While Arch Manning gets attention, Texas football’s Bijan Robinson could be the first drafted in 2026 due to his exceptional skills.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes in the college football world are keenly focused on the Texas Longhorns, particularly on their star quarterback, Arch Manning. With the Manning name carrying a legacy of success, it’s no surprise that the freshman sensation has garnered immense attention. However, while Manning’s arrival at Texas has certainly sparked excitement, there’s another player whose talent may very well make him the first Longhorn selected in the 2026 NFL Draft: Bijan Robinson.
Bijan Robinson is a name that has become synonymous with elite college football talent. After a standout career at Texas, Robinson has established himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in the country. As he prepares for what could be a historic 2025 season, his combination of speed, agility, vision, and receiving ability has made him a top prospect for the NFL. While Arch Manning will undoubtedly capture plenty of headlines throughout his college career, Robinson’s exceptional skill set could very well make him the first Texas player drafted in 2026.
Bijan Robinson’s College Career: A Legacy of Excellence
To understand why Robinson could be Texas’ first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s important to reflect on his exceptional career at the University of Texas. A five-star recruit out of Tucson, Arizona, Robinson arrived in Austin with sky-high expectations. From the moment he stepped on the field, it was clear that Robinson had the potential to be a game-changer.
Robinson’s freshman year was marked by flashes of brilliance. He was often the focal point of Texas’ offense and showcased his ability to take over games with his combination of power, balance, and quickness. As his career progressed, Robinson’s skills continued to evolve. He became an even more refined running back, showing his ability to read defenses, break tackles, and find the end zone with consistency. What set Robinson apart from many of his peers, however, was his ability to contribute not just as a rusher, but as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
In the 2023 season, Robinson truly emerged as one of the top players in college football. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 20 total touchdowns, earning All-American honors and leading Texas to a successful season. His ability to catch passes—racking up over 300 receiving yards that year—further solidified his value as an all-around back. Whether it was making defenders miss in open space or powering through tackles to extend plays, Robinson displayed the traits that NFL scouts crave.
The NFL’s Evolving Landscape and the Value of Running Backs
In recent years, the NFL has seen a shift in how teams value the running back position. While some have argued that the position is becoming less important in favor of passing attacks, the NFL has seen a resurgence of running backs who can impact games in a multitude of ways. Players like Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, and Alvin Kamara have shown that running backs who can both run and catch the ball are still integral to an offense’s success.
For teams in need of a dynamic, all-around weapon, Robinson fits the mold perfectly. His ability to run between the tackles, break off long runs, and contribute as a receiver makes him one of the most well-rounded running back prospects in recent memory. As the NFL continues to prioritize versatility and dual-threat players, Robinson’s skills position him to be one of the most coveted players in the 2026 draft class.
Bijan Robinson’s Skills: The Traits That Could Make Him the Top Texas Prospect
Several key traits set Bijan Robinson apart from his peers and make him an elite prospect for the NFL. These skills not only make him one of the top running backs in college football but also highlight why he could be the first player from Texas selected in 2026.
1. Vision and Patience
One of Robinson’s most impressive traits is his vision. A running back with excellent vision can quickly identify the holes in the defense and make split-second decisions that lead to big plays. Robinson’s ability to read his offensive line, anticipate where defenders will be, and make adjustments on the fly is a key reason why he has been so effective during his time at Texas. He doesn’t rush plays and is patient, allowing the blocks to develop before hitting the hole at full speed.
This patience also translates to his ability to make defenders miss. Robinson can wait for defenders to commit to a tackle before quickly changing direction or using his spin move to evade them. His vision and patience make him a dangerous weapon on the field, capable of making plays even when it seems like there’s no room to run.
2. Speed and Agility
Robinson possesses impressive straight-line speed, capable of breaking away for long runs when given the opportunity. His ability to hit top speed quickly, combined with his long stride, allows him to outrun defenders in the open field. At the same time, Robinson’s agility is exceptional for a player of his size. He can quickly shift his weight and make sharp cuts, allowing him to change directions without losing momentum. This combination of speed and agility makes him a nightmare for defenders trying to get a clean shot at him.
3. Strength and Physicality
Despite his agility and speed, Robinson also brings a level of physicality to the running back position that is rare among college players. He has the strength to break tackles and power through would-be tacklers, gaining extra yardage after contact. His lower body strength and balance make him difficult to bring down, even by NFL-caliber defenders. This physicality makes him a versatile weapon, capable of running both inside and outside the tackles.
4. Receiving Ability
One of the biggest ways Robinson separates himself from other running backs is his ability to be a legitimate threat in the passing game. Over the course of his college career, he has consistently demonstrated soft hands and great route-running ability. He can line up in the backfield or out wide and make plays as a receiver. This makes him especially valuable in today’s NFL, where teams want running backs who can contribute in multiple phases of the game.
5. Leadership and Work Ethic
Beyond his on-field talents, Robinson is known for his leadership and work ethic. His maturity and ability to lead by example in the locker room have made him a respected figure among his teammates. NFL teams value players who bring strong character and a leadership mentality, and Robinson’s ability to stay grounded and lead by example only enhances his draft stock.
Texas Football’s Future: Arch Manning’s Spotlight and Robinson’s Draft Position
While Arch Manning will inevitably be the focal point of the Texas program due to his family’s name and his status as a top-tier recruit, it’s Robinson who may find himself as the first Texas player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. As Texas football continues to build under Steve Sarkisian, both Manning and Robinson will play vital roles in the program’s success.
Manning’s potential will undoubtedly draw attention, but as a quarterback, his draft process may take more time to develop. Quarterbacks typically take a few seasons to reach their full potential, while running backs like Robinson can have an immediate impact on both college and pro levels. In addition, Robinson’s versatility and skill set make him a player who can contribute to an NFL team’s success right away.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, NFL scouts and team executives will be keeping a close eye on Robinson’s performance in the 2025 season. If he can maintain his current level of play and stay healthy, it’s highly likely that Robinson will be one of the top players selected, if not the first from Texas.
Bijan Robinson’s Potential in the NFL
While Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas has understandably brought attention and excitement to the program, it may very well be Bijan Robinson who ends up as the first Texas player drafted in 2026. His exceptional skills, including his vision, agility, strength, and ability to contribute in the passing game, make him a top-tier NFL prospect. As the 2025 season progresses, Robinson’s stock will continue to rise, and his future in the NFL looks incredibly bright. For Texas fans, it’s an exciting time, knowing that the program is not only producing top quarterbacks but also dynamic players like Robinson who are ready to make an impact at the next level.
