Texas Longhorns Land 3 on ESPN’s All-America First Team: A Look at Their Standout Players
The Texas Longhorns football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, known for producing elite talent and competing at the highest level. In recent years, the program has undergone a resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and the 2024 season was no exception. Texas not only finished the year as one of the top teams in the Big 12 Conference but also saw several players earn recognition for their exceptional performances. This recognition reached its pinnacle when three Texas Longhorns were named to ESPN’s All-America First Team, further cementing the program’s reputation for excellence.
The Significance of ESPN’s All-America Team
Before diving into the individual players, it’s important to understand the significance of being named to ESPN’s All-America First Team. The All-America teams are a prestigious honor that represents the best of the best in college football. The selection process involves votes from a panel of coaches, sportswriters, broadcasters, and analysts who evaluate players based on their performance during the season. The First Team is the highest honor a player can receive, and it is a clear indication that a player has been among the most dominant at their position.
To have three players selected to this exclusive list is a remarkable achievement for any program, especially in a competitive environment like college football. It signifies not only individual excellence but also the overall strength of the Texas Longhorns as a team. The recognition of these players will have a lasting impact on the program and its recruiting efforts moving forward.
The Three Longhorns Named to the All-America First Team
1. Bijan Robinson – Running Back
One of the most celebrated names in Texas Longhorns football over the past few seasons is Bijan Robinson, the talented running back who was a key contributor to the team’s success in 2024. Robinson’s selection to ESPN’s All-America First Team was a well-deserved honor for a player who has consistently proven to be one of the most dynamic and versatile backs in college football.
Robinson’s Impact in 2024: Throughout the 2024 season, Robinson showcased his ability to dominate games both as a runner and as a receiver. With his unique combination of size, speed, and agility, Robinson became a nightmare for opposing defenses. He consistently made explosive plays, whether it was breaking tackles, accelerating through holes, or catching passes out of the backfield. His vision and patience as a runner allowed him to wait for the right moment to explode through gaps, while his ability to change direction on a dime made him incredibly difficult to tackle.
Robinson finished the season with over 1,500 rushing yards, a remarkable feat in the high-intensity world of college football. He also contributed as a receiver, with over 400 yards and several touchdowns through the air. His versatility was key to the success of the Texas Longhorns offense, and his ability to wear down defenses helped open up opportunities for other players in the offensive scheme.
Beyond the numbers, Robinson’s leadership and consistency were instrumental in Texas’ success. His performance was critical in big games, and he consistently carried the team in key moments, whether it was a game-winning drive or a critical third-down conversion. His efforts were recognized by scouts and analysts alike, and his selection to ESPN’s All-America First Team was a testament to his dominance at the position.
2. DeMarvion Overshown – Linebacker
Another standout player for the Texas Longhorns in 2024 was DeMarvion Overshown, a linebacker whose ability to make plays all over the field earned him a spot on ESPN’s All-America First Team. Overshown’s athleticism and football IQ have made him one of the most dangerous defensive players in college football.
Overshown’s Defensive Mastery in 2024: In 2024, Overshown showcased his versatility as a linebacker, contributing both against the run and in pass coverage. His speed and agility allowed him to cover ground quickly, making him a key asset in both stopping the run and defending against passes over the middle. Overshown’s ability to read the quarterback and anticipate plays allowed him to be in the right place at the right time, resulting in several game-changing tackles and pass breakups.
Overshown finished the season with over 100 tackles, including several sacks and tackles for loss. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield made him a constant presence in opposing teams’ backfields, and his leadership on the field was evident in every game. His performance against top teams in the Big 12 Conference, such as Oklahoma and Baylor, was a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion and make critical plays when it mattered most.
Leadership on Defense: Overshown’s leadership extended beyond his individual performance. As one of the veteran players on the defense, he played a pivotal role in organizing and motivating his teammates. His energy and passion were contagious, and he helped instill a culture of toughness and discipline on the defensive side of the ball. Overshown’s selection to ESPN’s All-America First Team is not only a recognition of his individual talent but also a reflection of the strength of the Texas defense under his leadership.
3. Jared Wiley – Tight End
The third Texas Longhorn player to earn recognition on ESPN’s All-America First Team in 2024 was Jared Wiley, a standout tight end who emerged as one of the most dominant pass-catching options in the country. Wiley’s size, hands, and route-running ability made him a matchup nightmare for defenses, and his performance in 2024 earned him a spot on the prestigious list.
Wiley’s Role in the Texas Offense: Wiley’s contributions to the Texas offense were crucial in a season that saw the team compete at a high level. As a tight end, Wiley was not only a reliable target in the passing game but also a force as a blocker in the run game. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties allowed Texas to open up their passing attack and make plays down the field.
In 2024, Wiley posted over 800 receiving yards and caught several touchdowns, helping the Longhorns become one of the most potent offenses in the nation. His ability to stretch the field and create separation allowed Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers to take advantage of opportunities in the passing game. Wiley’s big-play ability was a key factor in Texas’ success, and his selection to the All-America First Team was a recognition of his dominance at the tight end position.
Beyond his receiving ability, Wiley was also a critical component in the Texas running game. His blocking helped create lanes for running back Bijan Robinson, and he was often tasked with sealing the edge on outside runs. His physicality and attention to detail in the blocking game made him a key asset for the Longhorns in multiple facets of the offense.
The Impact of These Selections on Texas Football
Having three players selected to ESPN’s All-America First Team is a monumental achievement for the Texas Longhorns football program. This recognition serves as a reflection of the program’s overall strength, especially under head coach Steve Sarkisian. These players—Bijan Robinson, DeMarvion Overshown, and Jared Wiley—are not only among the best in college football, but they also represent the future of the Texas Longhorns as a program that consistently competes at the highest level.
For Texas, the recognition of these players is a major boost as the program looks to continue its rise to national prominence. With Sarkisian at the helm, the Longhorns are in the midst of building something special, and the achievements of these players only add to the momentum the program has gained in recent seasons.
The selection of Robinson, Overshown, and Wiley to ESPN’s All-America First Team also provides a blueprint for future recruits. These players represent the type of talent that Texas is capable of producing, and their success is a testament to the program’s ability to develop and nurture elite athletes. It’s clear that Texas is on the upswing, and the program’s future looks bright with players like Robinson, Overshown, and Wiley leading the way.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Texas Football
While Bijan Robinson, DeMarvion Overshown, and Jared Wiley have each cemented their places in Texas Longhorns history, their impact will continue to resonate in the years to come. As the 2025 season approaches, the Texas Longhorns will look to build on the success of these players and maintain their status as a perennial contender in college football.
The All-America selections of Robinson, Overshown, and Wiley provide the program with a sense of pride and validation, but they also serve as a reminder that Texas is capable of producing elite talent year after year. With the momentum generated by this recognition, Steve Sarkisian and the coaching staff will continue to recruit top-tier players, ensuring that the Longhorns remain a force to be reckoned with on the national stage for years to come.
In conclusion, the selection of three Texas Longhorns to ESPN’s All-America First Team is a testament to the program’s growth and success under Steve Sarkisian. Robinson, Overshown, and Wiley each earned their place through outstanding performances in 2024, and their recognition serves as a blueprint for the future of Texas football. The Longhorns are on the rise, and with players like these leading the charge, the program’s future looks brighter than ever.
