Following a College Football Playoff defeat, a Texas All-American makes a career decision.
In the wake of Texas’ heart-wrenching loss to Ohio State in the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals, one of the Longhorns’ standout stars, Bijan Robinson, faced a critical crossroads in his career. The All-American running back, widely regarded as one of the top players in college football, had just played his final game for the Longhorns. The defeat was a bitter pill for Texas fans, who had long hoped that 2024 might be the year their program finally reclaimed national glory. Robinson’s decision, following the crushing loss, would have a monumental impact on both his future and the Longhorns’ aspirations moving forward.
Bijan Robinson had been the face of Texas football for several years, a dynamic playmaker whose blend of speed, vision, and power made him a household name. As one of the most highly regarded running back prospects to come through Austin in decades, he had established himself as a player capable of changing the course of a game. Robinson’s ability to break tackles, turn routine plays into explosive runs, and contribute as a receiver made him a multifaceted weapon in Steve Sarkisian’s offensive system.
But with the Texas Longhorns’ dreams of a national championship shattered in the CFP quarterfinals, Robinson’s next move would be under intense scrutiny. As an athlete projected to be selected early in the 2025 NFL Draft, he had much to contemplate. Would he opt to declare for the draft, leaving behind his college legacy to pursue the professional ranks? Or would he return to Texas for another year, taking one more shot at the elusive championship he so desperately wanted?
In this article, we’ll explore Bijan Robinson’s decision-making process in the aftermath of the Longhorns’ playoff exit, the factors that influenced his choice, and what it means for his future as well as the trajectory of Texas football.
The Road to College Football Stardom
Bijan Robinson’s journey to becoming one of the most coveted running backs in college football is one of hard work, perseverance, and unmatched talent. Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, Robinson’s football talent was evident from an early age. He was a star at Salpointe Catholic High School, where he not only dominated the competition but also caught the attention of college scouts nationwide. By the time he committed to Texas in 2020, Robinson was already considered one of the top running back prospects in the country.
At Texas, Robinson quickly made his mark as a freshman, rushing for over 700 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns in limited action. By his sophomore season in 2022, he had emerged as the centerpiece of the Longhorns’ offense, racking up over 1,400 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. His ability to break long runs, catch passes out of the backfield, and protect the quarterback in pass protection made him a complete back in every sense of the word. Robinson’s skill set drew comparisons to some of the NFL’s most elite running backs, and by the time the 2024 season rolled around, he was widely regarded as the best player at his position in college football.
Despite Texas’ struggles as a program, Robinson was the one constant. He delivered highlight-reel plays week in and week out, helping keep the Longhorns competitive in a stacked Big 12. By the time the 2024 College Football Playoff arrived, Robinson had cemented his place as an All-American and a consensus top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. But as the Longhorns made their playoff push, Robinson found himself facing a critical decision about his future — one that would be influenced by his love for Texas, the desire to achieve a championship, and his ultimate goal of reaching the NFL.
The College Football Playoff Quarterfinals: A Defining Moment
The Longhorns’ 28-14 loss to Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals was a gut-wrenching moment for Robinson, who had poured everything into this season. Texas had entered the postseason with hopes of claiming a national title, but despite Robinson’s best efforts, the Longhorns were overpowered by Ohio State’s defense. Robinson finished the game with 76 rushing yards on 20 carries, a solid performance but far from his explosive best. The defeat marked the end of Texas’ title aspirations, and the program’s long drought continued.
For Robinson, the loss was emotional. As one of the few players on the team with the potential to enter the NFL immediately, the defeat meant the end of his college career. Robinson had already accomplished so much in Austin: he was a consensus All-American, he had rewritten record books, and he had built a legacy as one of the best running backs to ever wear a Texas uniform. But that elusive national championship remained out of reach. For a player with such high aspirations and an understanding of what it would take to reach the next level, the decision to leave Texas and turn pro was complicated.
While many players would have immediately turned their attention to the NFL, Robinson found himself reflecting deeply on his time at Texas. His love for the program and the fans was undeniable, and the thought of leaving without achieving the ultimate goal weighed heavily on his mind. But the NFL was calling — and the allure of professional success, financial stability, and the chance to compete at the highest level was a powerful force.
Factors Influencing Robinson’s Decision
- NFL Readiness and Projection
One of the most significant factors in Robinson’s decision-making process was his readiness for the NFL. Despite the bitter loss in the CFP, Robinson had demonstrated throughout his college career that he was more than prepared for the next level. His skill set — combining speed, agility, vision, and power — made him an ideal candidate to be a top draft pick. NFL scouts and analysts had long projected him to be a first-round pick, with many considering him to be the most talented running back prospect in years.
Robinson’s combination of traits had made him a favorite among NFL teams, who saw him as a game-changer at the running back position. His vision, ability to break tackles, and impressive pass-catching ability made him one of the most versatile backs to come out of college in a long time. After years of college production, Robinson was likely to be ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL. The chance to contribute right away and be part of a winning franchise was a strong pull.
- The Desire to Compete for a Championship
Although Robinson had been one of the brightest stars in college football, he was not just motivated by individual accolades. Like many athletes, his primary goal had been to win a national championship. That desire to finish his college career with the ultimate prize was not easy to let go of. The loss to Ohio State had left a bitter taste, as Texas had come so close to that elusive title but fell short when it mattered most.
Returning for another season would give Robinson the opportunity to finish what he had started and chase that dream one last time. But Texas’ inconsistency in big games and the pressure of carrying the team once again were challenges that weighed heavily on Robinson. Could he lead the Longhorns to a national championship in 2025? Or was it time to move on and prepare for the next phase of his career?
- The Risk of Injury and Financial Security
Another critical factor was the risk of injury. Robinson had already proven himself to be one of the best running backs in college football, and with the NFL draft looming, returning for another season carried a potential risk. Injuries are an unfortunate reality in football, and for a running back, the wear and tear can take a toll. With millions of dollars at stake, the smart move for Robinson might have been to avoid the risk of another season in college and secure his financial future by entering the draft.
- The Opportunity to Build on His Legacy
While Robinson’s on-field success at Texas was undeniable, he was also aware of the larger picture: his legacy. He had already cemented himself as one of the greatest running backs in Texas history, but he knew that a national championship could elevate his legacy even further. For a program like Texas, which has a rich football history and a loyal fan base, winning a title would have made Robinson a legend.
But the absence of a national title was not necessarily going to diminish his career. Robinson had already accomplished enough to be remembered as a Texas great, regardless of the playoff result. The decision to leave for the NFL would not erase his achievements, but instead, it would give him the opportunity to continue building his legacy at the next level.
Robinson’s Final Decision: Declaring for the NFL Draft
After much deliberation, Bijan Robinson announced that he would forgo his senior season and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision, while difficult, was one that Robinson felt was best for his future. He thanked Texas fans for their unwavering support and acknowledged the disappointment of not winning a national championship but reiterated his excitement for the next chapter of his career.
Robinson’s decision to leave Texas was a turning point in his career, but it also marked the beginning of a new journey. His focus shifted to the NFL, where he would soon have the chance to prove himself on the grandest stage in football. While Texas fans were understandably disappointed that they wouldn’t get to see Robinson take one final run at a national title, they also understood the reasons behind his decision and respected the immense opportunity that awaited him.
What’s Next for Texas Football?
Robinson’s departure leaves a significant void in the Longhorns’ offense. Texas will need to find a new leader in the backfield, and while they have talent in the pipeline, replacing a player of Robinson’s caliber won’t be easy. But for Texas, the future remains bright. With a talented quarterback in Quinn Ewers and an improving roster, the Longhorns will continue to build on the foundation Robinson helped set.
For Bijan Robinson, the next step is the NFL — where he will likely be one of the first players selected in the draft and will look to build on the legacy he created at Texas. Although his college
