Quinn Ewers Among Six Texas Longhorns Recognized in ESPN’s Top 100 Best Picks for the 2025 NFL Draft Class
The Texas Longhorns made a powerful statement in ESPN’s recent rankings of the top 100 players for the 2025 NFL Draft, with six standout athletes earning their place among the nation’s best. Quarterback Quinn Ewers headlined the group, showcasing not only his individual development but also the program’s growing reputation for producing NFL-caliber talent under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The inclusion of half a dozen Texas players in such a prestigious ranking solidifies the Longhorns’ presence as a pipeline to the next level, signaling their return to national prominence as a football powerhouse.
For Ewers, being one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the draft pool is the culmination of years of expectation, development, and perseverance. Once hailed as the top quarterback prospect out of high school in the 2021 recruiting cycle, Ewers initially committed to Ohio State before transferring to Texas, where he was expected to usher in a new era for the program. After a strong but uneven debut season in 2022, Ewers made noticeable strides in 2023 and solidified himself as one of the nation’s best in 2024, leading Texas to a College Football Playoff appearance and rekindling memories of the Longhorns’ championship years.
Ewers’ strengths are easy to identify on film. He boasts one of the strongest arms in college football, coupled with improved decision-making, pocket presence, and leadership. What sets him apart in this draft class, beyond the sheer arm talent, is his moxie in big moments. His poise under pressure and ability to deliver in clutch situations has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s most effective modern quarterbacks. Scouts see a quarterback with the tools to become a franchise player, and his spot in ESPN’s top 10 confirms that teams are taking serious notice.
Beyond Ewers, Texas placed five additional players in ESPN’s top 100—each bringing a unique skill set and a strong case for NFL readiness. Offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. is perhaps the next most high-profile name on the list. Since arriving in Austin, Banks has consistently performed at a high level, earning All-Big 12 honors and garnering praise as one of the best blindside protectors in the nation. At 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds, Banks combines athleticism with a mean streak in the trenches. He’s been lauded for his footwork, quick hands, and football IQ, all traits that NFL offensive line coaches love to develop.
Another Longhorn making waves is wide receiver Isaiah Neyor, who has overcome significant adversity on his journey to this point. After transferring from Wyoming and battling injuries early in his Texas career, Neyor reemerged as a reliable downfield threat in 2024. His size-speed combination—6-foot-3 with the ability to run past defenders—has made him a nightmare matchup for defensive backs. His strong 2024 season, filled with explosive plays and clutch receptions, has put him back on the radar as a Day 2 or even late Day 1 pick, depending on how he tests and interviews during the pre-draft process.
On the defensive side, linebacker Jaylan Ford once again proved to be the heart and soul of Texas’ defense. Ford’s production and consistency over the past two seasons have been off the charts. He leads by example, plays sideline to sideline, and has a nose for the football. Whether it’s diagnosing run plays, dropping into coverage, or rushing the passer, Ford shows the versatility that modern NFL defenses crave. His instincts and tackling efficiency have earned him praise from analysts and coaches alike, and his inclusion in ESPN’s top 100 speaks to how widely his talent is being recognized.
Safety Jerrin Thompson also made the list, a testament to both his talent and Texas’ ability to develop players in the secondary. Thompson plays with a high football IQ and a physical edge, often finding himself around the ball. He’s shown flashes of being a ballhawk, with timely interceptions and pass breakups, and his range on the back end gives Texas flexibility in their defensive schemes. For NFL scouts, his ability to handle coverage assignments and provide support in the run game makes him a well-rounded safety prospect in a draft class filled with defensive back talent.
Rounding out Texas’ six-man contingent in the ESPN 100 is defensive lineman Alfred Collins, whose athletic traits continue to intrigue NFL evaluators. While Collins hasn’t always posted eye-popping statistics, his tape reveals a player with rare quickness and strength for his size. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, Collins has played multiple roles along the defensive front, flashing disruptive potential whether lined up at end or inside at tackle. His ability to collapse pockets and disrupt run lanes makes him a versatile option for teams looking to bolster their defensive lines with high-upside talent.
The presence of six players in the top 100 is a massive win for Texas, not only from a developmental standpoint but also from a recruiting and branding perspective. This kind of exposure helps reinforce to high school prospects that Texas is a legitimate springboard to the NFL, especially at marquee positions like quarterback, offensive line, and defense. It also underscores the growth of Sarkisian’s program, which has improved its competitiveness, toughness, and talent development year over year.
For Longhorns fans, this ranking by ESPN is more than just a list—it’s a sign that Texas is back to playing elite football and producing elite talent. It reflects a broader cultural shift within the program, where expectations are matched with results on and off the field. It also raises the bar for the 2025 season, as NFL-caliber players will be expected to perform like it from the jump, leading the team through what many anticipate to be a tough and highly competitive schedule.
Quinn Ewers’ presence as the figurehead of this group speaks volumes about his growth, maturity, and readiness for the NFL. Though questions about his consistency lingered earlier in his college career, Ewers appears to have turned the corner at the right time. His return to Austin for one more season, despite having first-round potential in 2024, showed a level of commitment to both personal development and the Texas program that NFL decision-makers will undoubtedly respect. He now enters the 2025 season not only as a Heisman Trophy candidate but as a projected top draft pick with the chance to elevate his stock even further.
While Ewers will undoubtedly receive the lion’s share of the attention, it’s the collective showing from Texas that should excite fans the most. This is not a one-player story—it’s a testament to an entire program rising together. From the offensive line to the receiving corps, from the defensive front to the secondary, Texas has NFL talent at every level. And that’s how championship contenders are built.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns’ upcoming season could be defined by the contributions and leadership of these six players. If Texas is going to contend for a national title and secure a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff once again, it will likely ride on the shoulders of its future NFL stars. The 2025 NFL Draft may still be months away, but the groundwork is being laid right now—on the practice field, in the weight room, and between the lines on Saturdays.
With Quinn Ewers leading the charge and a talented supporting cast all recognized by ESPN as top-tier prospects, Texas has never looked more equipped to both compete for college football’s biggest prizes and make a splash in the NFL talent pool. The Longhorns aren’t just back—they’re built to last. And the NFL is taking notice.
