Anthony Hill Jr. of the Texas Longhorns is poised for another successful season.

As the Texas Longhorns head into the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on Anthony Hill Jr., a player many are expecting to be a cornerstone of the team’s defense. The linebacker has already shown flashes of brilliance and leadership, making him a key figure as the Longhorns look to build on their momentum and elevate themselves to national contention. As Hill prepares for another season, there’s a palpable sense of excitement about his potential and what he can bring to the table.

A Brief Overview of Anthony Hill Jr.

Before diving into Hill’s expected role for the 2025 season, it’s important to provide a bit of background on who he is and how he’s developed into one of the most highly regarded linebackers in college football.

Anthony Hill Jr. was a standout recruit out of Denton Ryan High School in Denton, Texas, where he was known for his explosive speed, tackling ability, and football IQ. Coming into college, Hill was ranked as one of the top linebackers in the nation, and he quickly showed that he was deserving of the hype. His athleticism and ability to make an impact on both the run and pass defense made him an immediate threat on the field.

In his freshman season at Texas, Hill showcased his versatility and ability to be a difference-maker. His rapid development and high football IQ made him an instant starter, and he didn’t disappoint. Whether it was his ability to shed blockers or his keen awareness in coverage, Hill quickly became a force that opposing offenses had to game-plan around.

Hill’s physicality, combined with his leadership on the field, makes him one of the most exciting young talents in college football. As a linebacker, he has the speed to cover ground quickly, the strength to take on blockers head-on, and the instincts to make plays all over the field. These attributes are what have made Hill not only a standout player but also a player that Texas Longhorns fans are counting on to lead their defense in 2025.

The 2025 Season: What to Expect from Anthony Hill Jr.

As Texas enters the 2025 season with high hopes and expectations, Hill is expected to be a major catalyst for the team’s success. Coming off a solid 2024 season, Hill is in a perfect position to build on his past performances and continue his ascent as one of the nation’s top linebackers.

Let’s break down some key areas where Hill is poised to make a significant impact in 2025:

1. Leadership and Defensive Anchoring

One of the most crucial aspects of Hill’s game is his ability to lead on the field. As a linebacker, Hill is not only tasked with making plays but also with setting the tone for the entire defense. In 2025, Hill will undoubtedly be one of the most vocal and influential leaders on the defense, and his leadership will be essential in the team’s quest for an SEC championship and a College Football Playoff berth.

Hill’s leadership isn’t just limited to motivating his teammates—he also leads by example. His work ethic, intensity, and commitment to preparation have made him a role model for younger players on the team. Whether it’s in the weight room, during practice, or on game day, Hill will continue to inspire his teammates to elevate their play.

In terms of actual play, Hill’s ability to make tackles and read the offense will give Texas a crucial advantage in stopping opposing attacks. His instincts in recognizing offensive schemes and reacting quickly to plays make him the focal point of the defense. As one of the top players on the team, he will play a critical role in anchoring the defense and ensuring Texas remains competitive throughout the season.

2. Pass Coverage and Versatility

While Hill has always been known for his hard-hitting style of play against the run, his versatility in coverage has continued to improve as he matures. In 2025, Hill is expected to be even more involved in pass coverage, particularly in third-down situations where his ability to cover running backs and tight ends out of the backfield could be a game-changer.

One of Hill’s most underrated traits is his ability to cover in space. Whether it’s a running back leaking out on a screen or a tight end running a route over the middle, Hill has the fluidity and speed to stay with these players. His agility and football intelligence make him an asset in pass coverage, allowing Texas to use him in a variety of ways.

Moreover, Hill’s ability to rush the passer on occasion will continue to make him a dynamic threat. The Longhorns’ defensive scheme is designed to utilize linebackers in various roles, and Hill will likely continue to be moved around in a way that maximizes his strengths. Whether he’s covering a pass, blitzing the quarterback, or stuffing a run, Hill’s versatility will make him a nightmare for opposing offenses.

3. Tackling and Run Defense

One of Hill’s defining characteristics is his ability to be a tackling machine. His natural talent for reading plays and understanding offensive schemes makes him one of the most efficient tacklers in the game. Hill is consistently in the right position to make plays and has the physicality to bring down even the hardest-to-tackle players. This is especially important in the Big 12 and the SEC, where running backs and quarterbacks often pose significant challenges to defenses.

In 2025, Hill will continue to be a force against the run. His ability to diagnose plays before they fully develop allows him to quickly react to running backs and meet them at the line of scrimmage. His tackling fundamentals are second to none, and his ability to shed blockers makes him one of the most difficult players to get past in the trenches. As Texas faces some of the best running teams in the nation, Hill’s ability to control the line of scrimmage will be essential in stopping powerful offenses.

4. Highlight-Reel Plays

As one of the most exciting players on the team, Hill is always a candidate to make a highlight-reel play. Whether it’s a big hit, a forced fumble, an interception, or a sack, Hill’s knack for being in the right place at the right time has made him a fan favorite. His ability to create turnovers and disrupt the flow of opposing offenses has been a significant asset for Texas, and in 2025, fans can expect even more of these game-changing plays.

In addition to his raw athleticism, Hill’s mental toughness and determination make him a player who rises to the occasion. Whether the Longhorns are leading in a blowout or fighting to stay in a close game, Hill’s energy and intensity on the field will help drive the defense to succeed. His explosive plays have the potential to shift the momentum in Texas’ favor, and his continued development in this area will make him one of the most dangerous linebackers in college football.

5. NFL Prospects and Long-Term Development

Looking ahead to the future, Hill’s success in 2025 will likely solidify his status as one of the top linebackers eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. Already regarded as one of the most talented players in the country, Hill’s NFL prospects are sky-high, and his performances in 2025 will only enhance his draft stock.

For Hill, this season represents another chance to showcase his skills and continue to develop in all areas of his game. While his future in the NFL is certainly on the horizon, Hill remains focused on helping Texas reach its full potential in 2025. However, the improved visibility of his play this year will help cement his place as one of the best linebackers available when it’s time for him to take that next step.