As Michael Taaffe and Malik Muhammad gear up for the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, the two former Texas Longhorns defensive backs aren’t just chasing their NFL dreams-they’re carrying a piece of Austin with them.
This week in Mobile, Alabama, both players are looking to elevate their draft stock in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 NFL teams. But even with the spotlight squarely on their individual futures, they haven’t forgotten the program that helped get them here. And in Taaffe’s case, he’s still keeping an eye on what’s happening back on the Forty Acres-especially when it comes to the guy wearing his old number.
Taaffe, a homegrown product from Austin, spent five years in burnt orange chasing a national title. He came close, but the dream fell just short.
Still, when asked about the legacy he left behind at Texas, he didn’t dwell on what could’ve been. Instead, he turned the conversation toward someone who’s still writing that story: Arch Manning.
“I hate that I couldn't go get the job done,” Taaffe said. “But the other 16, I have a good feeling in him.”
That “other 16” is, of course, Manning-the highly touted quarterback who shares Taaffe’s jersey number, albeit on the offensive side. The two crossed paths at Texas, and while they played on opposite sides of the ball, they built a connection that went beyond the field. Same number, same tunnel walks into Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium-it’s the kind of bond that just happens when you’re both trying to build something special in the same place.
Taaffe’s belief in Manning isn’t just lip service. It’s the kind of endorsement that carries weight, especially coming from a player who’s been in the locker room, seen the work ethic, and understands the pressure that comes with being the face of Texas football. For Taaffe, the championship dream didn’t materialize during his time, but he’s confident that Manning can take the baton and finish the job.
And while the former Longhorn safety is now focused on making his mark at the next level, it’s clear that Texas is still top of mind. That’s part of what makes events like the Senior Bowl so compelling-it’s not just about who runs the fastest 40 or who dominates in one-on-one drills. It’s also about the stories, the connections, and the pride these players carry from the programs that shaped them.
As for the game itself, the 2026 Senior Bowl kicks off this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on NFL Network. It’s the latest step in the journey for Taaffe and Muhammad-and maybe, just maybe, a preview of what’s to come for the “other 16” still holding it down in Austin.