Pro Football Focus’ ranking of the top 101 college football players includes seven Longhorns.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, a select group of players consistently rises to the top, standing out among the best in the country. Every year, Pro Football Focus (PFF), a leading sports analytics company, compiles a list of the Top 101 College Football Players, a prestigious honor that recognizes the most impactful and dominant athletes in the sport. This year, the Texas Longhorns have made a significant statement with seven of their players earning spots in the ranking.

The inclusion of seven Longhorns on the PFF Top 101 list not only underscores the individual talent present in Texas football but also signals a larger shift in the program’s trajectory. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are looking to regain their place as a perennial powerhouse in college football, and the recognition of these players reflects that growth.

In this article, we’ll break down the seven Texas Longhorns who made the PFF Top 101 Players list, analyze their contributions to the team, and discuss what their recognition means for the program as it heads into the 2025 season and beyond.

The PFF Top 101: A Standard of Excellence

Pro Football Focus’ Top 101 list is highly respected across the football community. Unlike traditional rankings, PFF’s list doesn’t rely solely on mainstream statistics or subjective opinion. Instead, it combines advanced metrics and detailed film analysis to evaluate players across a variety of facets: individual performance, consistency, impact on the game, and, crucially, how a player’s play affects their team’s success.

PFF uses data-driven insights to grade players on a scale from 0 to 100, factoring in things like passing accuracy, run-blocking efficiency, coverage skills, and tackling ability. These rankings also consider the context of the player’s position, with each position group receiving an in-depth evaluation. When a player is named to the Top 101, it is a testament to their all-around ability and consistency throughout the season.

The Seven Longhorns on the PFF Top 101 List

The seven Texas players who made PFF’s Top 101 list represent a mixture of veteran leaders and rising stars. Their presence on this list speaks volumes about the talent and development taking place within the program under Sarkisian’s leadership.

1. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback (No. 20 Overall)

Quinn Ewers is without a doubt one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football today, and his inclusion at No. 20 overall on PFF’s Top 101 speaks to his immense potential and impressive playmaking ability. After transferring to Texas in 2022 from Ohio State, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance in his first season as the Longhorns’ starter, finishing with 2,177 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and a 63.8% completion rate.

Ewers’ strong arm, impressive deep-ball accuracy, and quick release make him one of the most feared quarterbacks in the country. PFF has consistently praised his ability to make throws on the move and his ability to read defenses. While he still has room for growth, especially in terms of consistency and decision-making, his potential to lead Texas to a top-tier season is undeniable.

Ewers’ play will be critical in 2025 as Texas looks to establish a more potent and efficient offense. If he can continue to build on the momentum from the previous seasons and capitalize on his incredible talent, Ewers could lead Texas to new heights in the SEC.

2. Bijan Robinson – Running Back (No. 12 Overall)

Although Bijan Robinson declared for the NFL Draft after the 2024 season, his recognition at No. 12 on the PFF Top 101 is a testament to his outstanding college career and the impact he had on the Longhorns’ offense. Robinson is widely regarded as one of the most complete running backs to come through Texas in recent years, and his combination of vision, explosiveness, and ball security made him a standout throughout his time in Austin.

In his final season with the Longhorns, Robinson amassed 1,580 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 314 receiving yards, displaying his ability to contribute both in the run game and as a versatile weapon in the passing game. PFF has consistently praised Robinson’s ability to break tackles, read blocks, and maintain speed after contact. His vision and cut-back ability were among the best in college football, and he was a cornerstone of Texas’ offense.

Robinson’s recognition on the Top 101 serves as a reminder of his pivotal role in shaping the Longhorns’ offensive identity and legacy. Even as he heads to the NFL, his impact on the program will continue to resonate.

3. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver (No. 34 Overall)

Xavier Worthy is one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football, and his inclusion at No. 34 on the list is a reflection of his big-play ability and overall skill set. As one of Ewers’ primary targets, Worthy’s speed, route-running ability, and ball-tracking skills made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

In 2024, Worthy finished with over 1,100 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, including multiple highlight-reel catches that showcased his deep-threat ability. PFF’s evaluation of Worthy places him among the top receivers in college football, with specific praise for his ability to make plays downfield and stretch defenses with his deep speed.

As Texas prepares to enter the SEC, having a weapon like Worthy in the passing game will be crucial. He offers a dynamic element to the Longhorns’ offense, capable of turning any throw into a potential game-changing play. Worthy’s continued development in 2025 could push Texas toward a more explosive and high-scoring offense.

4. Jalen Ford – Linebacker (No. 45 Overall)

Jalen Ford, Texas’ standout linebacker, comes in at No. 45 on the PFF Top 101, and his inclusion speaks to his excellence as a tackler, playmaker, and defensive leader. Ford was a pivotal piece of the Longhorns’ defense in 2024, earning All-Big 12 honors for his exceptional work both against the run and in pass coverage.

Ford finished the 2024 season with 120 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, consistently being around the ball and making impact plays when the Longhorns needed them most. His recognition on the PFF list is a reflection of his ability to lead the defense and control the middle of the field. Ford’s discipline, leadership, and versatility make him a key part of Texas’ defensive identity moving forward.

As Texas faces more dynamic offenses in the SEC, Ford’s ability to diagnose plays, cover ground quickly, and deliver big hits will be essential for the Longhorns’ defensive success in 2025.

5. Kelvin Banks – Offensive Tackle (No. 58 Overall)

Kelvin Banks, one of the premier offensive linemen in the country, earned his place at No. 58 in the PFF Top 101 for his work in protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for Texas’ backs. In just his sophomore season, Banks established himself as a dominant force at left tackle, providing solid protection for Quinn Ewers and creating space for Bijan Robinson in the running game.

With his combination of size, strength, and technical ability, Banks was consistently praised for his blocking efficiency and ability to shut down opposing pass rushers. His ability to handle top-tier edge rushers from across the Big 12 was a major reason for Texas’ offensive success. Banks will be an essential part of the Longhorns’ offensive line in 2025, especially as they face even more formidable defensive lines in the SEC.

6. DeMarvion Overshown – Linebacker (No. 61 Overall)

DeMarvion Overshown was another key linebacker for Texas in 2024, earning recognition as one of the best in the nation. Ranked No. 61 overall by PFF, Overshown’s combination of speed, strength, and intelligence made him a crucial piece of the Longhorns’ defense. He played with tremendous energy, and his ability to cover sideline-to-sideline allowed him to make plays in both the running and passing game.

Overshown’s presence on the PFF list is a testament to his dynamic style of play. His leadership and ability to shut down plays before they develop were instrumental in Texas’ defensive success. With Texas moving to the SEC, having a player like Overshown is vital to maintaining a competitive defense in a more high-octane league.

7. Byron Murphy II – Defensive Tackle (No. 95 Overall)

Byron Murphy II, one of the most disruptive forces on the Texas defensive line, rounds out the Longhorns’ representation at No. 95 on the PFF Top 101 list. Known for his ability to clog up running lanes and generate pressure up the middle, Murphy is a force to be reckoned with. His strength, agility, and high football IQ make him a critical piece of Texas’ front seven, and his ability to penetrate the offensive line gives opposing offenses fits.

Murphy’s recognition on this list reflects his ability to anchor Texas’ defensive front and impact the game in multiple ways. With the Longhorns

heading into the SEC, players like Murphy will be essential to competing against the physical running games and powerful offenses in the conference.

 Texas Football’s Growing Strength

The inclusion of seven Longhorns in the PFF Top 101 is a clear indication that the Texas Longhorns football program is headed in the right direction. These players are not only elite performers but also serve as the foundation for Texas’ aspirations in 2025 and beyond. With a strong mix of offensive stars like Quinn Ewers and Xavier Worthy, and defensive standouts like Jalen Ford and Byron Murphy II, Texas has the talent necessary to compete with the best in the SEC.

As the program transitions into the most competitive conference in college football, the Longhorns will rely on these players to help establish their new identity. The recognition of seven players on the PFF Top 101 list shows that Texas football is no longer a team rebuilding; they are a serious contender in the race for a national title. The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal year, and with this impressive group of players, the Longhorns are poised to make a major impact.