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Several Longhorns Among ESPN's Top 2026 NFL Draft Prospects at Every Position

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cami Griffin | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 10:13 PM ET

Texas has no shortage of intriguing prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Most will point to quarterback phenom Arch Manning first and foremost, but it's very possible that Manning returns for another season and enters the 2027 NFL Draft instead. That appears to be what ESPN's Matt Miller and Jordan Reid took into account when revealing their top five prospects at every position for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Manning was not included among their top five quarterbacks. One would assume this is due to the high potential that he returns to Texas. However, numerous other Longhorns appeared on the ranking.

It looks like linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. will be Texas' highest ranked draft prospect for 2026. Hill is being projected as an early first-round pick and was listed as both Miller and Reid's No. 1 linebacker prospect.

CJ Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner each made the list at running back. Baxter is Miller's No. 2 running back prospect and Wisner is Reid's No. 4. The talented backfield duo should certainly help take some of the pressure off of Manning this season.

New transfer tight end Jack Endries is also expected to be one of the top players at his position for the 2026 NFL Draft. Miller ranks Endries as the No. 2 tight end and Reid lists him at No. 4.

Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad made Miller and Reid's ranking as well at No. 3 and No. 5 respectively. Finally, safety Michael Taaffe cracked Miller's top five as the No. 4 safety prospect.

A lot can change between now and April, but there's no doubt the Longhorns will be well-represented throughout the 2026 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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