It's been a rough few weeks for the Texas Longhorns. Falling just short of the College Football Playoff has stoked a week of SEC politics, but it has also accelerated the turnover Texas had coming this offseason.
Running back CJ Baxter is headed to the transfer portal. Others could join him. And as quarterback Arch Manning ponders his NFL future, his teammate has already filed his papers.
On Monday, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. Announced his intentions to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Anthony Hill Jr. Is headed to the NFL
Hill took to social media with the news.
"Thank you for embracing me from the moment I arrived in Austin," he wrote. "Representing Texas and wearing the burnt orange has truly been an honor."
Hill began his 2025 season with Day 1 hype. His stock has arguably fallen in recent months -- most expect him to be a Day 2 selection. Still, as a top-50 hopeful and potential first-round pick, Hill had a strong platform season.
He'll make his money as a run defender on Sundays and has made a habit of making plays near the line of scrimmage. He found seven tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 2025. The year prior, Hill led the SEC with 16.5 tackles for loss.
He's still a work in progress in coverage, a risk that teams looking to draft a Round 1 linebacker might not be willing to take. Yet, he has improved year-over-year and eliminated tackling concerns as a junior, missing three tackles compared to 18 last season (PFF).
MORE: Texas Longhorns losing former ESPN 300 4-star WR to transfer portal
"To my teammates -- my brothers -- thank you for pushing me and riding with me through every moment," Hill continued. "To my coaches -- Coach Nansan, Coach Huep, and Coach Gilbert -- thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and helping me grow on and off the field."
It isn't immediately clear whether Hill will be on the field for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, although few would hold it against him if he focused on preparing for the NFL Draft. His pre-draft circuit will be critical, especially in a loaded linebacker class.
Fortunately for Hill, the Scouting Combine could push him into Round 1. He is a freak athlete who is at his best triggering downhill with elite burst and speed. Hill was made to top Combine leaderboards this offseason. If he does so at 240+ pounds, there's reason to believe some team will roll the dice late in Round 1.
While his stock isn't yet settled, Hill has played well enough at Texas to earn serious draft capital on the way to a starting job in the NFL. With the Longhorns in the rear-view, he has the chance to be the highest-drafted Texas prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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