We recap which Texas Longhorns alums are moving on to the NFL via a draft pick or minicamp invite as an undrafted free agent this weekend.
The Texas Longhorns contributed to the Southeastern Conference producing 87 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft - a record haul.
Although Texas ended its streak of three straight years with at least one first-round draft pick, Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns staff still helped develop a handful of players who are expected to contribute immediately in the pros.
Here's a pick-by-pick summation of the Longhorns who have earned opportunities with NFL teams following this weekend's draft festivities in Pittsburgh.
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LB Anthony Hill Jr.
WHEN - 2nd Round, Pick No. 60
WHERE - Tennessee Titans
A star for the Longhorns over his three-year college career, Hill Jr. posted 17.0 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions to establish himself as one of the premier linebackers in college football.
And on paper, at 6-3 and 238 pounds, he possesses all the traits that a defensive coordinator wants in a linebacker.
He's seen as a true three-down linebacker who excels in both top positions (WILL and MIKE), while being a heat-seeking missile when given the chance.
He now joins a Titans team that is under the leadership of the new head coach and former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
CB Malik Muhammad
WHEN - 4th Round, Pick No. 124
WHERE - Chicago Bears
Muhammad was a three-year starter at Texas and registered 97 tackles, three interceptions, and 16 passes defensed in 41 career games with the Longhorns.
Last season, he only allowed two catches for more than 12 yards in an All-SEC campaign that projected him to be a Day 2, if not late Day 1 selection.
NFL scouts noticed that production and leadership on a program that reached back-to-back CFP semifinals. He's got real-deal speed, but where Muhammad's game excels most is between the ears. He's seen a lot of high-quality football in pressure-packed situations for the Longhorns, and his IQ should translate as well as any other cornerback prospect's as he enters his rookie season.
OLB Trey Moore
WHEN - 4th Round, Pick No. 130
WHERE - Miami Dolphins
Moore spent his final collegiate season with the Longhorns and recorded 35 tackles with five tackles for loss and three sacks.
Said Sarkisian: "Trey made a big impact for us in a number of roles in his two years in the program," said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. "He's another versatile player – a guy who played off the edge for us that we worked at playing him more as an off-the-ball linebacker last year. Now he has the ability to do both, but he definitely has a skill set as a pass rusher.
"The Dolphins got a guy who will roll up his sleeves, get to work and be ready for any roll necessary to help the team."
S Michael Taaffe
WHEN - 5th Round, Pick No. 158
WHERE - Miami Dolphins
Another Longhorn headed to South Beach.
Taaffe's career with Texas is an anomaly in the current landscape of college football. Instead of transferring to a school where he could get more playing time, the Austin native stayed true to his roots, walked onto the Longhorns program, and grinded his way to a starting role.
He made the most of the opportunity as a team captain over the last couple of years, and after a strong end to his college career, his journey now continues into the NFL.
OG/C DJ Campbell
WHEN - 6th Round, Pick No. 200
WHERE - Miami Dolphins
And another!
For Miami, the pick adds proven depth and experience to the offensive line. Campbell was a dependable presence for Texas, appearing in 50 games during his college career and making 43 starts.
Most of that work came at right guard, where he helped anchor one of the top offenses in college football.
Campbell’s value comes from durability, strength and experience in big moments. During his time with the Longhorns, he blocked for both Quinn Ewers (now also a Dolphin) and Arch Manning, helping keep the pocket clean while opening lanes in the run game.
TE Jack Endries
WHEN - 7th Round, Pick No. 221
WHERE - Cincinnati Bengals
A former Cal transfer, Endries started all 39 games over the last three seasons, giving NFL scouts a long look at his consistency. Cincy's pick brings in a 6-4 tight end with receiving production, toughness and three full seasons of starting experience.
Across his career, he caught 124 passes for 1,376 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging more than 11 yards per reception.
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The Longhorns also saw seven players earn minicamp invites shortly after the draft concluded:
QB Matthew Caldwell - Los Angeles Rams
K Mason Shipley - New Orleans Saints
P Jack Bouwmeester - San Francisco 49ers
CB Jaylon Guilbeau - Carolina Panthers
DT Cole Brevard - Kansas City Chiefs
DE Ethan Burke - Baltimore Ravens
DT Travis Shaw - Baltimore Ravens
