Former Texas Longhorns RB Predicts NFL Rookie Award Winners.
As the NFL season ramps up, excitement is building not just around the league’s elite veterans but also the fresh wave of rookies ready to leave their mark. Among the voices analyzing this promising class is a familiar one — a former Texas Longhorns running back, who knows what it takes to shine on football’s biggest stage. With firsthand experience navigating the transition from college to the pros, this former Longhorn offers a compelling perspective on which rookies are poised to dominate and ultimately take home coveted NFL rookie awards.
Texas has long been a breeding ground for NFL talent. The program’s blend of tradition, coaching excellence, and high-level competition has produced standout players who have thrived at the next level. Our guest expert, who starred as a running back for the Longhorns, understands the rigors of this journey better than most. Having battled through the grind of college football and then adjusting to the speed, complexity, and physicality of the NFL, he is uniquely qualified to assess rookie prospects.
“Coming from Texas, you’re trained to be ready for the pros,” he explains. “The Longhorns program prepares you physically and mentally, but the NFL is a whole different beast. It’s about how quickly you adapt and perform when the lights are brightest.”
Before diving into specific players, the former Longhorn outlines what factors determine rookie success in the NFL — and ultimately who takes home the Rookie of the Year honors, offensive and defensive.
- Opportunity: “Playing time is everything,” he says. “If you’re stuck behind a veteran or in a complicated system, your chances to showcase your talent drop significantly.”
- Team Fit: “Some offenses and defenses suit rookie skill sets better. A rookie quarterback with a simple playbook and good supporting cast can explode, whereas a running back needs a strong offensive line to succeed.”
- Work Ethic and Mental Toughness: “The rookie season is a crash course in resilience. Those who handle adversity and keep pushing stand out.”
- Physical Tools and Football IQ: “Speed, strength, agility — all matter. But understanding the game, reading defenses, and making quick decisions separate good rookies from great ones.”
With these guiding principles, our Longhorn legend evaluates the most promising rookies of the year.
“Caleb Williams has the raw talent, the arm strength, and the athleticism to shake things up immediately,” the former RB says. “He’s a special player who can extend plays and make throws that few rookies attempt. The key will be the team around him — if the offense can protect him and give him reliable weapons, he’s a lock for big things.”
Williams’ ability to improvise and create explosive plays fits well with his team’s offensive philosophy. He reminds the veteran of the way Vince Young dazzled in Austin with a combination of poise and power.
“It’s great to see Bijan Robinson finally get to the NFL, especially after watching him dominate at Texas,” the former Longhorn enthuses. “He’s got that mix of vision, speed, and power that makes defenses worry. Plus, he’s not just a runner — he can catch out of the backfield and block. That versatility makes him a real asset.”
Bijan’s role as a workhorse back on a team in need of a consistent ground game will give him plenty of opportunities. His physicality combined with his football instincts project him as a prime candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“Jalin Hyatt’s story is inspiring,” says the former RB. “Undersized, overlooked, but he’s got that elite speed and big-play ability. If he earns a consistent role in his offense, expect him to rack up yards after catch and break some big ones. Speed kills in the NFL, and he’s got plenty.”
Though the WR position is stacked with talent this year, Hyatt’s explosiveness and potential make him a dark horse candidat
“Travon Walker’s combination of size and athleticism is rare,” our Longhorn notes. “He’s a guy who can rush the passer and stop the run. The Jaguars defense is in a rebuild mode, which means he’ll get the snaps and chances to shine.”
Walker’s ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and his impact in multiple facets of the defense put him near the top of the defensive rookie leaderboard.
“Christian Harris is a classic linebacker — fast, instinctive, and tough,” says the veteran. “He reads offenses well and isn’t afraid to make the big hit or cover tight ends. The Texans’ defense is young, so Harris will get his chance to prove himself early.”
Harris’s blend of coverage skills and tackling ability could make him a standout, especially in an era where linebackers must be versatile.
“Joey Porter Jr. has the bloodline and the skills,” explains the Longhorn. “His father was a dominant NFL linebacker, and Joey Jr. has the size and ball skills to match. The Steelers love to develop their defensive backs, so if he gets on the field early, he can make some noise.”
Porter Jr.’s ability to read the quarterback and his aggressive style should help him rack up interceptions and passes defended.
“Don’t overlook special teams,” the former Texas star advises. “Kickers and returners can flip games. Look for a rookie who can take it to the house on a kickoff or nail clutch field goals.”
Rookie returners with track speed and vision could earn votes for their impact on field position and momentum
“The Rookie of the Year award goes to the player who not only puts up numbers but also changes games,” the former Longhorn explains. “They have to be consistent, dependable, and often, the go-to player in crunch time. Whether it’s a running back breaking off a long touchdown or a linebacker making a game-saving tackle, those moments define a rookie’s season.”
He points out that rookies who also contribute on special teams or show leadership qualities sometimes get extra consideration, reflecting their full value to the team.
Reflecting on his own career, the former Texas RB shares the challenges rookies face:
“Coming out of college, everything’s faster and smarter. Defenses disguise more, offenses are more complex, and the physical toll is greater. But Texas players have a fighting spirit — you learn to handle pressure from day one.”
He credits the Longhorns’ focus on fundamentals and toughness for preparing players for this jump. “If you can succeed at Texas, you have the foundation to take on the NFL.”
Predicting rookie award winners is never an exact science, but armed with the insights of a former Texas Longhorn running back who’s been through the grind, we gain a valuable lens on what it takes. The blend of opportunity, talent, mental toughness, and fit within a team’s scheme will determine which rookies rise above.
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on these breakout stars — Caleb Williams, Bijan Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Travon Walker, Christian Harris, and Joey Porter Jr. — all talented players who could become household names.
One thing is certain: The NFL’s next generation is ready to make history. And from a Longhorn’s perspective, that future looks bright
