Amazingly our ‘25 draft crop bested the ‘24 crop which was easily the best in 40 years. No better time to begin looking ahead and seeing the changes that occur over the next 12 months.
I was initially doubtful that ‘25 would be better than ‘24 but that began to change as we go into the season. Right now, while I think ‘26 has a chance to be good, I don’t project it to be quite up to the level of ‘24 & ‘25.
Unlike a year ago when Banks was damn near a sure fire bet to end up a rd 1 prospect, I don’t know if we currently have that sure of one. I mean, I think we have multiple candidates but Banks had already proven himself to be an amazing player at a HIGHLY coveted position.
That being said let’s look at some names.
1. If I had to tentatively wager who ends up our top prospect I am going with Ant Hill. 2 outstanding seasons. Very strong AA/Butkus/Nagurski candidate. Physically checks pretty much every box at his LB position. I think he’s a guy who if he plays as expected should be a top 15-20 draft pick level prospect. Quick Look around pretty much has him stop early LB draft prospects for next season.
2. This is a bit of a stretch because he is still a bit relatively unproven but I think Goosby has a chance to play his way into Day 1/Day 2 projection. Physically he passes the eyeball test. Highly coveted position. Showed quite well last season when pressed into duty late in the year. LOTS of high expectations amongst the burnt Orange faithful for him.
3. Not saying I project him as third best prospect, but because he’s played so much and is well known, I think Mookie Taafe is a safe bet to get drafted. Right now I think he could be borderline late Day 2/early Day 3 prospect. Starting 3 years on a D with a lot of talent will count a shit ton to the scouts.
4. As with Taafe, not suggesting he’s our 4th best prospect but I think DJ Campbell is safe pick to hear his name. Biggest ding IMO is lack of ideal G height.
5. Light on WR prospects barring late portal add but Moore will be eligible. If he has a big year then certainly will get drafted
6. My gut tells me Endries came to Texas in large to give his TE draft prospects a major boost and Sark is certainly a guy to do that. I woukd say if he has the season expected he’s a take.
7. I had Burke as a tentative prospect for ‘25 so I’m keeping him for ‘26. Shoukd get more snaps which will only highlight his ability.
8. Trey Moore isn’t a sexy candidate but he should be no less than a Day 3 guy IMO.
9. Malik Muhammad is a guy who very well could elevate himself much like Mukuba did.
Just an early working list. I left off Arch for the simple fact that regardless of how great he plays, he is not going pro after just 15-17 starts in CFB.
I was initially doubtful that ‘25 would be better than ‘24 but that began to change as we go into the season. Right now, while I think ‘26 has a chance to be good, I don’t project it to be quite up to the level of ‘24 & ‘25.
Unlike a year ago when Banks was damn near a sure fire bet to end up a rd 1 prospect, I don’t know if we currently have that sure of one. I mean, I think we have multiple candidates but Banks had already proven himself to be an amazing player at a HIGHLY coveted position.
That being said let’s look at some names.
1. If I had to tentatively wager who ends up our top prospect I am going with Ant Hill. 2 outstanding seasons. Very strong AA/Butkus/Nagurski candidate. Physically checks pretty much every box at his LB position. I think he’s a guy who if he plays as expected should be a top 15-20 draft pick level prospect. Quick Look around pretty much has him stop early LB draft prospects for next season.
2. This is a bit of a stretch because he is still a bit relatively unproven but I think Goosby has a chance to play his way into Day 1/Day 2 projection. Physically he passes the eyeball test. Highly coveted position. Showed quite well last season when pressed into duty late in the year. LOTS of high expectations amongst the burnt Orange faithful for him.
3. Not saying I project him as third best prospect, but because he’s played so much and is well known, I think Mookie Taafe is a safe bet to get drafted. Right now I think he could be borderline late Day 2/early Day 3 prospect. Starting 3 years on a D with a lot of talent will count a shit ton to the scouts.
4. As with Taafe, not suggesting he’s our 4th best prospect but I think DJ Campbell is safe pick to hear his name. Biggest ding IMO is lack of ideal G height.
5. Light on WR prospects barring late portal add but Moore will be eligible. If he has a big year then certainly will get drafted
6. My gut tells me Endries came to Texas in large to give his TE draft prospects a major boost and Sark is certainly a guy to do that. I woukd say if he has the season expected he’s a take.
7. I had Burke as a tentative prospect for ‘25 so I’m keeping him for ‘26. Shoukd get more snaps which will only highlight his ability.
8. Trey Moore isn’t a sexy candidate but he should be no less than a Day 3 guy IMO.
9. Malik Muhammad is a guy who very well could elevate himself much like Mukuba did.
Just an early working list. I left off Arch for the simple fact that regardless of how great he plays, he is not going pro after just 15-17 starts in CFB.
