Four Texas Longhorns players are ranked among the best college football duos, showcasing their talent and potential for success

The University of Texas Longhorns football program has a storied history, one that includes some of the greatest players to ever grace the college football field. From legendary quarterbacks to standout running backs and dominant defensive forces, the Longhorns have consistently been home to some of the brightest talent in college football. In recent years, Texas has experienced a resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and much of this success can be attributed to the talent of their players—especially when it comes to dynamic duos who make an impact on both sides of the ball.

In a recent list of the best college football duos in the country, four Texas Longhorns players earned high praise for their remarkable talent and potential. The selection of these athletes showcases not only their individual brilliance but also the chemistry they share with their teammates. Whether it’s a quarterback-wide receiver combination or a pair of dominant defenders, the Longhorns have a wealth of playmakers who are capable of making a major impact in the 2025 season and beyond.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, these duos are positioning themselves to leave an indelible mark on Texas football history. In this article, we will explore the four Texas Longhorns players ranked among the best college football duos, examining their roles, strengths, and how their partnership is poised to shape the team’s success this season.

1. Quinn Ewers and Xavier Worthy: The Dynamic Quarterback-Receiver Tandem

When discussing any successful college football team, the quarterback-receiver duo is often the first combination that comes to mind. In Texas, this distinction belongs to Quinn Ewers and Xavier Worthy—two players who have shown incredible chemistry both on and off the field.

Quinn Ewers: The Heir to Texas’ Quarterback Legacy

Quinn Ewers, the former five-star recruit and Ohio State transfer, has made an immediate impact since stepping onto the field for the Longhorns. His arm strength, ability to read defenses, and poise in the pocket make him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country. Ewers brings a wealth of potential to the Texas offense, and his development under coach Steve Sarkisian has been nothing short of remarkable.

After a solid first season, Ewers is expected to take the next step as the leader of the Longhorns’ offense. With a strong supporting cast of skill players, including one of the top receiving threats in college football, Ewers is primed to build on his experience and elevate the team to new heights. His ability to make all the throws and his decision-making under pressure will be key to Texas’ success in 2025, and his connection with Xavier Worthy will be critical in opening up the offense.

Xavier Worthy: Texas’ Explosive Playmaker

Xavier Worthy is one of the most dynamic and explosive wide receivers in college football. The junior wideout has been a standout for Texas since his freshman season, establishing himself as a deep threat who can take the top off any defense. Worthy’s speed, route-running ability, and ability to make plays in the open field have made him a fan favorite and a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

In 2025, Worthy will be Ewers’ primary target, and the duo will be expected to connect on several big plays throughout the season. Worthy has a rare ability to separate from defenders and catch passes in tight windows, which makes him the perfect complement to Ewers’ arm strength and accuracy. With Worthy’s ability to stretch the field, Ewers will have the opportunity to exploit defenses by opening up lanes for the rest of the offense.

Together, Ewers and Worthy form a high-powered quarterback-receiver tandem capable of lighting up the scoreboard and delivering explosive plays at any moment. Their relationship both on and off the field is a significant factor in their continued success, and their ability to execute Sarkisian’s offensive system will be key to Texas’ ambitions in 2025.

2. Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson: The Dynamic Backfield Duo

While the quarterback-receiver connection often steals the spotlight in college football, the importance of a strong running back duo cannot be overlooked. At Texas, this dynamic partnership belongs to Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson—two of the most versatile and talented running backs in the nation.

Bijan Robinson: One of the Nation’s Best Running Backs

Bijan Robinson is widely regarded as one of the top running backs in college football and is projected to be a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2025. His combination of vision, power, speed, and agility has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Robinson has been the focal point of Texas’ offense since his freshman season, and he continues to demonstrate his ability to take over games with his playmaking ability.

Robinson’s ability to break tackles, accelerate through gaps, and make defenders miss in the open field is unparalleled. Whether it’s a powerful run up the middle or a screen pass that turns into a long touchdown, Robinson’s talent has earned him national recognition. As the centerpiece of Texas’ offense, Robinson’s performance in 2025 will be crucial to the team’s success. His ability to control the tempo of the game, pick up tough yards, and make explosive plays will give Texas a distinct advantage over its competition.

Roschon Johnson: The Reliable Complement

While Bijan Robinson is the star of the Texas backfield, Roschon Johnson is the perfect complement. Johnson has been an invaluable asset for the Longhorns, offering a steady and reliable presence in the running game. As a powerful back with excellent vision, Johnson excels at grinding out tough yards, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Johnson’s ability to serve as both a power runner and a versatile option in the passing game has made him a key contributor to Texas’ offense. He can take over games in the trenches, wearing down opposing defenses, or step up as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Johnson’s leadership and work ethic are essential to the success of the Texas backfield, and his ability to share the workload with Robinson without skipping a beat makes this duo one of the best in the country.

Together, Robinson and Johnson form a dynamic and versatile backfield duo that will be the backbone of Texas’ offensive game plan in 2025. While Robinson’s explosiveness makes him the star, Johnson’s steady and reliable presence will ensure the Longhorns’ offense remains balanced and difficult to defend.

3. Jerrin Thompson and Anthony Cook: The Shutdown Secondary Duo

In addition to their offensive weapons, the Texas Longhorns also boast a strong defensive backfield, with safeties Jerrin Thompson and Anthony Cook anchoring the secondary. As the Longhorns’ defense continues to improve under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, Thompson and Cook have developed into one of the most feared safety tandems in the country.

Jerrin Thompson: The Playmaking Safety

Jerrin Thompson has emerged as one of the most disruptive playmakers in the Texas secondary. Known for his ability to read the quarterback and jump routes, Thompson has developed a knack for creating turnovers and providing leadership on the back end of the defense. His athleticism, ball skills, and physicality make him an asset both in pass coverage and run support.

Thompson has been a consistent presence in Texas’ defense, and in 2025, he will be counted on to help shut down opposing offenses. His ability to provide help in deep coverage while also supporting the run game will make him an indispensable player for the Longhorns.

Anthony Cook: The Veteran Leader

Anthony Cook brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Texas’ secondary. As a senior, Cook has seen it all in the college football landscape, and his steady play has been a stabilizing force for the Longhorns. Known for his ability to cover both wide receivers and tight ends, Cook is a versatile player who can be used in a variety of situations.

Cook’s leadership and communication skills are invaluable in the backfield, as he helps keep his teammates aligned and focused during critical moments. His ability to make timely tackles and force turnovers, combined with his leadership, will be essential to Texas’ defensive success.

Together, Thompson and Cook provide a dynamic and experienced safety tandem that will be critical to Texas’ defense in 2025. Their ability to neutralize opposing passing attacks, while also contributing to the run defense, will be key to Texas’ success in the Big 12 and beyond.

4. Texas Longhorns as Title Contenders

With these dynamic duos—Quinn Ewers and Xavier Worthy, Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, Jerrin Thompson and Anthony Cook—the Texas Longhorns are well-positioned to contend for a college football playoff berth in 2025. Each of these duos brings something unique to the table, from explosive offensive plays to shutdown defensive abilities. Their individual and collective performances will be instrumental in shaping the Longhorns’ season, and their success will depend on how well they can execute together as a team.

In an era where the gap between elite programs continues to close, these standout duos give Texas an edge over their competition. Whether it’s making big plays in the clutch, leading the team to victory with dominant performances, or simply providing stability and leadership, the Longhorns’ key players are ready to take Texas football to new heights.