Two Texas Longhorns were included among the top 15 college football players.

Two Texas Longhorns Among the Top 15 College Football Players: A Spotlight on Rising Stars

In the world of college football, individual recognition is often a reflection of not just personal talent, but also the influence and impact a player can have on their team and the game as a whole. The Texas Longhorns football program, one of the most storied and historically successful teams in NCAA history, is no stranger to producing top-tier talent year in and year out. With a legacy of National Championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and future NFL stars, the Longhorns continue to be a force on the field and a program to watch as the college football landscape evolves.

As the 2025 season approaches, Texas football is once again making headlines, with two of their players recently being included among the Top 15 college football players in the country, as identified by leading analysts, scouts, and publications. The inclusion of these two players is a testament to the strength and talent present within the program, and a sign that Texas could be poised for a successful season.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the backgrounds, playing styles, and impact of these two standouts, analyzing why they’ve earned their place among the top college football players and what it means for Texas football going forward. These two players are not only crucial pieces for the Longhorns’ success but also carry the weight of the program’s future aspirations.

The Longhorns’ Continued Success

The Texas Longhorns have long been one of the premier programs in college football, with a tradition of success that dates back to their establishment. Texas has produced some of the most iconic players in football history, from Vince Young and Earl Campbell to more recent stars like Sam Ehlinger and Bijan Robinson. With a winning tradition and a rich football history, the Longhorns’ recruitment efforts have consistently attracted top-tier talent from across the country.

While Texas has experienced some highs and lows in recent years, they are currently on the upswing under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The 2024 season showed significant progress, with the team making strides in key areas such as offensive efficiency, defensive prowess, and overall team chemistry. This foundation has set up Texas for continued success, and the inclusion of two of their stars in the Top 15 players in college football is just the beginning.

The players in question are Xavier Worthy, an explosive wide receiver, and Jerrin Thompson, a versatile and impactful safety. Both have proven to be integral to Texas’ success on both sides of the ball, and their individual talent makes them stand out in a crowded field of top college football players. Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes these two Longhorns elite talents.

Xavier Worthy: The Playmaking Wide Receiver

Xavier Worthy is one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football today. A native of California, Worthy came to Texas with high expectations, and he has more than lived up to them. Standing at 6 feet, 190 pounds, Worthy is a dynamic playmaker who has the rare combination of speed, agility, and ball-tracking ability that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Worthy’s rise to prominence started early during his time at Texas. In his freshman year, he quickly became one of the go-to targets in the Longhorns’ passing attack. Known for his blazing speed, quickness off the line, and deep-ball ability, Worthy has been a constant threat on the outside. His ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays from anywhere on the field has made him one of the most dangerous receivers in college football.

In 2024, Worthy was instrumental in the Longhorns’ offensive success, finishing the season with over 1,000 yards receiving and 10+ touchdowns. His ability to break tackles, evade defenders, and change direction with ease allowed him to thrive in both short-yardage situations and long-developing deep routes. Worthy’s hands are also one of his best assets. He’s known for making contested catches and being able to hold onto the ball after taking big hits, which speaks to his physicality and determination.

Beyond his physical gifts, Worthy also possesses a strong football IQ. His route-running is precise, and he has a knack for making defenders miss in the open field. His ability to make plays in key moments and contribute to both the vertical and intermediate passing game sets him apart from many other wide receivers in the country. Furthermore, Worthy’s chemistry with Texas’ quarterbacks, particularly with Quinn Ewers, has been growing, allowing him to become an even more reliable target in big games.

His inclusion among the top 15 players in college football isn’t just a recognition of his athletic talent; it’s also an acknowledgment of his impact on the Texas offense. As one of the key pieces of the offense, Worthy’s ability to make game-changing plays opens up opportunities for the entire team, making him a player who not only contributes to the box score but also shifts the dynamics of games.

As the 2025 season approaches, Worthy’s ability to lead the Longhorns in the passing game will be pivotal to their success. If Texas is to contend for a Big 12 Championship or even make a playoff run, Worthy’s performance will likely be the difference between winning and losing in high-stakes games.

Jerrin Thompson: The Defensive Backbone

On the other side of the ball, Jerrin Thompson is one of the most impactful players in college football at the safety position. Standing at 6 feet, 210 pounds, Thompson is a strong, fast, and intelligent safety who has become a mainstay in the Texas defensive backfield. His versatility and ability to contribute both in the secondary and against the run make him one of the most complete safeties in the country.

Thompson’s playmaking ability has been evident since his arrival at Texas. He possesses a natural instinct for tracking the ball, whether it’s in the air or on the ground. This has led to several key interceptions, forced fumbles, and even touchdowns in his career. But Thompson is more than just a ball hawk—he’s a smart, physical player who has consistently shown the ability to make stops in the run game and support his cornerbacks on passing downs. His vision and leadership from the back end of the defense give the Longhorns a sense of security, knowing that Thompson is always around the ball and making plays when it matters most.

In the 2024 season, Thompson was one of the top playmakers on the Texas defense, finishing with multiple interceptions and tackles for loss. His ability to read the opposing offense and put himself in the right position to make a play is unmatched. One of his best traits is his ability to anticipate what the offense is trying to do, whether it’s coming up to make a tackle in the open field or reading the quarterback’s eyes to break on the ball for an interception.

Thompson’s inclusion among the top 15 players in college football is a recognition of both his individual talent and his importance to the Texas defense. He has the ability to change the course of a game, not just with his physicality, but with his intelligence and leadership. His role as a captain and communicator in the secondary gives Texas a huge advantage when facing elite offensive teams.

As the 2025 season approaches, Thompson will likely be the anchor of the Longhorns’ defense. His ability to make plays on the ball, his leadership in the secondary, and his commitment to doing whatever is necessary to win will be key factors in whether the Longhorns’ defense can rise to the occasion and stymie some of the top offenses in the country.

The Future of Texas Longhorns Football

The inclusion of Xavier Worthy and Jerrin Thompson among the top 15 players in college football is a clear indication that Texas is once again building a team capable of competing for championships. These two players represent the future of the Longhorns program, both on offense and defense, and their success will be integral to the team’s overall success.

With these stars in place, along with the talent and depth that Texas has accumulated in recent recruiting classes, the Longhorns are poised to be a formidable force in the Big 12 Conference and beyond. If Worthy continues to produce at a high level and Thompson continues to anchor the defense, the Longhorns could make a serious run at not only a conference title but also a College Football Playoff appearance in the near future.

As we look forward to the 2025 season and beyond, the Texas Longhorns have the pieces in place to compete at the highest level, and the recognition of these two players as some of the top talents in college football is a clear reflection of the program’s continued rise. The next step for Texas is to continue developing their young talent, maintaining their recruiting momentum, and putting it all together on the field to return to national prominence.