Which Texas football players made ESPN’s list of the top 100?

The 2025 college football season is fast approaching, and ESPN’s Top 100 college football players list has already stirred excitement among fans, analysts, and coaches alike. Each year, this list highlights the most talented players in the nation, and it serves as a barometer for expectations heading into the season. The Texas Longhorns, a program with a storied history and immense recruiting success under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has produced numerous standout athletes who are expected to be a force in the upcoming season. So, which Texas football players made ESPN’s prestigious Top 100 list?

In this deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the Texas players who earned spots on the 2025 ESPN Top 100 list. This includes both established stars and rising talents who are expected to make an impact on the national stage. We’ll examine their strengths, how they contributed to the team, and why they stand out as some of the best players in college football.

1. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback (Ranked 13th)

Texas’ most high-profile player heading into the 2025 season is undoubtedly Quinn Ewers, the team’s starting quarterback. Ranked 13th on ESPN’s Top 100 list, Ewers is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country. The former No. 1 overall recruit and transfer from Ohio State has shown flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons at Texas, and 2025 is expected to be the year when he takes that next step and truly establishes himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.

Strengths:

• Arm Strength: Ewers possesses one of the strongest arms in college football, capable of making any throw on the field.
• Playmaking Ability: He has demonstrated the ability to extend plays with his legs, and he’s particularly dangerous when improvising outside of the pocket.
• Leadership: As the starting quarterback for a Texas team that aims to compete for the SEC title, Ewers will need to step up and take command of the offense. His leadership will be critical in guiding a relatively young team through a challenging 2025 schedule.

Why He’s on the List:
Ewers has the potential to lead Texas back to the top of college football. His accuracy and ability to read defenses make him a dangerous weapon in Steve Sarkisian’s offense. With a solid supporting cast and another year of experience, Ewers has all the tools to make a huge impact in 2025.

2. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver (Ranked 27th)

Xavier Worthy, Texas’ dynamic wide receiver, has been one of the most consistent and explosive players on the Longhorns’ roster since his freshman year. Ranked 27th on ESPN’s Top 100 list, Worthy is poised to be one of the top playmakers in college football. His ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders makes him a nightmare for opposing secondaries.

Strengths:

• Speed: Worthy is one of the fastest receivers in college football, capable of taking the top off any defense.
• Route Running: His sharp route-running ability, coupled with his speed, allows him to create separation and make plays downfield.
• Big-Play Potential: Worthy is always a threat for a 50-yard touchdown reception, and his ability to make big plays is crucial to Texas’ offensive success.

Why He’s on the List:
Xavier Worthy has proven to be one of the best wide receivers in the nation, and with another year of experience under his belt, he’s ready to dominate. His ability to impact the game both vertically and in space is one of the reasons he is ranked among the best in the country.

3. Bijan Robinson – Running Back (Ranked 32nd)

Though Bijan Robinson is no longer part of the Longhorns’ roster (he declared for the NFL Draft in 2024), he deserves mention in this analysis because of his past contributions to Texas football. Robinson, ranked 32nd on ESPN’s list, was one of the most talented and dynamic running backs in college football during his time at Texas.

Strengths:

• Vision and Patience: Robinson demonstrated elite vision as a ball carrier, often waiting for holes to open up before bursting through them.
• Elusiveness: His ability to make defenders miss and break tackles made him nearly impossible to stop.
• All-Around Game: Robinson wasn’t just a great runner; he was also a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield, adding another dimension to Texas’ offense.

Why He’s on the List:
While Robinson is now preparing for his professional career, his impact on the Longhorns’ program cannot be understated. His exceptional skills and leadership made him one of the top players in college football during his time at Texas, and his ranking on ESPN’s list reflects his undeniable talent.

4. Jahdae Barron – Cornerback (Ranked 49th)

As one of the standout players in Texas’ secondary, Jahdae Barron earns a spot at No. 49 on ESPN’s Top 100 list. Barron is an explosive cornerback who has been a leader in the Texas defense, making him one of the most promising defensive backs in the nation.

Strengths:

• Man Coverage: Barron excels in one-on-one coverage, consistently shutting down top-tier receivers.
• Football IQ: His ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes sets him apart as one of the more instinctive players in the defensive backfield.
• Versatility: Barron has shown the ability to line up in various defensive schemes, contributing not only as a cornerback but also as a potential safety.

Why He’s on the List:
Jahdae Barron is one of the premier cornerbacks in college football, and his ability to shut down opposing receivers is crucial for Texas’ defense. With a huge 2025 season ahead, Barron has the potential to elevate his draft stock and cement his place among the top defensive players in the country.

5. DeMarvion Overshown – Linebacker (Ranked 55th)

DeMarvion Overshown, one of the most dynamic linebackers in college football, made ESPN’s list at No. 55. Overshown’s ability to impact the game in various ways—whether as a tackler, pass rusher, or coverage linebacker—makes him a versatile and important player for the Longhorns defense.

Strengths:

• Tackling Ability: Overshown is a relentless tackler, capable of stopping ball carriers in their tracks.
• Coverage Skills: As a linebacker, he excels in coverage, often being tasked with covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
• Leadership: As one of the team’s top leaders, Overshown sets the tone for the Texas defense with his tenacity and work ethic.

Why He’s on the List:
Overshown is an integral part of Texas’ defense, and his ability to do everything at the linebacker position has earned him national recognition. With a strong 2025 season, Overshown could increase his stock for the NFL Draft and solidify his legacy at Texas.

6. Kelvin Banks Jr. – Offensive Tackle (Ranked 74th)

Kelvin Banks Jr., one of the top offensive tackles in college football, made the list at No. 74. Banks has been a cornerstone of Texas’ offensive line and is a key part of the team’s success moving forward. As a powerful and athletic tackle, Banks has the skills to be a future first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Pass Protection: Banks is an elite pass protector, keeping defenders away from Texas quarterbacks.
• Strength and Power: His combination of strength and agility allows him to dominate both in the running game and in pass protection.
• Consistency: Banks has been a reliable force on the offensive line, making him one of the most respected tackles in college football.

Why He’s on the List:
As one of the top offensive linemen in college football, Banks is crucial to Texas’ offensive success. His ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for the Longhorns will be vital to their 2025 campaign.

7. Jerrin Thompson – Safety (Ranked 90th)

Rounding out Texas’ representation on ESPN’s Top 100 list is Jerrin Thompson, the talented safety who comes in at No. 90. Thompson has been a key contributor in the secondary, helping Texas maintain one of the top defenses in the Big 12.

Strengths:

• Ball Skills: Thompson has a nose for the football and has shown a great ability to create turnovers, whether through interceptions or forced fumbles.
• Tackling: As a safety, he plays with physicality and is an effective tackler against both the run and pass.
• Coverage Ability: Thompson has the ability to cover wide receivers and tight ends, making him a versatile safety for Texas.

Why He’s on the List:
Thompson is one of the top safeties in the nation, and his ability to make plays on the ball and support the run defense is a key part of Texas’ defensive unit. With a standout 2025 season, Thompson could move up the rankings and further solidify his place as one of the top players in college football.