Burnt orange is dominating the NFL's final stretch. Thirteen Longhorns grace playoff rosters, with many poised to reach the Super Bowl again.
When the NFL postseason hits its final stretch, college football bragging rights quietly come along for the ride. This year, no program is riding that wave harder than the Texas Longhorns.
As the AFC and NFC Championship Games kick off, Texas leads the nation with 13 former Longhorns still connected to playoff rosters - more than any other school.
Ten of those players remain active contributors, with additional representation on practice squads and injured lists. In a league where depth and development matter, Texas’ footprint is impossible to ignore.
Texas not only leads all programs in total postseason representation, but also sits atop the list for active players still competing.
Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Michigan are all well represented as usual, but none match the sheer volume of burnt orange still standing in January.
What makes this year especially notable is the distribution.
The Denver Broncos lead the way with six former Longhorns on their active roster, ranging from defensive backs to defensive line depth and quarterback support.
Texas also has a presence in both championship games. The New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks all feature Longhorn alumni, ensuring something remarkable - a former Texas player will appear on both sidelines of the Super Bowl.
This will mark the 20th time in the last 21 seasons that at least one Longhorn has reached the league’s biggest stage.
Even more impressive, Texas alumni are guaranteed to be part of a Lombardi Trophy–winning roster for the third consecutive year.
From a development standpoint, the takeaway is clear. Texas is producing players who stick. Specialists, defensive backs, linemen, and role players are carving out careers that extend beyond rookie contracts.
That breadth matters just as much as star power in the modern NFL.
For recruits and fans alike, this postseason serves as a living resume. Texas isn’t just sending players to the league; it’s sending them deep into January, where preparation, versatility, and durability separate contenders from spectators.
As conference championships unfold and Super Bowl LX approaches, the Longhorns’ presence won’t be subtle.
It’ll be everywhere - on special teams, in defensive rotations, on depth charts, and ultimately, in the championship celebration.
And once again, Texas will have earned its seat at football’s biggest table.