The 2025 NFL Draft in April was a historic event for Texas football, marking one of the most remarkable years for the program in recent memory. Longhorns made their mark as some of the top prospects, shattering records and expectations along the way. With such a strong showing, it seemed as though Texas football had truly turned a corner. However, behind the headlines of these successes, not all former Longhorns are experiencing the same level of triumph, and many are facing significant struggles as they attempt to find their place in the NFL.
The excitement surrounding the 2025 draft was palpable. The Texas football program had long been a powerhouse in college football, and the emergence of new talent was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of the athletes that had come through the university. The success of the program in sending players to the NFL wasn’t entirely new, but what happened in 2025 was something special. For the first time in years, multiple Longhorns were taken in the first round, signaling a return to prominence for Texas football.
It all started with the rise of a few standout players who had been heavily scouted throughout the college season. One of the most anticipated names in this year’s draft class was Texas’ star quarterback, who had been a standout leader for the team. His arm strength, vision, and poise under pressure caught the attention of NFL scouts long before the draft. His performance at the NFL Combine solidified his status as a top pick, and his selection in the first round was a moment of immense pride for the Longhorns.
Following the quarterback were several other Longhorns who turned heads during the draft process. The team’s offensive line, which had been one of the best in the country, produced multiple draft picks, including a consensus top-five offensive tackle. This player’s size, agility, and technical skills had NFL teams vying for his services, and his early selection helped cement Texas’ reputation as a school capable of producing elite talent.
Defensively, the Longhorns were also well represented. A standout linebacker, known for his incredible sideline-to-sideline range and ferocity, was chosen in the early rounds, and a defensive back who had been a shutdown corner for Texas was drafted shortly after. With these players joining the NFL ranks, the Longhorns were back in the conversation as a school that could not only compete but dominate on the professional level.
The 2025 NFL Draft was an undeniable success for Texas, and there were celebrations all over Austin and the campus. Fans and alumni reveled in the recognition that the Longhorns had once again achieved greatness on the national stage. But the high-profile success stories of the top draft picks, who were lauded for their athleticism and potential, represent only one side of the story.
For every Texas player that was selected in the draft, there were others whose names were not called. Despite their hard work and dedication, these athletes found themselves struggling to earn a spot on an NFL roster. Whether it was due to injury, inconsistency, or simply not meeting the expectations of NFL scouts, these former Longhorns faced a different reality — one far from the glory of being a first-round pick.
The life of an undrafted player is a difficult one. These athletes often have to work twice as hard to earn a spot on an NFL team. They attend countless workouts, join practice squads, and often find themselves bouncing between teams or cities, hoping for the elusive opportunity to make an impact. Their path to the NFL is often filled with obstacles, with limited chances to prove themselves compared to their higher-profile counterparts.
For some, their journey ends quickly. The physical and mental toll of trying to make it in the NFL, combined with the intense competition, can prove too much to handle. Players who once dreamed of hearing their name called on draft day now find themselves questioning their futures, as injuries or a lack of consistent play hinder their chances at securing a long-term role in the league.
Yet even for those who are fortunate enough to land on a team’s practice squad, the future remains uncertain. The NFL is a brutal business, and success is never guaranteed. Players may be cut from teams with little warning, only to be picked up by another team and asked to perform at a high level immediately. The pressure is relentless, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
In many cases, the reality of trying to make it in the NFL is compounded by the pressure to live up to the expectations placed on these athletes. As former stars at a prestigious school like Texas, many players feel the weight of their legacy and the hopes of fans who believe they will follow in the footsteps of those who came before them. But the truth is that not everyone will make it, and not every player will find success in the NFL, no matter how hard they work.
Moreover, the transition from college to the professional level can be a jarring one. The pace of the game, the level of competition, and the size and strength of opponents are all drastically different from what players experienced in college. While some players adapt quickly, others struggle to find their rhythm. Even the brightest prospects may take years to develop, and some may never fully adjust to the challenges of the NFL.
The disparity between the success stories and the struggles of the less fortunate players highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft. Being selected is no guarantee of success, and not being drafted doesn’t mean the end of a career. It can take years of perseverance, sacrifice, and a bit of luck to secure a spot on an NFL roster, and many players face immense personal and professional challenges along the way.
For those who don’t make it, there are other avenues for a life in football. Many former Longhorns, even if they don’t play in the NFL, go on to have successful careers in coaching, broadcasting, or other football-related fields. Some find fulfillment in mentoring younger players, passing on the knowledge and experiences they gained during their time at Texas. Others go back to school, earning degrees in fields that allow them to transition into different careers entirely.
While the 2025 NFL Draft was an incredible success for many Longhorns, it also serves as a reminder that the road to the NFL is not an easy one for everyone. For every success story, there are others who face an uphill battle in their pursuit of a professional football career. The dream of making it to the NFL is one that drives many young athletes to work tirelessly throughout their lives, but the reality is that not all of them will get the opportunity they deserve. The journey is long, difficult, and often filled with setbacks. But for those who persevere, the rewards can be significant, even if they don’t always come in the form of an NFL contract.
