Five members of the University of Texas Athletics’ Outdoor Track & Field team are named All-SEC.

The University of Texas Athletics Department proudly announced that five members of its Outdoor Track & Field team have earned All-SEC honors — a prestigious recognition that not only celebrates individual achievement but also reflects the program’s burgeoning strength and competitive spirit in the fiercely contested Southeastern Conference (SEC).

This milestone marks a significant chapter in the Longhorns’ track and field journey, underscoring the remarkable talent, relentless work ethic, and strategic coaching that have positioned Texas as an emerging powerhouse in collegiate athletics. Below, we delve into the backgrounds of these five exceptional athletes, their journey to the All-SEC distinction, and what this means for the future of Texas Outdoor Track & Field.

Before exploring the individual stories, it’s important to grasp the weight of an All-SEC designation. The Southeastern Conference is widely regarded as one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division I athletics, boasting storied programs with long histories of national championships and Olympic-level talent.

All-SEC honors are awarded to student-athletes who finish among the top performers in their respective events during the SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championships. This accolade signifies not only outstanding athletic ability but also consistent performance under pressure in one of the toughest collegiate athletic arenas.

For Texas, a school competing in the SEC since 2024 after decades in the Big 12, the achievement of having five athletes earn All-SEC honors so early in its SEC tenure highlights the program’s rapid adaptation and competitive readiness.

Jamal Thompson, a senior from Houston, Texas, has been a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ sprint and hurdle events for three seasons. His journey began as a multi-sport athlete in high school, but track and field quickly became his passion after discovering his natural speed and coordination over hurdles.

In the 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships, Thompson secured a top-three finish in the 400m hurdles, clocking a personal best of 48.85 seconds — a time that put him in elite company nationally. His technical prowess over hurdles, combined with raw speed, makes him a formidable contender on any track.

Coach Sarah Mitchell credits Jamal’s discipline and resilience for his breakthrough: “Jamal’s growth has been incredible. His commitment to refining every step, every hurdle clearance, speaks volumes about his work ethic and desire to elevate this team.”

From Dallas, Texas, Amara Jenkins burst onto the collegiate scene with her explosive long jump performances. Known for her exceptional speed on the runway and powerful takeoff, Jenkins clinched All-SEC honors after leaping 6.85 meters at the conference meet — a leap that ranks among the best in Texas history.

Jenkins’ trajectory has been upward since her freshman year, overcoming early-season injuries and setbacks to deliver clutch performances when it mattered most. Beyond her physical gifts, she exemplifies mental toughness, often drawing energy from the crowd and teammates during competition.

Teammates admire Amara’s leadership and positivity. “She lifts everyone’s spirits,” says teammate and sprinter Mia Rodriguez. “Her passion and determination inspire us to push harder.”

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Malik Rivers has become the program’s distance ace, competing in both the 1500m and 5000m events with remarkable success. His versatility across distances and consistent pacing have earned him recognition and respect in the conference and beyond.

At the SEC Championships, Malik demonstrated tactical brilliance, finishing second in the 1500m with a time of 3:38.92 and placing in the top five in the 5000m. His blend of speed and endurance has made him an integral part of Texas’ distance squad.

Rivers’ approach to training is methodical and disciplined. “Malik studies every race and adapts,” says Coach Mitchell. “His intelligence on the track is matched by his commitment off it.”

Sophia Nguyen’s name has become synonymous with excellence in the pole vault event at Texas. Originally from San Jose, California, Nguyen’s journey to All-SEC honors is a story of overcoming adversity. She battled through injuries early in her collegiate career but has emerged as one of the conference’s top vaulters.

In the latest outdoor season, Nguyen cleared a personal record of 4.55 meters at the SEC Championships, securing a podium finish. Her technical skill and fearless approach to vaulting have earned her the admiration of fans and competitors alike.

Sophia’s story is one of resilience. “Every setback was a setup for a comeback,” she shares. “This award is a testament to never giving up.”

Darius Campbell rounds out the group, dominating the throwing events for Texas. From Fort Worth, Texas, Campbell has been a force in both shot put and discus, events that require a unique combination of strength, technique, and explosiveness.

At the SEC Outdoor meet, Campbell not only earned All-SEC honors in the shot put with a mark of 20.75 meters but also posted top-five finishes in discus. His dynamic training regimen and dedication to perfecting his form have contributed to Texas’ growing reputation in field events.

Coach Mitchell highlights Darius’ impact beyond the throws circle: “He’s a team leader and motivator. His energy is contagious, and his results speak for themselves.”

The recognition of five athletes as All-SEC is a powerful indicator of the Longhorns’ upward trajectory in the competitive landscape of collegiate track and field. This achievement signals that Texas is not just participating in the SEC — it is contending, challenging traditional powerhouses, and building a foundation for sustained success

Success breeds success. These All-SEC honors serve as a beacon to prospective recruits across the nation, showcasing Texas as a program that develops elite athletes and competes at the highest levels. The presence of five honorees across diverse disciplines — sprints, jumps, distance, vault, and throws — demonstrates the program’s comprehensive strength and appeal.

Athletic Director Jennifer Moore remarked, “We are thrilled to see our athletes recognized among the best in the SEC. This milestone reflects the hard work of our coaches and athletes and the bright future of Texas Track & Field.”

Beyond individual accolades, this recognition strengthens the team culture. Having multiple athletes achieve All-SEC status fosters a sense of camaraderie, shared purpose, and collective ambition. The leadership displayed by these athletes — both on and off the track — raises the bar for the entire roster.

Team captain and sprinter Maya Brooks says, “Seeing our teammates succeed motivates everyone. It’s proof that our dedication pays off and pushes us all to be better every day.”

All-SEC honors often translate into national competitiveness. These athletes will be key contributors as Texas aims to advance further at NCAA Regional and National Championships. Their experience in high-pressure SEC meets equips them with the mental toughness required for national stages.

Moreover, some of these honorees are on the radar for professional and Olympic prospects, elevating Texas’ profile as a cradle for elite track and field talent.

While the current success is noteworthy, the Texas program is aware of the challenges ahead. The SEC is a gauntlet of talented teams, and maintaining this level of excellence requires ongoing investment in coaching, facilities, and athlete development.

The coaching staff is already planning enhancements for the upcoming seasons, focusing on strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and mental performance coaching.

Coach Sarah Mitchell emphasizes, “Our goal is continuous improvement. These All-SEC honors are just the beginning. We want Texas to be a national champion program.”

The announcement that five members of the University of Texas Outdoor Track & Field team have earned All-SEC honors is a powerful affirmation of the program’s growth, talent, and competitive spirit. Jamal Thompson, Amara Jenkins, Malik Rivers, Sophia Nguyen, and Darius Campbell each bring unique strengths and stories that enrich the team’s narrative and inspire their peers.

As Texas continues to forge its path in the Southeastern Conference, these athletes exemplify the dedication, resilience, and excellence that will define Longhorn Track & Field for years to come.

With a blend of youthful talent and seasoned leadership, the University of Texas is not just competing in the SEC — it’s aiming to dominate and redefine the future of collegiate track and field.