Following a College Football Playoff defeat, a Texas All-American makes a career decision.

After the Playoff Defeat: A Texas All-American’s Career Decision

For most athletes, the aftermath of a College Football Playoff (CFP) defeat is a moment of intense reflection. The sting of failure, paired with the uncertainty of what the future holds, can be overwhelming. For Texas All-American linebacker Jalen Ford, however, the decision he faced after the Longhorns’ heartbreaking loss to Georgia in the 2024 CFP wasn’t about where he had been or even where he wanted to go. It was about what he could become.

As the final whistle blew in that game—a 35-28 loss that left Texas just a few yards short of reaching the national championship—Ford stood on the field, absorbing the defeat like so many others. His teammates were devastated, but Ford’s gaze remained focused. A future that had once seemed so clear had suddenly become murky.

The narrative around Texas football had been shifting. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns had clawed their way back into national contention after years of mediocrity. Ford, a leader on the defensive side, was central to that resurgence. A first-team All-American and a consensus leader in tackles for the 2024 season, Ford had displayed the kind of playmaking ability that made him a star in college football.

Yet, even with all the accolades and national recognition, Ford knew that the decision that lay before him was bigger than any game or individual performance. As his team filed off the field, Ford had to make the choice that every player at his level faces sooner or later: Should he return to Texas for one more season or declare for the NFL Draft?

The Case for Returning: A National Championship Dream

For Ford, the allure of returning to Texas for one more season was certainly appealing. The sting of the CFP loss was still fresh, but there was something about the unfinished business. There was a sense of camaraderie in the Longhorns’ locker room, an unspoken determination to get back to that stage and finish what they had started. Ford knew that the 2025 season could be special—if everything fell into place.

Sarkisian had set the Longhorns on a clear upward trajectory. The offense, which had been potent behind a balanced attack led by sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, was expected to improve further with another year of experience under its belt. The defense, which had been Ford’s domain, would return many key contributors, including young players who were poised to make a significant impact. With a defense that was quickly becoming one of the nation’s most feared, Ford believed that the 2025 season could see Texas reach the pinnacle of college football. Returning for one more season could give him the chance to cap his collegiate career with a national championship—something few players in Texas football history had achieved.

But the temptation of returning wasn’t just about the team’s prospects. Ford had unfinished personal goals as well. He was on the brink of becoming one of the most decorated linebackers in Texas history. Returning for his senior year would give him the chance to secure a second All-American honor and perhaps even break some of the program’s individual records. The NFL Draft was an enticing option, but Ford wasn’t ready to leave the college game yet. His leadership on the field was something he still wanted to develop further, and the opportunity to improve as a player under Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski would only help him in his future career.

Beyond personal achievement, Ford’s return could also help further his legacy at Texas. The program was in a phase of rebirth, and Ford’s name was already etched in the conversation surrounding Texas’ return to the elite. If he came back, he could cement his place among the greatest linebackers to ever wear the burnt orange jersey.

The Case for Declaring: The NFL Awaits

Despite the reasons to stay, Ford also had compelling arguments for entering the NFL Draft. His decision to leave would be the culmination of a career that had already reached exceptional heights.

Ford had been the centerpiece of the Texas defense in 2024. In a season that saw the Longhorns win a Big 12 Championship and come just one game short of the CFP final, Ford’s individual performances were nothing short of stellar. He tallied 122 tackles, 17 for loss, and 5 sacks, along with 2 interceptions, solidifying his place as one of the most versatile linebackers in the country. He had displayed the ability to read plays before they unfolded, deliver bone-crushing hits, and cover passing lanes with the same precision he used to track down ball carriers. NFL scouts had taken notice.

Many projected Ford to be a first-round pick, a potential cornerstone of an NFL defense. His blend of size (6’2″, 240 pounds), athleticism, and football IQ made him an ideal linebacker for the modern NFL. Whether as a traditional inside linebacker, an edge rusher, or even a hybrid safety/linebacker role, Ford’s versatility was a key selling point. He had the tools to step into an NFL locker room and contribute immediately.

For Ford, the prospect of turning professional was alluring. The financial benefits of entering the draft were significant, with the potential to sign a multi-million-dollar contract. Ford had already achieved a high level of recognition in college football, and his decision would have a lasting impact on his career and his family’s financial future.

Moreover, the NFL was where Ford had always dreamed of playing. His childhood memories were filled with watching NFL games with his father, a former player himself, and envisioning a future where he could make a name for himself in the pros. Declaring for the draft would turn that dream into a reality. Leaving college football would also offer him the opportunity to begin his professional journey in a sport he loved. For someone with Ford’s skill set, the jump to the NFL was a logical next step.

The Decision-Making Process

As Ford sat in his dorm room that night, the weight of his decision hung over him. He thought about the camaraderie of the locker room, about the unfinished business he had with his teammates, and about the possibility of returning to lead the Longhorns to the national championship. He could practically feel the energy of the fans cheering in the stands, the pride that came with wearing the Texas uniform. There was something deeply fulfilling about knowing he had one more year to prove himself on the biggest stage.

But then, he considered the pull of the NFL. The opportunity to take the next step in his career was right in front of him. As much as he loved Texas and his teammates, Ford was a competitor at heart. He knew that the next level of competition, where every game was a battle for survival, would challenge him in ways college football could not.

Ford’s decision-making process wasn’t just about football, though. It was about timing and the realities of his career. While it’s rare for a player to leave a program as high-profile as Texas with an opportunity for a national championship still within reach, Ford was well aware that the NFL wasn’t waiting forever. Injuries, changes in performance, and the volatility of the draft process could impact his stock. He knew that leaving college football at the top of his game would give him the best chance to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

The Ultimate Choice

In the days following the CFP defeat, Ford had many conversations with his family, teammates, and mentors. Each conversation had an impact on his thinking. His father reminded him that he had already accomplished so much in college, but the time would come when he would need to take his shot at the NFL. His coaches at Texas were supportive, emphasizing that he had the chance to leave a lasting legacy in college football but that the NFL journey was calling.

Ultimately, Ford made the decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. It wasn’t an easy choice—he loved Texas, and the team had so much potential. But the allure of the NFL, the financial stability it promised, and the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level won out.

Ford left a legacy at Texas that would be remembered for years to come, and though he wouldn’t be a part of the Longhorns’ potential championship run in 2025, he knew he was leaving the program in good hands. His decision marked the end of a chapter, but the beginning of what could be a remarkable professional career.

For Jalen Ford, it was time to take the next step. The future was bright, and the NFL awaited.