In a season marked by new beginnings and championship aspirations, the Texas Longhorns’ move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has already started to bear fruit. At the heart of this transition is the outstanding performance of the Longhorns’ outdoor track and field team. Five Texas athletes have earned All-SEC honors, a testament to both individual excellence and the strength of the program as a whole. These accolades reflect the Longhorns’ seamless integration into the powerhouse SEC and highlight the depth, preparation, and determination that define the University of Texas Athletics.
For a program with national championship pedigree, this success is not unexpected. Yet, the recognition in arguably the most competitive conference in collegiate track and field underscores the Longhorns’ elite status and positions them as immediate contenders in their new conference home.
Texas’ inaugural SEC season featured remarkable individual efforts across multiple disciplines. From sprints and relays to jumps and throws, Longhorn athletes showed they could not only compete but dominate at the highest levels of college athletics. Here’s a breakdown of the five stars who earned All-SEC honors:
1. Micaela De Mello – Women’s 100-Meter Hurdles
Micaela De Mello was a standout throughout the spring and delivered one of her best performances at the SEC Outdoor Championships. Her crisp technique, lightning-quick start, and fearless finish earned her a silver medal and a spot on the All-SEC First Team.
Clocking a time of 12.61 seconds, De Mello not only set a personal best but also moved into the top three in the nation this season. Her progression throughout the season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Under the guidance of Texas hurdles coach Tonja Buford-Bailey, De Mello has developed into a national contender, and her All-SEC nod is just the latest in what promises to be a breakout year.
2. Leo Neugebauer – Men’s Decathlon
Few athletes in college track and field can match the sheer dominance of Leo Neugebauer in the decathlon. A returning NCAA champion and one of Texas’ most decorated athletes, Neugebauer brought his trademark versatility and stamina to the SEC Championships, where he claimed the conference title in overwhelming fashion.
With a total score of 8,445 points, Neugebauer not only earned All-SEC First Team honors but also positioned himself as the favorite heading into the NCAA Championships. His performance included personal bests in the 1500 meters and pole vault, demonstrating the relentless drive and technical excellence that have made him a fan favorite and Olympic hopeful for Germany.
3. Kevona Davis – Women’s 200 Meters
Jamaican sprint sensation Kevona Davis continued to elevate her profile in the 2024-25 season. At the SEC Outdoor Championships, she exploded off the curve in the women’s 200 meters to secure a bronze medal finish, earning her All-SEC Second Team honors.
Davis, who has steadily improved in both her 100 and 200-meter times since arriving in Austin, showed grit and composure against a loaded SEC sprint field. Her ability to close races and maintain top-end speed has made her one of Texas’ most reliable scorers and a likely qualifier for nationals. Her presence on the All-SEC list is indicative of the Longhorns’ strong sprint corps and the excellent coaching from Associate Head Coach Edrick Floreal.
4. Elija Godwin – Men’s 400 Meters
A senior transfer with SEC experience from Georgia, Elija Godwin brought leadership and championship pedigree to the Longhorns’ men’s squad. Competing in his final SEC Championship, Godwin didn’t disappoint. He finished second in the 400 meters with a season-best time of 44.88 seconds, earning First Team All-SEC honors and sending a strong message to the national field.
Godwin’s impact on the Texas program has been immediate and profound. Beyond his individual accolades, he also played a key role in the men’s 4×400 relay squad, which qualified for the NCAA West Prelims. His All-SEC selection is a fitting recognition for an athlete who has long been one of the nation’s premier quarter-milers.
5. Elise Cranny – Women’s 5,000 Meters
Distance specialist Elise Cranny turned in a gutsy, strategic performance in the women’s 5,000 meters. Navigating through hot, humid conditions and a tactical field, Cranny secured a third-place finish to earn All-SEC Second Team recognition.
Her time of 15:42.73 was not only a personal best but also one of the top marks in the country. Known for her poise and mental toughness, Cranny is peaking at the right time. She’s a critical piece of the Longhorns’ distance resurgence and will look to build on her SEC success as the postseason continues.
