In the most recent U.S. mock draft, TODAY Sports selects three Texas Longhorns in the first round of the NFL Draft.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, college football fans and analysts alike have begun speculating about which players will make the jump to the professional ranks. In the most recent mock draft by USA TODAY Sports, three players from the Texas Longhorns have been selected in the first round, signaling not only the continued success of the program under Steve Sarkisian but also highlighting the individual talents that have emerged from the Longhorns‘ roster. Texas has long been a program with rich history and championship pedigree, but this mock draft suggests that they are on the cusp of reclaiming their place among the nation’s elite, with several players poised to make an impact in the NFL.

Texas Longhorns in the 2025 NFL Draft: A Strong Presence

The Longhorns have become a focal point of attention in the college football landscape, both due to their renewed success on the field and their consistently strong recruiting classes. Under Sarkisian, Texas has shown significant improvement, winning crucial games and establishing a roster that combines seasoned veterans with high-level recruits. As the program looks to return to prominence, the NFL Draft could serve as a crucial step in shaping the future of Texas football.

In USA TODAY’s most recent mock draft, three Texas players—Quinn Ewers, Bijan Robinson, and Isaiah Neyor—are projected to be selected in the first round. Each of these players has unique qualities and strengths that have caught the attention of NFL scouts, and their selection in the first round reflects both their individual potential and the overall trajectory of the Texas football program.

1. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback – No. 2 Overall Pick

One of the most notable selections in this mock draft is Quinn Ewers, who is projected to go No. 2 overall to the Indianapolis Colts. Ewers, a former five-star recruit and the starting quarterback for the Longhorns, has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the draft, with his raw talent and ability to make every throw on the field making him a potential franchise quarterback.

Ewers’ journey to Texas has been one filled with excitement, expectations, and a few bumps along the way. After spending his freshman year at Ohio State, Ewers transferred to Texas to return closer to his home in Southlake, Texas. His decision was met with great fanfare, as many believed he would be the piece that would finally elevate Texas to national contention.

While Ewers has displayed moments of brilliance, his first season in Austin has been a bit inconsistent. There have been flashes of excellence—particularly in games where his arm strength and ability to drive the ball down the field have been on full display—but there have also been moments of hesitation and inconsistency. Still, his upside is undeniable. Ewers has the physical tools that NFL teams covet in quarterbacks: a strong arm, impressive athleticism, and the ability to make all the necessary throws.

In the USA TODAY mock draft, the Colts are pegged to select Ewers as their quarterback of the future. With Matt Ryan nearing the end of his career and the team searching for a long-term solution under center, the Colts could see Ewers as the ideal player to lead them for years to come. His poise, playmaking ability, and potential to grow in a professional system make him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects of the 2025 draft class.

Despite the occasional inconsistency, the tools are there for Ewers to become an elite NFL quarterback. His selection at No. 2 overall is a testament to his incredible upside and the belief that, with proper development, he can become one of the next great quarterbacks in the NFL.

2. Bijan Robinson – Running Back – No. 8 Overall Pick

Another Longhorns player slated to go in the first round of the USA TODAY mock draft is Bijan Robinson, projected to be selected by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall. Robinson has been a standout for Texas since stepping on campus, and his selection in the top 10 is a reflection of his dominance at the running back position.

Robinson is widely considered one of the top running back prospects to enter the NFL in recent years. He has a perfect combination of size, speed, vision, and elusiveness that makes him a dynamic threat in both the running game and the passing game. His ability to break tackles, read holes, and accelerate through gaps has made him one of the most dangerous ball carriers in college football. Whether running between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, Robinson’s versatility has made him a weapon that NFL teams will be eager to get their hands on.

During his time at Texas, Robinson has produced at an elite level. He has consistently been among the top backs in the country, and his performances have helped keep Texas competitive in the Big 12. His 2023 season was filled with highlight-reel runs and impressive all-around performances, further solidifying his status as one of the top running backs in the country.

In the USA TODAY mock draft, the Atlanta Falcons are projected to select Robinson at No. 8 overall to give their offense a dynamic weapon who can take pressure off of quarterback Desmond Ridder. With an offense that has some pieces in place, Robinson could be the missing ingredient to help make the Falcons a more balanced and explosive team. His ability to contribute immediately as a feature back and as a pass-catching threat gives him an immediate impact in the NFL.

Running backs don’t always go as high in the draft as quarterbacks or wide receivers, but Robinson’s elite skill set has made him one of the most coveted players in the 2025 draft class. His combination of talent, versatility, and physicality make him an ideal first-round pick for any NFL team looking to add a game-changing player to their backfield.

3. Isaiah Neyor – Wide Receiver – No. 28 Overall Pick

The third Texas player projected to go in the first round is Isaiah Neyor, who is expected to be selected by the Buffalo Bills at No. 28 overall. Neyor, a transfer from Wyoming, has quickly become one of the top receiving threats in the Big 12 since joining Texas. His combination of size, speed, and ability to stretch the field has made him a dangerous weapon in Texas’ passing attack, and he is a highly regarded prospect heading into the draft.

Neyor has the potential to be a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL. Standing at 6’3″ and possessing elite speed, he is the type of player who can take the top off a defense and make plays downfield. He also has the agility and ball skills to make defenders miss after the catch. During his time at Texas, Neyor has been a favorite target of Ewers and has put up impressive numbers, showcasing his ability to dominate at the collegiate level.

The USA TODAY mock draft sees the Buffalo Bills selecting Neyor at No. 28 overall to pair him with star quarterback Josh Allen and form one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the NFL. The Bills have already established themselves as Super Bowl contenders, and adding a dynamic playmaker like Neyor could put them over the top. His ability to be a deep threat and stretch the field vertically would complement Allen’s arm strength and open up opportunities for other players in the offense.

While some wide receivers are selected in the top 10, others—like Neyor—may fall to the back end of the first round. Still, his skill set and potential make him a valuable commodity for any NFL team looking to add a big-play wide receiver to their roster. If he can continue to develop and refine his game, Neyor has the potential to become one of the top receivers in the NFL.

A Bright Future for Texas Football

With Quinn Ewers, Bijan Robinson, and Isaiah Neyor projected to be first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Texas Longhorns are once again positioned to become a powerhouse in both college football and the NFL draft. The success of these players in the draft would not only be a testament to their individual abilities but also to the continued growth and resurgence of the Texas football program under Steve Sarkisian.

As Texas continues to recruit at a high level and develop players into NFL-caliber talent, the future looks incredibly bright for the Longhorns. Ewers, Robinson, and Neyor are just the beginning, and as the NFL Draft approaches, it’s clear that Texas football is back on the map as a program capable of producing elite-level talent and competing for championships both in college and beyond. For the Longhorns, the 2025 draft could very well be the start of a new era of success on the field and in the NFL.