As the Boilermakers play, Longhorns supporters will be cheering for Hudson Card. QB declares he will pursue his NFL dreams.

The college football world has always been filled with high drama, incredible performances, and unforgettable moments, but sometimes the narratives are just as intriguing off the field as they are on it. As the Texas Longhorns continue to prepare for their next steps in the 2025 season, many fans have been reflecting on the journey of Hudson Card, the quarterback who made his mark on the program and whose decision to pursue his NFL dreams has left a lasting impact. Card’s decision to leave Texas and enter the NFL draft has been one of the more emotional storylines for Longhorns fans, especially as he now suits up for another major program: the Purdue Boilermakers.

For many, it may seem like just another transfer or departure of a player, but Hudson Card’s journey is far more than that. This article will dive deep into his rise as a Texas Longhorns quarterback, his transfer to Purdue, and why Longhorns fans will continue to cheer for him as he takes the next step in his football career.

The Rise of Hudson Card at Texas

Before we examine Hudson Card’s impact at Purdue and his decision to pursue his NFL dreams, it’s essential to understand his journey as a Texas Longhorn. When Hudson Card first arrived at Texas, the hype surrounding him was undeniable. A highly touted prospect out of Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, Card was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2020 recruiting class. His natural ability to throw the ball with precision and power, combined with his athleticism and poise, made him an intriguing prospect for the Longhorns.

Card’s initial role at Texas was as a backup to Sam Ehlinger, the experienced quarterback who had cemented himself as the face of the program. Despite not having the opportunity to start immediately, Card’s potential was evident in practice. His intelligence, arm strength, and ability to read defenses were qualities that stood out. Yet, in those early years, he had to wait for his turn.

In 2021, after Ehlinger departed for the NFL, Card was one of the quarterbacks in contention for the starting role. Ultimately, it was Casey Thompson who was named the starter for the season, leaving Card to continue his development as a backup. Though Card did not start many games during his time at Texas, he gained valuable experience. His performance in limited action during the 2021 and 2022 seasons showed flashes of his immense potential. It was clear that Card had the talent to be the quarterback of a top-tier program, but his path to being the permanent starter remained elusive.

Despite the limited opportunities, Card’s leadership and work ethic won over many of his teammates and coaches. His maturity and commitment to the team, even as a backup, highlighted his character and his readiness for the next step in his career.

A Transfer to Purdue: A New Opportunity

After his time at Texas, Hudson Card made the decision to transfer to Purdue University in 2023. The move was a significant one in his career, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the talented quarterback. The decision to transfer wasn’t necessarily about leaving Texas but about finding the best fit for his future in football.

At Purdue, Card joined a program that has consistently been a strong competitor in the Big Ten and one that has produced several notable quarterbacks, including Drew Brees, who remains one of the most legendary figures in the history of both Purdue and the NFL. Under head coach Ryan Walters, Card saw a new opportunity to prove himself as a starting quarterback and solidify his spot as an NFL prospect.

Purdue’s offensive system was designed to highlight Card’s strengths: his arm strength, his ability to make deep throws, and his mobility outside the pocket. Card’s experience with Texas made him a more mature and capable leader, and the transition to Purdue allowed him to showcase his skills in a new environment. The program’s high-flying offense, which had become known for producing big plays and putting up impressive numbers, was a perfect stage for Card to demonstrate his abilities.

It didn’t take long for Card to establish himself as the starter at Purdue. He quickly adapted to the new system and gained the trust of his teammates and coaching staff. In his first season with the Boilermakers, Card became an integral part of the team’s success, leading them to several notable victories and showcasing the talent that had made him such a coveted recruit years earlier.

One of the most memorable performances of Card’s time at Purdue came in a win against Ohio State. His ability to lead the team to victory in one of the most hostile environments in college football demonstrated his poise under pressure and ability to execute when the stakes were highest. His performance in that game further solidified his status as a top quarterback prospect and drew the attention of NFL scouts.

A Natural Fit for the NFL: Card’s Decision to Enter the Draft

As Hudson Card’s success continued to grow at Purdue, the question on the minds of many football fans was not if Card would make it to the NFL but when. After a stellar season in 2024, Card announced that he would pursue his NFL dreams and enter the 2025 NFL Draft. For many Longhorns fans, this was bittersweet, as they had followed his journey from his early days at Texas to his growth at Purdue. His decision to pursue the NFL was one of the most anticipated moments in his football career.

The decision was undoubtedly the right one for Card, as he had shown the necessary physical and mental maturity to succeed at the next level. His time at Texas and Purdue had prepared him to compete against some of the best athletes in the world, and he was ready for the challenge of professional football. Card had all the tools NFL teams were looking for: a strong arm, the ability to make all the necessary throws, athletic mobility, and most importantly, leadership skills that could help him transition to the professional ranks.

For Purdue fans, losing a quarterback of Card’s caliber was a tough pill to swallow. However, they understood that his decision to enter the NFL Draft was a natural progression for a player who had demonstrated so much potential. In fact, many Boilermakers supporters celebrated his decision, proud of what he had accomplished during his time in West Lafayette.

Longhorns Fans and Their Continued Support for Hudson Card

As Hudson Card moves forward with his NFL aspirations, one group of supporters who will continue to follow his journey closely are the Texas Longhorns faithful. While Card’s time at Texas may have been marked by some ups and downs, there’s no denying that his contributions to the program were significant. Fans in Austin recognize the sacrifices Card made, the character he exhibited, and the potential he always possessed. Though he may have spent just a few years as a Longhorn, his impact on the program and the community will be remembered for years to come.

Longhorns fans will be cheering for Hudson Card as he pursues his dreams in the NFL. While some may feel conflicted about his departure, it’s impossible to ignore the positive impression Card left during his time in Austin. His resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the team were qualities that will always be appreciated by those who watched him grow.

Card’s journey to the NFL represents more than just an individual success—it’s a symbol of the Texas Longhorns’ ability to develop talent and help players reach their full potential. Though Steve Sarkisian’s offense might have been different from the system Card initially envisioned for himself, he ultimately made the most of his opportunities. Longhorns fans recognize this growth and know that his future in the NFL is a testament to the hard work and determination that defined his college career.

The NFL Draft: What’s Next for Hudson Card?

As Card prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, the next chapter in his career is filled with anticipation. NFL scouts have taken notice of his impressive skill set and his ability to perform at a high level in both the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences. Teams that are looking for a quarterback with both talent and leadership qualities will undoubtedly have Card on their radar.

While no one knows exactly where Card will land, it’s likely that he will be selected in one of the early rounds, potentially as a second- or third-round pick. As the NFL Draft approaches, teams will continue to evaluate his game film and interview him to understand how he would fit into their systems. Given his versatility and football IQ, there’s little doubt that Hudson Card will have a bright future at the next level.