Pro Football Focus has named seven Texas Longhorns among its top 100 players for the 2024 season.
Pro Football Focus Names Seven Texas Longhorns Among Its Top 100 Players for the 2024 Season: A Look at Texas’ Rising Stars
As the 2024 college football season approaches, Pro Football Focus (PFF), the well-regarded football analytics and evaluation service, has unveiled its list of the top 100 players for the upcoming season. Among the prestigious group of players highlighted, seven Texas Longhorns have earned spots, showcasing the strength and depth of the program heading into another year of high expectations. This recognition is a testament to the development of individual talent, as well as the program’s growing dominance in the college football landscape.
The Texas Longhorns have long been one of the most storied programs in the history of college football, and with their recent resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian, they are poised to reclaim their place among the elite programs in the nation. The recognition of these seven players is a reflection of the strides the Longhorns have made in player development, recruiting, and overall program success.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Texas Longhorns who made the cut on Pro Football Focus’s list and explore how each player has earned their spot among the nation’s elite.
1. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback
Arguably the most high-profile player among the Texas Longhorns on the PFF list, Quinn Ewers has become a household name as he heads into his second full season as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns. After transferring from Ohio State and sitting out a season, Ewers took over the reins as the Longhorns’ starter in 2022, showcasing flashes of brilliance. However, inconsistency and injuries hampered his development throughout the year.
Now entering his second year as the full-time starter, Ewers has the opportunity to prove himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football. His natural arm strength and deep-ball accuracy have already caught the attention of NFL scouts, and his performance in 2024 could determine whether he’s a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Ewers has all the tools to thrive in head coach Steve Sarkisian’s pro-style offense, which places an emphasis on quarterback play and downfield passing.
What to Expect in 2024: Ewers’s ability to make decisive throws under pressure and limit mistakes will be key to his success. If he can show more consistency in his decision-making and stay healthy, he could be one of the top quarterbacks in college football by season’s end.
2. Bijan Robinson – Running Back (Note: Bijan Robinson was drafted in 2023)
While Bijan Robinson won’t be part of the Longhorns roster in 2024, his selection in the 2024 top 100 serves as a reminder of the talent Texas once had in the backfield. Robinson, who was drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, left an indelible mark on the Longhorns’ program. Known for his incredible vision, breakaway speed, and exceptional receiving ability out of the backfield, Robinson was the focal point of Texas’s offense during his time on campus.
Even though he’s no longer on the team, Robinson’s impact as one of the most dominant running backs in recent college football history has earned him a deserved spot in PFF’s top 100 players for 2024. As a player who truly could do it all, Robinson’s legacy will continue to influence the Texas football program for years to come.
What to Expect in 2024: While Robinson won’t be on the field for Texas in 2024, his departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill. Texas will look to build around the offensive line and develop a new star running back, but Robinson’s influence will remain part of the team’s identity.
3. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver
Xavier Worthy has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in college football. In his two seasons at Texas, Worthy has displayed an ability to stretch the field with his blazing speed, while also showcasing remarkable hands and route-running ability. Worthy’s 2022 campaign was electric, as he became the go-to target for Quinn Ewers and helped elevate the Texas offense to new heights.
Worthy’s blend of size, speed, and playmaking ability makes him a dangerous weapon in both the deep passing game and short-yardage situations. In 2024, he will look to build on his success and solidify his position as one of the top wideouts in the nation. His ability to create separation and make contested catches will be crucial to Texas’s offensive attack in 2024.
What to Expect in 2024: With a talented quarterback like Ewers under center, Worthy will have the chance to put up big numbers and challenge for All-American honors. Look for him to be a focal point of Texas’s passing attack once again, with potential to break out in a big way.
4. Jerrin Thompson – Safety
On the defensive side of the ball, Jerrin Thompson has emerged as one of the most impactful and versatile players in the Texas secondary. Thompson’s ability to cover a lot of ground in the back end of the defense, along with his high football IQ and physicality, has made him a key player in the Longhorns’ defense.
In 2023, Thompson played an instrumental role in Texas’s efforts to shut down opposing passing games, showcasing an ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball. His versatility allows him to play both free safety and strong safety, giving the Texas defense a flexibility that can be invaluable in a variety of defensive schemes.
What to Expect in 2024: As a key leader in the secondary, Thompson will be relied upon to help guide the defensive backfield in 2024. Expect him to continue being a ball hawk, capable of making game-changing plays and providing stability to the defense as a whole.
5. DeMarvion Overshown – Linebacker (Note: Overshown was drafted in 2023)
While DeMarvion Overshown won’t be on the field for the Longhorns in 2024 after being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, his inclusion on the list serves as a recognition of his tremendous impact on Texas’s defense during his time in Austin. Overshown was one of the top linebackers in college football in 2023, known for his ability to cover ground, rush the passer, and serve as the defensive captain for the Longhorns.
His leadership, athleticism, and ability to contribute in all areas of the defense will be missed, but his legacy as one of the most talented linebackers in recent memory will continue to resonate throughout the Texas football program.
What to Expect in 2024: Texas will need to replace Overshown’s presence in the middle of the defense, but his departure opens up opportunities for other linebackers to step up. As with Robinson, Overshown’s legacy will continue to be a driving force for Texas’s defense.
6. Keondre Coburn – Defensive Tackle
Keondre Coburn, a massive force on the interior of Texas’s defensive line, is another Longhorn who has been named among PFF’s top 100 players for 2024. Coburn’s ability to clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket has made him a key piece of Texas’s defensive front.
In 2023, Coburn was a disruptive force, often drawing double-teams and freeing up other defenders to make plays. His strength, size, and technical ability make him a dangerous weapon against both the run and the pass, and he will be a key player for Texas in 2024 as they look to continue building a championship-caliber defense.
What to Expect in 2024: Coburn’s presence on the interior of the defensive line will continue to be a major asset. Expect him to be a dominant force in both the run game and as a pass rusher, and one of the top defensive players for the Longhorns.
7. Jordan Whittington – Wide Receiver
Rounding out the list of Texas players in the top 100 is Jordan Whittington, a reliable and versatile wide receiver for the Longhorns. Whittington has consistently been a steady producer for Texas, known for his ability to make crucial catches in key moments. Whether working in the slot or out wide, Whittington provides a dependable option for quarterbacks, making him a valuable part of Texas’s offense.
In 2024, Whittington will look to build on his success and provide a consistent second option in the passing game alongside Xavier Worthy. His ability to pick up key yards after the catch and make plays in clutch situations will be crucial to Texas’s offensive success.
What to Expect in 2024: Whittington’s role as a versatile weapon in the offense will be key to Texas’s passing attack. He could emerge as one of the team’s most reliable playmakers, contributing significantly both in the short passing game and in critical situations.
