Texas Longhorns standout predicted to win prestigious college football award in 2025

A key Texas Longhorns player could be adding an impressive award to his résumé in 2025. 

CBS Sports'  Will Backus recently predicted that Texas junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr will win the Butkus Award (given annually to college football's top linebacker) in 2025. 

From CBS Sports: Hill is one of the most versatile defenders in college football. The 6-foot-3, 237-pounder has the requisite size to rush off the edge but his speed means that he's also comfortable playing off the ball, where Texas employs him the most. No matter where he is on the field, he flourishes. He started all 16 games for the Longhorns in 2024 and finished the year with 113 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, one interception, two pass deflections and four forced fumbles. 

Hill, a former five-star recruit from Denton, TX, could be a top five selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

The talented linebacker burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2023, totaling 67 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks in his debut college season. 

Hill was even better as a sophomore, totaling 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. He also had an interception in 2024. 

A recent 2026 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports has the New York Giants selecting Hill with the No. 3 overall pick.