Seven standout players from the Texas Longhorns football team have earned preseason All-American honors from Athlon Sports, highlighting the program’s depth and national respect heading into the upcoming season.
The Texas Longhorns football program is no stranger to national recognition, but the latest honors from Athlon Sports have taken that acknowledgment to another level. As the anticipation builds for the upcoming college football season, seven Longhorns have been named preseason All-Americans by Athlon Sports, a testament to the elite talent currently residing in Austin. This impressive list spans across multiple positions, showcasing the balance, strength, and potential championship caliber of the Texas roster. These selections not only speak to the individual excellence of the players involved but also highlight the overall trajectory of the program under head coach Steve Sarkisian as they enter a new chapter in the SEC.
To have one or two players earn preseason All-America recognition is typically a sign of a program with some star power. To have seven players achieve such status heading into the season? That signals something much greater. It shows that the Texas Longhorns are deep, experienced, and ready to contend at the highest level of college football. This level of preseason attention puts the Longhorns among the elite programs in the country and sets expectations sky-high for what they hope will be a memorable campaign.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers headlines the group. After an up-and-down start to his collegiate career, Ewers appears poised for a breakout season that could place him in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Athlon’s recognition of Ewers as a preseason All-American is rooted not only in his strong finish last year, including a commanding performance in the Big 12 Championship Game, but also in the improvements he has shown in decision-making, accuracy, and leadership during spring and summer workouts. With a full year of experience under his belt and a loaded group of receivers, Ewers could very well put together a season that validates all the early hype that surrounded his recruitment.
Joining Ewers on the offensive side is wide receiver Xavier Worthy, one of the most explosive playmakers in the country. Worthy has been a fixture in the Texas offense since his freshman year and continues to impress with his speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His selection as a preseason All-American is a nod to both his past production and the expectation that he’ll be even more dangerous in the upcoming season. Worthy’s connection with Ewers is expected to be one of the most productive duos in college football, especially with the expanded playbook Sarkisian has introduced.
Also earning recognition is tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, a rising star who has become a favorite target in the passing game. Sanders has the size, hands, and athleticism that make him a matchup nightmare for defenses. His ability to line up all over the field gives the Texas offense tremendous versatility, and his inclusion on the preseason All-America team reinforces his growing reputation as one of the premier tight ends in the country. He provides Ewers with a reliable safety valve, especially in third-down and red-zone situations.
The honors aren’t limited to the offensive skill positions. Anchoring the offensive line is Kelvin Banks Jr., who has quickly emerged as one of the top tackles in the nation. Despite his youth, Banks plays with a veteran’s poise and technique, regularly dominating some of the best pass rushers he faces. His inclusion in the preseason All-America list is a recognition of his elite talent and the critical role he plays in keeping Ewers upright and creating running lanes for the Texas backfield. With Banks anchoring the line, the Longhorns have a strong foundation up front that should give the offense every opportunity to thrive.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Jaylan Ford stands out as one of the premier defenders in the country. Ford was a tackling machine last season and possesses the instincts, range, and toughness that every great linebacker needs. Athlon’s selection of Ford to the preseason All-America team highlights his importance to the Texas defense, particularly as they transition to facing SEC offenses. Ford’s leadership and ability to command the middle of the field will be pivotal as Texas looks to build a defense that can complement its explosive offense.
Another defensive standout earning preseason honors is defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. At over 350 pounds, Sweat is a force in the trenches who regularly disrupts both the run and the pass. His size, strength, and motor make him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. Sweat’s ability to collapse pockets and command double teams frees up other defenders to make plays and is a big reason why the Longhorns were so strong against the run last year. His All-America selection reflects his growing impact and the recognition he’s receiving from coaches and media alike.
Finally, defensive end Byron Murphy II rounds out the list of Longhorns earning preseason All-American honors. Murphy is an explosive edge rusher who can get to the quarterback in a hurry. His quick first step, hand technique, and relentless pursuit make him one of the most feared pass rushers in the country. His presence off the edge gives Texas a dynamic option to pressure opposing quarterbacks, and his inclusion in the preseason list highlights the depth and talent of the Texas defensive line.
Having seven preseason All-Americans is no small feat. It’s the kind of recognition typically reserved for national championship contenders. For Texas, it represents validation of the recruiting success they’ve had in recent years and the development of talent once it arrives on campus. It also signals a return to prominence for a program that has long aspired to reclaim its place among college football’s elite.
The SEC move only adds to the significance of these honors. Texas is no longer just preparing to contend for a Big 12 title; they’re gearing up to go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the country on a weekly basis. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU have dominated the college football landscape in recent years, and Texas will now be expected to match up with those powerhouses both physically and strategically. The presence of so many preseason All-Americans on the roster suggests the Longhorns are ready for that challenge.
This level of preseason attention also puts a target squarely on the backs of these players. Being recognized before the season even begins is flattering, but it also comes with expectations. These seven Longhorns will be watched closely all year by media, fans, and NFL scouts. Their performances will be scrutinized weekly, and anything less than excellence will be noticed. Fortunately for Texas, these players appear more than capable of handling the spotlight and living up to the hype.
Another key aspect of this recognition is how it could impact the locker room dynamic. When leaders of a team receive national praise, it can inspire younger players to raise their level of play. The seven preseason All-Americans are likely to serve as tone-setters for the entire team, both in terms of performance and work ethic. Their preparation, discipline, and execution will ripple through the rest of the roster, creating a culture where excellence is the expectation rather than the exception.
For recruits, this news is also significant. Prospective student-athletes pay attention to which programs are developing talent into All-Americans and NFL prospects. The fact that Texas has seven such players entering the season will resonate on the recruiting trail. It suggests that if a recruit chooses Texas, they’ll have the support and coaching necessary to become one of the best in the country. That kind of selling point is invaluable, especially as the Longhorns aim to compete with SEC schools that have traditionally dominated recruiting battles.
Ultimately, these honors are a sign that the Texas Longhorns are not just back — they’re building something sustainable. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm, the program has embraced a modern approach to football, blending cutting-edge offensive concepts with physical, disciplined defense. The recognition from Athlon Sports validates that approach and suggests that Texas is no longer simply chasing greatness — they’re on the doorstep of achieving it.
Whether or not all seven players live up to the All-American billing remains to be seen. Football is a game of variables, and injuries, scheme changes, and the unpredictability of a season can all play a role in how things ultimately unfold. But for now, the recognition from Athlon Sports provides Texas fans with reason for optimism and excitement. It’s a signal that the rest of the college football world sees what’s brewing in Austin — and it’s something worth watching closely.
As the season kicks off and Texas enters the SEC gauntlet, the performances of these seven players will be crucial to the Longhorns’ hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff and competing for a national title. With so much talent, experience, and momentum, there’s every reason to believe that Texas is ready to make that leap. The preseason All-America honors are just the beginning of what could be a historic year in Austin.
