Texas Longhorns Running Back Jonathon Brooks Suffers Another Major Injury in a Devastating Blow to His Promising Career
The Texas Longhorns were riding a wave of hope and momentum, with their backfield anchored by one of the most electric and dependable running backs in college football—Jonathon Brooks. But now, that momentum has come to a screeching halt as the team confirmed that Brooks has suffered yet another significant injury, further derailing what was once shaping up to be a storied career in burnt orange. It’s a cruel twist of fate for a player who had worked so hard to come back stronger, faster, and more determined than ever before.
Brooks, who dazzled fans and scouts alike with his blend of power, vision, and breakaway speed, had just begun to reassert himself as one of the top backs in the nation. After previously missing time due to injury, he returned to the field with a vengeance, ripping off long runs and grinding out tough yards between the tackles. He wasn’t just a great athlete; he was becoming the heart and soul of the Longhorns’ offense. The coaches trusted him, his teammates rallied behind him, and his name was popping up in early NFL Draft buzz.
Then came the news that he had gone down during a routine practice drill. What was initially believed to be a minor tweak quickly turned out to be far more serious. After evaluation and medical imaging, Texas announced that Brooks had suffered a setback that would not only keep him out for the remainder of spring practices but potentially jeopardize the upcoming season altogether. For fans and players alike, it was a gut punch—a reminder of how quickly things can unravel in the brutal world of college football.
What makes the injury so hard to stomach is the fact that Jonathon Brooks was in the process of mounting an inspiring comeback from his previous torn ACL, which he suffered late in the 2023 season. That injury had already kept him off the field for months, causing him to miss the College Football Playoff run and much of the offseason. And yet, by all accounts, he attacked the rehab process with the same intensity and commitment he brought to the field. Coaches often pointed to his discipline and leadership, even while sidelined. He was mentoring younger backs, studying film, and working with trainers around the clock.
By the start of 2025, Brooks had finally been cleared for contact and was showing flashes of his old self—and then some. His cuts looked sharper, his top-end speed returned, and his ability to pass protect and catch balls out of the backfield made him a true three-down threat. Just as it seemed he might finally put the injury-plagued narrative behind him, fate intervened again. This time, it’s not yet clear how long Brooks will be out, but early indications suggest it could be another extended absence—perhaps even season-ending depending on the severity and his recovery timeline.
For Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, this is a bitter pill to swallow. The Longhorns had built much of their offensive identity around the balance and rhythm that a player like Brooks brings. He’s the kind of back who can keep the chains moving, break a big run when the defense least expects it, and take pressure off a young quarterback trying to find his rhythm. While Texas has other backs on the roster, none bring the complete package that Brooks does. His football IQ, his physicality, his experience—they’re all irreplaceable in a young, evolving locker room.
Beyond the tactical implications, there’s a very human side to this story. Jonathon Brooks is more than just a football player; he’s a leader, a role model, and one of the most respected voices in the Texas locker room. Teammates describe him as humble and hardworking, someone who leads by example and always puts the team first. For a player with so much potential to be sidelined repeatedly by injuries—it’s heartbreaking not just for him, but for everyone who’s watched his journey up close.
This injury also creates a difficult dilemma for Brooks as he evaluates his future. Entering the season, he was viewed as a potential Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, depending on how well he performed and whether he could stay healthy. Another major injury throws all of that into uncertainty. Will NFL teams gamble on his upside despite the medical red flags? Will he return to Texas in 2026 for a sixth year, betting on himself one more time? Or will he consider transferring to get a fresh start elsewhere? None of those answers are clear right now, and the next few months will be critical in shaping the course of his football career.
For Texas fans, this is an all-too-familiar storyline. Injuries have haunted the program at key positions in recent years, often undermining championship aspirations before they could fully take shape. With Brooks sidelined, the Longhorns will now have to retool their backfield plans. Redshirt freshmen and unproven underclassmen will need to step into larger roles, and Sarkisian will be forced to adjust his play-calling to compensate for the loss of such a dynamic weapon. That’s easier said than done when you’re also breaking in new starters elsewhere on offense.
But while the news is grim, there’s also a glimmer of hope in the way Brooks has handled adversity in the past. This is not a young man who folds when the odds are stacked against him. He’s battled back before, and those who know him best believe he’ll do it again. His character, toughness, and love for the game have never been in question. If anyone can write a redemption story after yet another setback, it’s Jonathon Brooks.
Still, there’s no sugarcoating the reality: Texas is worse off without him, and college football is missing one of its most exciting players. The hope is that with time, rest, and the right medical care, Brooks will recover and return to the field stronger than ever. Until then, the Longhorns will have to rally without him, and fans will have to wait to see if their star back can beat the odds once more.
The injury to Jonathon Brooks is not just a blow to Texas—it’s a blow to the sport. At his best, he was a reminder of everything college football can be: thrilling, emotional, and unpredictable. He turned routine handoffs into highlight-reel plays, and his presence made Texas a legitimate playoff threat. Now, the team must regroup and refocus, knowing that their ceiling might be lower without No. 24 in the backfield.
And yet, perhaps that’s where the greatest stories are born—not in the highlight reels, but in the quiet, grueling path of recovery. If Jonathon Brooks can once again rise from this setback, if he can overcome the disappointment and the physical toll, he will have done something even more remarkable than scoring a game-winning touchdown. He will have shown that resilience, heart, and determination matter just as much as talent. The road ahead won’t be easy, but then again, it never has been for Jonathon Brooks.
