The Texas Longhorns lost some starting pieces to the NFL in the 2026 draft, but they are generating major buzz after still returning major contributors for next season.

This year, six Longhorns were drafted by NFL teams, which makes for three years in a row of at least that many Texas products getting taken.

Next year, however, some experts are predicting Texas could have nearly that many in just the first round alone.

ESPN released an early 2027 mock draft that sees four Longhorns taken in the top half of the first round, beginning with one of the biggest names in college football making his long-awaited, but unsurprising jump into the pros.

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QB Arch Manning - Round 1, Pick No. 1, Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have a shaky quarterback situation going into the 2026 season after Kyler Murray landed with the Minnesota Vikings. It won't be a surprise if Arizona "tanks" this season in hopes of being in position to draft one of the handful of first-round talents.

That could give them a chance to land Texas starter and famed NFL legacy Arch Manning.

"Pairing Manning with Jeremiyah Love would give the Cardinals two elite building blocks," says writer Jordan Reid. "Manning, at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, is a sturdy dual-threat quarterback. He finished with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdown throws and seven interceptions in his first year as a starter while adding 10 rushing touchdowns."

Manning was draft eligible this season, but as expected, returns to Austin for his second full year as the Horns' starter as he builds on a strong end to last season.

WR Cam Coleman - Round 1, Pick No. 5, Las Vegas Raiders

Manning will have his best target as a Longhorn for this season in highly-rated Auburn transfer Cam Coleman, who is mocked to be the second wide receiver off the board behind Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith.

In this projection, Coleman would join 2026 No. 1 overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza and 2025 first-round running back Ashton Jeanty to create a formidable offensive foundation.

"Coleman excelled in two seasons at Auburn despite inconsistent QB play, finishing last season with 56 catches for 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns," Reid said.

"Transferring to Texas and pairing up with Manning could unlock even more production, as he's a sure-handed target with good hands."

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OT Trevor Goosby - Round 1, Pick No. 6, Atlanta Falcons

This idea puts Goosby in Atlanta to create rushing lanes for the former Longhorn star Bijan Robinson.

The last Texas offensive lineman to be drafted in the top 10 was Kelvin Banks Jr., who went No. 9 to the New Orleans Saints in 2025. Goosby is Banks' heir at left tackle and enters a pivotal year defending Manning's blindside.

If he excels, like he has much of the time he'd been in for Banks and last year as the full-time starter, then a big jump into the NFL could be in store as the first offensive lineman chosen in 2027.

"With the unexpected retirement of Kaleb McGary and Jawaan Taylor on a one-year deal, the Falcons will be searching for a long-term answer at right tackle," Reid said. "At 6-foot-7 and 326 pounds, Goosby is a long-limbed prospect who still has plenty of room on his frame to add mass but has all the traits to be high-level starter at either tackle spot."

EDGE Colin Simmons - Round 1, Pick No. 11, Washington Commanders

Simmons has been a superstar in Austin for his two years thus far, and he has all the traits to be next cycle's most coveted pass rusher.

The Duncanville native won the Shaun Alexander Nation Freshman of the Year award in 2024 and led the SEC in sacks with 12 in 2025.

"Simmons can accelerate in a hurry and uses sudden movements to get free of blockers," Reid scouts. "He's a high-effort, energetic rusher who showcases strong hand swipes to clear the hands of linemen."

Add it all up and four Longhorns could hear their name called early in the 2027 NFL Draft.

The four Texas players included in this first-round mock would be the most for a single team in the country.