AUSTIN, Texas — An exodus from the Texas Longhorns football program to the NFL is underway.
Three prominent underclassmen—offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr., wide receiver Matthew Golden, and running back Jaydon Blue—have announced their intentions to enter the NFL Draft following the Longhorns’ defeat to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
The future of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers remains uncertain, as he has also suggested he might pursue a professional career, a move that would pave the way for Arch Manning to take on the starting role in 2025.
Banks and Blue made their announcements over the weekend, followed by Golden’s announcement on Monday.
These departures mean that Texas will be without its standout offensive lineman, the leader in touchdowns, and its leading receiver from a 13-3 season.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 325 pounds, Banks has been a three-year starter at left tackle. He earned this season’s Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the top lineman in college football.
Experts predict he will be one of the premier offensive linemen available, with a strong likelihood of being selected in the first round of the upcoming April draft.
Golden, having transferred from Houston, made a significant impact during his one season in Texas, leading the team with 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 58 receptions.
He was recognized as the Longhorns’ primary deep threat throughout the season.
Blue’s decision to leave came as more of a surprise, providing additional space in what was a crowded backfield.
After stepping into the starting position during training camp due to C.J. Baxter’s season-ending injury, Blue faced challenges midseason, particularly with fumble issues.
Still, he managed to rush for 730 yards and eight touchdowns, and also contributed with 42 receptions for 368 yards and six additional scores.
In Texas’ three playoff contests, he showcased his talent with four touchdowns, including a notable 77-yard run against Clemson.
As for Ewers, a three-year starter, he is anticipated to declare for the NFL after leading the Longhorns to back-to-back playoff appearances, clinching the Big 12 title in 2023, and participating in the Southeastern Conference championship game during the program’s inaugural SEC season.
Ewers has largely sidestepped inquiries regarding his future but hinted in an interview that he expects to be playing in the NFL next season, despite the possibility of transfer offers still being on the table.
He has one season of eligibility remaining.
Throughout his three years at Texas, Ewers dealt with injuries that sidelined him during several games, yet he ranks third in the program’s history with 27 wins as a starter.
This season, he has amassed 3,472 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
Should he decide to leave, the program would be entrusted into the hands of Manning, who is the son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning.
Manning has recorded a 2-0 record as a starter this season while filling in for Ewers but has had limited opportunities since leading Texas to its first SEC victory over Mississippi State on September 28.
This season, Manning has accumulated 939 passing yards, nine touchdown passes, and has rushed for four touchdowns.