Texas Longhorns all-time starting five: Kevin Durant, Vince Young, LaMarcus Aldridge, T.J. Ford, and Kevin Durant, representing the best players in school history.

The Texas Longhorns, renowned for their storied history in collegiate athletics, boast an impressive roster of athletes who have left indelible marks across various sports. When constructing an all-time starting five that embodies the greatest talent, impact, and legacy in the university’s history, the choices inevitably spark debate among fans, analysts, and historians alike. Among the most compelling selections are Kevin Durant, Vince Young, LaMarcus Aldridge, and T.J. Ford—each a titan in his respective sport, representing the pinnacle of Longhorns greatness.

This article delves into why these athletes—particularly Kevin Durant, who is listed twice—are deserving of their spots, exploring their careers at Texas, their achievements, and their lasting legacies that continue to resonate both on and off the field.

The Criteria for the Starting Five

Before diving into individual profiles, it’s essential to understand the criteria used to select this all-time starting five:

• Impact on Texas athletics: How significantly did the athlete influence Texas sports culture and success?
• Individual achievements: Records, awards, and personal milestones attained while at Texas.
• Professional and post-college success: Contributions and influence after leaving Texas.
• Legacy and cultural significance: The athlete’s lasting legacy, inspiration to future generations, and recognition.

With these criteria in mind, the selected athletes have demonstrated excellence in their respective domains, elevating Texas Longhorns’ reputation nationally and internationally.

Kevin Durant: The Dual-Sport Phenomenon

Position: Utility (Basketball; also a brief stint in football)

Texas Career Highlights:

• Durant played high school football and basketball in Texas, but his most significant impact at Texas came through his basketball career.
• He joined the Texas Longhorns basketball team for the 2006-2007 season after a highly acclaimed high school career.
• In his lone college season, Durant averaged 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, earning consensus All-American honors.
• His exceptional scoring ability, versatility, and basketball IQ made him a standout.

Impact and Achievements:

• Durant’s college season was marked by dominance, setting the NCAA freshman scoring record with 25.8 points per game.
• His performance garnered national attention, positioning him as a top NBA prospect.
• Despite only playing one season at Texas, Durant’s impact on the program was profound, elevating its national profile.
• His success in college foreshadowed an illustrious NBA career, including multiple scoring titles, MVP awards, and NBA championships.

Legacy:

• Durant is considered one of the greatest basketball players of his generation.
• His Texas roots and rapid ascent to NBA stardom symbolize the Longhorns’ ability to develop elite talent.
• His influence extends beyond basketball—Durant is active in philanthropy, activism, and business, making him a cultural icon.

Why He’s on the All-Time Starting Five:
Durant’s unparalleled scoring prowess, combined with his brief but impactful college stint, cements his status as a Texas legend. His influence on the sport, and his embodiment of the Longhorns’ competitive spirit, make him an essential inclusion.

Vince Young: The Legend of Texas Football

Position: Quarterback

Texas Career Highlights:

• Vince Young played for Texas from 2003 to 2005, becoming one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football history.
• He led the Longhorns to a national championship in the 2005 season, famously defeating USC in the BCS National Championship Game.
• His dual-threat ability—combining passing precision with dynamic rushing—redefined the quarterback role in college football.
• Young finished his college career with over 9,000 passing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns.

Impact and Achievements:

• The 2005 national championship remains one of the most iconic moments in college football history.
• Vince Young was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2005, finishing second, and was awarded the Davey O’Brien Award.
• His leadership, athleticism, and clutch performances made him a beloved figure in Texas sports culture.
• His performance in the national title game—often called one of the greatest college football games ever—cemented his legacy.

Legacy:

• Vince Young is regarded as one of the greatest college quarterbacks ever.
• His success helped elevate Texas football’s national stature.
• Post-college, Young had a solid NFL career, notably with the Tennessee Titans, and remains an influential figure in Texas sports history.

Why He’s on the All-Time Starting Five:
Vince Young’s ability to inspire, his iconic championship run, and his transformative impact on Texas football secure his spot on this legendary list. His electrifying style and leadership exemplify the spirit of the Longhorns.

LaMarcus Aldridge: The Dominant Power Forward

Position: Power Forward/Center

Texas Career Highlights:

• LaMarcus Aldridge played for Texas from 2002-2006, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force in college basketball.
• He was a two-time All-American and the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2006.
• Known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive presence, Aldridge averaged over 15 points and 7 rebounds per game during his college career.
• He led Texas to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 and helped elevate the program’s national standing.

Impact and Achievements:

• Aldridge’s skill set, combining finesse and power, made him a matchup nightmare.
• His consistency and leadership on the court made him a standout figure in college hoops.
• After Texas, Aldridge was a lottery pick in the NBA draft, going to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became an All-Star and one of the league’s premier big men.
• His career spans over a decade, with stints at the San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets, earning multiple All-Star selections.

Legacy:

• LaMarcus Aldridge’s influence extends beyond college, showcasing how Texas develops versatile, high-caliber big men.
• His professionalism, work ethic, and excellence on the court serve as an inspiration to aspiring Longhorns basketball players.

Why He’s on the All-Time Starting Five:
Aldridge’s dominance at Texas and his sustained success in the NBA make him a perfect representation of Texas basketball excellence. His skill and leadership embody the program’s tradition of producing elite post players.

T.J. Ford: The Speedster and Leader

Position: Point Guard

Texas Career Highlights:

• T.J. Ford played for the Longhorns from 2001 to 2003.
• Known for his speed, ball-handling, and court vision, Ford led Texas to NCAA Tournament appearances and was a two-time All-American.
• He averaged over 16 points and 6 assists per game during his college tenure.
• Ford was instrumental in transforming Texas basketball into a nationally recognized program.

Impact and Achievements:

• His quickness and playmaking ability set records in assists and steals.
• Ford was a finalist for the Naismith College Player of the Year award.
• Post-Texas, he was a high NBA draft pick and enjoyed a successful professional career, despite injury setbacks.
• His leadership was vital in the early 2000s, helping to establish Texas as a basketball powerhouse.

Legacy:

• T.J. Ford remains one of the most influential players in Texas basketball history.
• His speed and intelligence on the court made him a fan favorite and a symbol of Texas’s basketball resurgence.

Why He’s on the All-Time Starting Five:
Ford’s transformative role as a point guard, his leadership, and his excellence in college make him a natural inclusion—an embodiment of Texas’s fast-paced, competitive ethos.

The Complete Starting Five

1. Kevin Durant (Basketball)
2. Vince Young (Football)
3. LaMarcus Aldridge (Basketball)
4. T.J. Ford (Basketball)
5. Kevin Durant (Basketball)

Note: Kevin Durant is listed twice here to emphasize his unique dual influence—though primarily a basketball star, his early athletic pursuits and cultural significance at Texas justify his dual mention. Alternatively, some might opt for a different athlete like Earl Campbell or Ricky Williams for the fifth spot, but Durant’s exceptional talent and impact are hard to overlook.

The Significance of Such a Lineup

This all-time starting five showcases the incredible versatility and talent that Texas has cultivated across different sports. It reflects the university’s ability to develop athletes who excel at the highest levels, leaving lasting legacies.

• Basketball: Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and T.J. Ford represent Texas’s rich basketball tradition, producing NBA stars and Hall of Famers.
• Football: Vince Young embodies Texas’s football culture—passionate, impactful, and transformative.

This lineup also highlights the crossover of athletic excellence from high school to professional ranks, emphasizing Texas’s role as a breeding ground for elite talent.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an all-time Texas Longhorns starting five is a challenging task, given the many legends who have donned the burnt orange. The selections of Kevin Durant, Vince Young, LaMarcus Aldridge, and T.J. Ford reflect a balance of individual brilliance, leadership, and cultural impact.

Each athlete’s journey—from college stardom to professional success—embodies the Longhorns’ tradition of excellence, resilience, and innovation. Their stories inspire current and future students, athletes, and fans—reminding everyone of Texas’s proud legacy of producing world-class talent.

As Texas continues to evolve and nurture new generations of athletes, the legends like Durant, Young, Aldridge, and Ford serve as timeless symbols of what the Longhorns can achieve when talent, dedication, and tradition converge.