Top 10 Greatest Texas Longhorns Football Players of All Time

The University of Texas has produced some of the most iconic players in college football history. From national champions and Heisman winners to defensive legends who redefined their positions, Texas football has been shaped by elite talent across generations. This list is not merely about statistics, awards, or draft position—it’s about impact. These are the players who defined eras, elevated the Longhorns nationally, and left legacies that still echo in Austin.

10) Russell Erxleben

Russell Erxleben occupies one of the most unique places in college football history. At Texas, he wasn’t just a kicker or a punter—he was a weapon. Erxleben remains the only punter in NCAA history to be named a three-time first-team All-American, a distinction that underscores just how dominant he was at a position rarely celebrated. His booming leg completely altered field position battles and forced opponents to change how they played situational football.

His most famous moment came in 1977 when he drilled a 67-yard field goal against Rice, still the longest made kick in college football history (with a tee). Even today, Erxleben holds the Texas record for most made field goals of 50 yards or more (11). His value extended beyond special teams consistency—he was a legitimate scoring threat from nearly anywhere past midfield.

The NFL recognized his rarity when the New Orleans Saints selected him 11th overall in the 1979 NFL Draft, the second-highest draft position ever for a kicker at the time. While his professional career never matched his collegiate dominance, Erxleben’s impact at Texas remains unmatched among specialists.

Longest Field Goals in College Football History (64+ Yards!)

9) Steve McMichael

Steve “Mongo” McMichael was one of the most physically imposing defenders in Texas football history. Long before he became an NFL legend with the Chicago Bears, McMichael was terrorizing offenses in burnt orange. Over four seasons at Texas, he compiled an astounding 369 tackles and 28.5 sacks, numbers that still stand out even in modern defensive eras with far more passing attempts.

McMichael’s senior season was his masterpiece. He was a consensus All-American, a finalist for both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, and earned MVP honors at the Hula Bowl. His combination of power, leverage, and relentless motor made him nearly unblockable, whether lined up inside or on the edge.

What separated McMichael was his versatility. He wasn’t just a pass rusher—he was elite against the run and consistently disruptive on early downs. His dominance translated directly to the NFL, where he became a Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer. At Texas, however, McMichael laid the foundation, proving he was one of the most complete defensive linemen ever to wear the Longhorn uniform.

CFBHoF Member Steve McMichael

8) Jerry Sisemore

Jerry Sisemore is one of the greatest offensive linemen in Texas history and a cornerstone of one of the most dominant eras the program has ever seen. Playing under Darrell Royal, Sisemore anchored the offensive line during a stretch that included two national championships and three Southwest Conference titles.

Despite playing in an era that rarely celebrated offensive linemen individually, Sisemore forced the national spotlight his way. He earned two unanimous All-American selections and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award in 1972. His consistency, toughness, and technique set the standard for offensive line play in Austin.

Because freshmen were not eligible at the time, Sisemore played only three varsity seasons—but even in that limited window, his résumé rivals almost anyone in program history. He protected elite quarterbacks, opened lanes for championship-level rushing attacks, and dominated against the best competition in the country.

Sisemore’s legacy is one of quiet excellence. While he may not have highlights, Texas’ dynasty years under Royal do not exist without him anchoring the trenches.

Jerry Sisemore: Football Offensive Tackle and Guard

7) Colt McCoy

Colt McCoy is the most prolific quarterback in Texas history when it comes to sustained excellence. From the moment he took over as the starter, McCoy delivered consistency, leadership, and record-setting production. He finished his career as Texas’ all-time leader in wins, passing yards, completions, and touchdowns.

His trophy case is staggering. McCoy was a two-time consensus All-American, Walter Camp Player of the Year, Davey O’Brien Award winner, Maxwell Award winner, Manning Award winner, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recipient. In 2008 and 2009, he led Texas to back-to-back seasons of national contention.

What made McCoy special wasn’t just efficiency—it was control. He commanded the offense with precision, accuracy, and toughness, routinely delivering in pressure moments. His injury in the 2009 National Championship Game remains one of the great “what ifs” in college football history.

McCoy may not have been as flashy as others on this list, but his consistency and leadership make him one of the most important Longhorns ever.

He is One of the Greatest Texas Longhorns Quarterbacks of All Time (Who Is: Colt McCoy)

6) Derrick Johnson

Derrick Johnson redefined what a linebacker could be at Texas. A rare blend of speed, strength, and instincts, Johnson was equally devastating rushing the passer, stopping the run, or dropping into coverage. His dominance culminated in winning both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defensive player) and the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker).

Statistically, Johnson is unmatched. He holds the Texas school record for career tackles for loss (65) and finished his career with 458 total tackles, ranking third in program history. His impact went beyond numbers—offenses had to account for him on every snap.

Johnson’s ability to play sideline-to-sideline made him one of the most feared defenders in college football. His success translated seamlessly to the NFL, where he became a perennial Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion.

At Texas, Derrick Johnson set the modern standard for linebacker play and remains one of the most complete defensive players the program has ever produced.

Derrick Johnson Texas Longhorns College Football Highlights 2003

5) Ricky Williams

Few players in college football history dominated their position the way Ricky Williams did at Texas. His résumé is nearly unmatched: 1998 Heisman Trophy, two-time Doak Walker Award winner, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year, AP Player of the Year, and two-time consensus All-American.

Williams became Texas’ all-time leading rusher with 6,279 career yards, a record that still stands. His running style—violent, relentless, and punishing—wore down defenses and defined the Longhorn offense in the late 1990s. Defenders knew he was getting the ball and still couldn’t stop him.

Beyond numbers, Williams elevated Texas back into national prominence. His Heisman moment symbolized Texas football’s return to elite status. Few players in school history carried a program the way Ricky did.

Ricky Williams🤯 Texas Highlights(1995-1998)

4) Bobby Layne

Bobby Layne was Texas football royalty long before the modern era. From 1944 to 1947, Layne led the Longhorns with toughness, leadership, and versatility, earning four consecutive All-Southwest Conference selections and consensus All-American honors in 1947.

Layne compiled 28 career wins as Texas’ quarterback, ranking third in program history, and played in an era when the quarterback was expected to do everything—pass, run, defend, and lead. His success carried over to the NFL, where he became a Hall of Fame quarterback and one of the most influential leaders in pro football history.

Layne’s legacy is one of toughness and authority. He wasn’t flashy, but he was relentless, and his impact on Texas football culture remains foundational.

Legends of the Game – Bobby Layne (1980)

3) Tommy Nobis

Tommy Nobis is the greatest defensive player in Texas history. A two-time All-American, Nobis was the heart of Texas’ 1963 National Championship team and remains one of the most dominant linebackers college football has ever seen.

His breakout moment came as a sophomore against top-ranked Oklahoma, where he recorded 18 tackles in a statement win. Nobis was the only sophomore starter on that national championship team, a testament to his talent and maturity.

Nobis could play anywhere—linebacker, guard, or center—and excelled at all of it. He later became the first overall pick in the NFL Draft and a founding member of the Atlanta Falcons.

Few players in Texas history were as physically dominant and mentally sharp as Tommy Nobis.

Tommy Nobis Tribute

2) Earl Campbell

Earl Campbell embodied Texas football. The “Tyler Rose” rushed for 4,443 career yards, ranking third all-time at Texas, and delivered one of the most punishing running styles the sport has ever seen.

His 1977 season remains legendary: 1,744 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, leading Texas to the Cotton Bowl and a national title showdown. Campbell won the 1977 Heisman Trophy, becoming one of only two Texas players to ever earn the award.

Campbell’s impact wasn’t just statistical—he intimidated opponents. Every carry felt like a collision, and his presence defined the identity of Texas football.

Earl Campbell – Road To The Heisman

1) Vince Young

Vince Young delivered the greatest moment in Texas football history. His 2005 season culminated in a legendary performance against USC in the Rose Bowl, where he accounted for 467 total yards and three rushing touchdowns, including the iconic game-winning run.

Young became the first player in NCAA history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in a season. He won the Davey O’Brien, Maxwell, Manning, and Walter Camp Awards, and was the Rose Bowl MVP.

While others may have more career stats, no player was ever more electric or impactful in the biggest moment than Vince Young.

Vince Young, Texas Longhorns relive classic 2006 Rose Bowl victory vs. USC Trojans | ESPN Archives

Honorable Mentions: Earl Thomas • Ricky Brown • Jamaal Charles • Leonard Davis • Case McCoy