Fresh off sending a program-record 12 players to the NFL in 2025, the Texas Longhorns don't look to be slowing down any time soon. In four years under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has had 28 players drafted, including six first-rounders. That number looks to increase significantly in 2026. The question is, by how many, and more importantly, who will represent the Horns? The elephant in the room is quarterback Arch Manning.
While technically draft-eligible in 2026, Manning has only appeared in 11 career games with two starts. Depending on how the 2025 season goes, it isn't far-fetched that Manning decides to stay at Texas another season. That being said, if he does decide to put his name in the Draft, he will be highly sought after, to say the least. Here are Texas' top-five prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Manning.
Will Texas produce the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Arch Manning, QB: As mentioned, Manning has limited experience at the collegiate level. But as much as you have to let him be his own player, he is a Manning. He has looked the part in his two starts, completing a combined 41-of-60 passes for 583 yards and four touchdowns to just two interceptions in wins over ULM and Mississippi State. In addition to Manning's 969 career passing yards and nine touchdowns, he has also run for 115 yards and four scores. While hardly the body of work for a No. 1 overall pick or close, all signs point to Manning ascending to that level as he takes over as Texas' full-time starter.
Anthony Hill, Jr., LB: Entering his junior season at Texas, Hill projects as a bonafide first-round selection in the 2026 draft. Hill is an absolute monster, leading Texas with 113 tackles in 2024 with eight sacks, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, and a pass defended. At 6-3, 239, Hill has the frame and figures to put up elite numbers when the NFL Combine rolls around. Combined with his innate ability to live around the football, it's hard to find a weakness in Hill's game.
Quintrevion Wisner, RB: When CJ Baxter went down with a knee injury before the 2024 season, Texas' running game became a huge question mark. With the help of newly minted Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue and Wisner, that question was answered emphatically. Wisner, not Blue, took the role as the lead back for the Horns, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark. Wisner finished with 1,064 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, adding 311 yards receiving and another touchdown. With a 6-0, 194-pound frame, Wisner has the size to translate to the next level. Baxter will get a lot of the buzz as he re-joins the Texas offense, but another year like 2024 should solidify Wisner as a second or third-round back.
Another secondary gem
Malik Muhammad, DB: One of the schools that lay claim to "DBU," Texas had a first-round pick and another second-rounder in the 2024 draft. Muhammad appears to be the hier aparent to Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba, taking over as the latest Jim Thorpe Award contender. Muhammad started every game for Texas in 2024, recording 36 tackles and eight passes defended. While he didn't record an interception in 2024, his knack for the ball should translate to more than a few in the 2025 season. Will he land in the first or second-round range like his predecessors? Time will tell.
Trey Moore, EDGE: Another guy who flies under the radar due to a stacked defense, Moore is coming off a season where he recorded 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Playing alongside Hill, Jr., and sophomore phenom Colin Simmons (we'll get to him next year), Moore should continue to make plays and climb up draft boards.