries within five miles of its city center, adding to the city’s allure.
  • National Championships: Texas claims four national titles.
  • Win-Loss Record: A strong 13-3 record highlights their performance.
  • Pro Players: Numerous Longhorn alumni are currently active in the NFL.
  • Athletics Revenue: The program’s staggering $271 million in revenue showcases its financial dominance.

Each factor was assigned a weight—30% for value, 30% for culture, and 40% for performance. Scores were standardized and weighted to create the ultimate ranking.

The Longhorns on top

The Texas Longhorns’ combination of athletic success, a passionate fanbase, and Austin’s rich cultural scene solidified their spot at the top. With their strong history, engaged community, and off-the-field appeal, they stand as a shining example of what makes college football “cool.”

Top 10 Coolest College Football Teams
1. Texas
2. Ohio State
3. Notre Dame
4. Alabama
5. USC
6. Georgia
7. Miami
8. Michigan
9. Florida
10. Texas A&M

Behind the Longhorns at No. 2 were the Ohio State Buckeyes, who had a cool score of 97. The Buckeyes, who reign supreme in Columbus and over college football, have a rich legacy with 53 NFL players and nine national championships. They generate a spectacular $280 million in revenue by blending tradition with tailgate fun. The Texas A&M Aggies were at last place in the top ten, with a cool score of just 67.