The Austin-to-NFL pipeline is alive and well, with seven Texas Longhorns gearing up for the 2026 NFL Combine. This marks another milestone for a program that's quietly become a powerhouse in producing NFL talent.
Heading to Indianapolis from February 23 to March 2 are offensive lineman DJ Campbell, tight end Jack Endries, linebackers Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore, and defensive backs Jaylon Guilbeau, Malik Muhammad, and Michael Taaffe. This impressive lineup adds to Texas' tally of 32 combine invites over the past three years, placing them third nationally, just behind Georgia/Michigan and Ohio State.
Leading the charge is Anthony Hill Jr., who capped off a stellar season in burnt orange. As a Butkus Award finalist and Bednarik semifinalist, Hill racked up 69 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and led the team with three forced fumbles, despite missing two games. His standout performances against Florida and Kentucky showcased his versatility and potential as an NFL starter.
In the secondary, Malik Muhammad and Michael Taaffe offer scouts two distinct profiles. Muhammad, named to the All-SEC Coaches’ Second Team, notched 30 tackles and two interceptions, including a game-changing performance against Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Taaffe, a former walk-on who became an All-American, wrapped up his career with 222 tackles and seven interceptions, earning All-America honors for the second year in a row.
On the offensive front, DJ Campbell was the anchor at right guard, starting all 12 games and playing a crucial role in the running game, highlighted by Quintrevion Wisner’s 155-yard performance against Texas A&M. Campbell also provided solid protection for quarterback Arch Manning, who threw for 2,942 yards and 24 touchdowns with a 61.4% completion rate in his debut season as a starter.
Tight end Jack Endries, a consistent presence with 13 starts, contributed 33 catches for 345 yards and three touchdowns, further solidifying his collegiate achievements.
As these Longhorns prepare to showcase their talents on the national stage, they continue to uphold Texas' reputation as a breeding ground for NFL-ready athletes.