Anthony Hill Jr. Brings Texas Toughness to the NFL Draft
Anthony Hill Jr. doesn’t just play linebacker - he owns the position. On the field, he’s a heat-seeking missile with a nose for the football.
Off the field, he’s the guy cracking jokes and lighting up a press conference. That duality - fierce competitor, easygoing leader - made him a cornerstone of Texas football over the past three seasons.
And now, he’s taking that energy to the next level.
After a standout college career that saw him rack up accolades and anchor one of the best defenses in the country, Hill is officially headed for the NFL. He’s forgoing his senior season and declaring for the draft, and there’s plenty of buzz around what he brings to the table.
The Backbone of Texas’ Defense
Hill was the heart and soul of a Texas defense that punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff twice and posted a 35-8 record during his time in Austin. From the moment he stepped on the field, he looked like a pro in the making - a 6-foot-3, 283-pound enforcer who could do it all.
Whether it was stuffing the run, chasing down quarterbacks, or dropping into coverage, Hill's presence was felt on every down. In 2024, he led the SEC with 16.5 tackles for loss, a number that speaks to his ability to disrupt plays before they even get going. And while 2025 didn’t bring quite the same statistical explosion, he still made his mark - forcing three fumbles and picking off two passes in just 10 games.
What stands out most is his knack for showing up when it matters most. Hill has a habit of turning momentum with game-changing plays.
Need a third-down stop? He’s there.
Red zone stand? He’s in the mix.
CFP semifinal? He’s blowing up a screen pass in the backfield.
That’s the kind of instinct and timing NFL teams covet.
A Closer Look at the Resume
Hill’s trophy case is already filling up. He was a finalist for the 2025 Butkus Award, which honors the best linebacker in college football, and a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the top defensive player in the nation. He earned second-team All-American honors twice and was twice named to the All-SEC second team - no small feat in a conference loaded with defensive talent.
Here’s what the numbers say:
- 2023: 14 games, 67 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks
- 2024: 16 games, 113 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, 8 sacks, 1 interception
- 2025: 10 games, 69 tackles, 7 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions
That 2024 campaign was the peak - a breakout year where he looked like the best linebacker in the country. And while his 2025 season didn’t quite reach that same level, he still flashed the traits that have scouts intrigued.
Strengths That Translate
Hill’s game is built on physicality. He plays downhill with aggression, and when he hits, you feel it.
He’s a violent tackler with a motor that never quits, and he thrives in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He’s also a capable pass-rusher, something that adds value in today’s NFL where versatility is king.
One of the more underrated parts of his game is his athleticism. At 283 pounds, he moves like a much smaller linebacker - fluid enough to stick with tight ends in coverage and quick enough to chase down plays from sideline to sideline.
Areas to Watch
If there’s a knock on Hill, it’s that his coverage numbers dipped in 2025. He allowed receptions on over 71% of his targets, which is something teams will study closely.
There’s also the question of whether he plateaued a bit after his stellar 2024 season. But even with those concerns, his floor is high - and the ceiling could be something special.
Where He Stands in the Draft Conversation
The draft community is split, but Hill is firmly in the mix among the top linebackers in this class. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Matt Miller both have him as the No. 4 off-ball linebacker, while Jordan Reid ranks him second and Steve Muench slots him at No.
- That range suggests he could come off the board anywhere from late Day 1 to early Day 2 - and it’ll depend on how he tests in the pre-draft process.
Right now, we’re still waiting on key measurables like his 40-yard dash, bench press, and shuttle times. But what we do know is this: Anthony Hill Jr. is a gamer. He’s built for big moments, and he’s got the kind of edge that NFL teams love in the middle of their defense.
Final Word
Hill isn’t just another linebacker prospect - he’s a tone-setter. The kind of player who brings intensity, leadership, and a little bit of swagger to a defense. His college tape is filled with impact plays, and while there’s room to grow, the foundation is rock solid.
He may not have closed his Texas career with a dominant final season, but don’t let that fool you. Hill has all the tools to make noise at the next level - and if history is any indication, he’ll be ready when the lights are brightest.