Texas Longhorns LB David Gbenda Declares for NFL Draft
The Texas Longhorns have made headlines for their strong football program, consistently competing at a high level in the Big 12 and, more recently, preparing for their transition into the Southeastern Conference. Over the years, the Longhorns have produced numerous NFL-caliber players, and in the 2025 NFL Draft, one of their standout defensive players, David Gbenda, is set to make the leap to the professional level.
Gbenda, a linebacker for the Longhorns, has become one of the most notable names on their defense over the past few seasons. His decision to declare for the NFL Draft comes as no surprise to those who have followed his career, especially given his athleticism, leadership qualities, and the impact he has had on Texas’ defense. While his departure will be a significant loss for the Longhorns, Gbenda’s decision is a natural progression in his football journey, and it places him firmly in the conversation as one of the top linebacker prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into Gbenda’s career at Texas, what made him such a standout linebacker, his potential as an NFL draft pick, and the implications of his decision to declare for the draft for both the Longhorns and the broader college football landscape.
1. David Gbenda’s Journey to Texas
David Gbenda’s journey to the University of Texas is one of determination, hard work, and a passion for the game. Born in Houston, Texas, Gbenda developed his skills in high school, where he quickly became known as a versatile and tenacious player. He attended Klein Cain High School, where he played both linebacker and running back, showcasing his athleticism and ability to excel on both sides of the ball. This dual-threat ability caught the attention of college scouts, who began to notice his potential as a future linebacker at the next level.
After an impressive high school career, Gbenda committed to Texas as part of their highly-rated 2021 recruiting class. His decision to join the Longhorns was seen as a major win for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas coaching staff, as Gbenda was considered one of the top linebacker prospects in the nation. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing around 230 pounds, Gbenda possessed the size, speed, and instincts needed to make an immediate impact at the college level.
Gbenda arrived in Austin with high expectations, and though he wasn’t immediately thrust into the starting lineup, his ability to learn and adjust to the speed of the game quickly became evident. In his first season, he showed flashes of the talent that would make him a key contributor to the Longhorns’ defense, earning a spot on special teams and slowly carving out a role as a linebacker in certain defensive packages.
2. Emergence as a Defensive Star
While Gbenda’s first year was focused on acclimating to college football, by his second season in 2022, he began to make his mark as one of the most promising linebackers on the team. His athleticism, paired with his work ethic and commitment to improving his game, led to increased playing time. As the season progressed, Gbenda became a fixture in Texas’ defensive rotation, and his performances began to earn him recognition as one of the top linebackers in the Big 12.
During the 2023 season, Gbenda’s breakout campaign elevated him to national attention. He played a key role in Texas’ defensive success, contributing across the board in terms of tackles, sacks, and interceptions. His ability to read plays, react quickly to the ball, and step up in critical moments made him a leader on the field and a key piece of the Longhorns’ defensive unit.
Gbenda finished the season with over 80 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic linebackers in the country. His ability to make plays both in the backfield and in pass coverage allowed Texas’ defense to become one of the most formidable in the Big 12, and his leadership qualities helped guide the team through several tough matchups. Gbenda’s versatility was a major factor in his success, as he could be used in a variety of defensive schemes, whether rushing the passer, covering tight ends or running backs in the passing game, or stopping the run.
It was during this standout season that NFL scouts began to take notice of Gbenda’s potential at the next level. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him an ideal fit for the modern NFL linebacker role. He was the type of player who could thrive in both a 4-3 and a 3-4 defensive scheme, capable of being a sideline-to-sideline presence while also providing the physicality needed to disrupt running plays at the line of scrimmage. With such attributes, Gbenda’s draft stock began to soar.
3. The NFL Draft Decision: Why Now?
After a standout 2023 season, it was clear that Gbenda was ready for the next step in his career: the NFL. Although some players may choose to stay in college for an additional season to further develop their skills or improve their draft stock, Gbenda’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft after his junior season makes a lot of sense for several reasons.
A. His Physical Tools and NFL Readiness
At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Gbenda has the ideal size for an NFL linebacker. He possesses the speed and agility to cover ground quickly and make plays in coverage, while also having the strength and power to shed blockers and make tackles in the backfield. These physical attributes are highly coveted by NFL teams, and Gbenda’s performances during his time at Texas have shown that he is ready to make an impact at the next level.
Additionally, Gbenda’s football IQ is considered elite. He has a natural ability to read plays and recognize offensive schemes, which is a critical skill for NFL linebackers. His ability to anticipate plays and make adjustments on the fly is something that stood out throughout his college career, and this will serve him well at the professional level.
B. Longhorns’ Strong Defensive Foundation
While Gbenda’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft may be partially driven by the opportunity to start his professional career, another factor is the strong foundation of the Texas defense. With several young and talented linebackers ready to step up, including Trey Moore and Jaylon McCollough, the Longhorns have a solid future ahead at the position. Gbenda may have seen the writing on the wall, knowing that his departure would open up more opportunities for his teammates to contribute.
Moreover, Texas’ future success is dependent on continued recruiting, and with the Longhorns entering the SEC, the competition at every position will increase. Gbenda’s decision to leave now could be partly motivated by a desire to make the most of his current standing as one of the top linebacker prospects.
C. NFL Draft Stock and Financial Incentive
Finally, the financial incentives for declaring early are hard to ignore. With his strong performances during the 2023 season, Gbenda is projected to be a high draft pick in 2025. Given the importance of the linebacker position in the NFL, and considering his combination of physical traits and production, it’s likely that he will be taken in the second or third round of the draft. For Gbenda, this represents a significant financial opportunity to begin his professional career and secure a lucrative contract.
The allure of an NFL contract, combined with the opportunity to further hone his skills at the professional level, made the decision to declare for the draft an easy one for Gbenda. While he could have stayed another year at Texas and improved his draft stock even further, he likely believes that now is the right time to take his talents to the next level.
4. Impact on Texas Longhorns and 2025 Season
Gbenda’s departure is undoubtedly a loss for Texas, as he was one of the top defenders on the team. His leadership, versatility, and playmaking ability made him a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ defense, and losing him will leave a significant void. However, Texas has a strong recruiting class coming in, and the team has several talented linebackers waiting in the wings who will look to step up in 2025.
Additionally, Sarkisian and the coaching staff will look to maintain the defensive culture that Gbenda helped build, ensuring that the team remains competitive despite his departure. The Longhorns will need to rely on younger linebackers, along with other defensive standouts, to fill the gap left by Gbenda’s exit.
While the loss of Gbenda is a blow, it also speaks to the level of talent that Texas is consistently producing. As the Longhorns make their move to the SEC, their ability to develop NFL-caliber talent like Gbenda will be key to their long-term success in the league. The program has proven its ability to recruit and develop top-tier athletes, and the future remains bright for Texas football.
5. Conclusion
David Gbenda’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft marks the end of a significant chapter in Texas Longhorns football. Throughout his college career, Gbenda displayed the traits that make him an ideal NFL linebacker: size, speed, intelligence, and leadership. His breakout performances, particularly in 2023, have solidified his place as one of the top linebackers in the country, and he is poised to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
While his departure will undoubtedly leave a hole in the Texas defense, it also speaks to the strength and talent within the program. Gbenda’s success at Texas is a testament to the program’s ability to develop elite athletes, and his decision to pursue his NFL dreams is a natural next step in his football journey. As the Longhorns continue to prepare for the challenges of the SEC, Gbenda’s legacy will remain a part of Texas football history, and his future in the NFL will be one to watch.
