This LB could be Texas' most important player not named Arch Manning in 2025

Quarterback Arch Manning may be the most hyped Texas Longhorn, but linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. could be the team's MVP during the 2025 season. 

Manning is finally assuming the starting role this upcoming season after sitting behind Quinn Ewers for the past two seasons. As of Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists him as the preseason Heisman favorite (+700), but roster turnover may create early challenges for the 21-year-old passer. 

This offseason, Texas lost wide receiver Matthew Golden and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to the NFL. Golden led the team in receiving yards (987 in 16 games) last season, while Banks earned a first-team All-American nod.

With that in mind, Manning and the offense may not flourish immediately and would need the defense to cut them slack. Hill seems up to the task.

In a story published Thursday, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner ranked the LB as his No. 7 defensive underclassman in the 2026 NFL Draft class. 

"With a true NFL body at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Hill is fast enough to basically play any linebacker spot, including in the alley as an overhang defender or off the edge as a pass-rusher," wrote Baumgardner. 

Hill dominated for the Longhorns last season, helping them make a second consecutive College Football Playoff trip. In 16 games, he recorded career highs in tackles (113) and sacks (eight). He also forced a career-best four fumbles, recovering one. 

He still feels he has plenty of room to grow in 2025. 

"I already know I can make big plays, but I'm trying to refine my game," Hill said in April, via Thomas Jones of the Austin American-Statesman. "Work on the details, footwork, hand placement, just little stuff to make sure I can take the next step. I feel I can get better in pass covers, little better in pass rush. I've just been trying to work on little stuff every day just to try to get better."