Texas Longhorns Land 3 on ESPN’s All-America First Team

In a season brimming with individual talent, the Texas Longhorns have made a statement in college football by placing three players on ESPN’s prestigious All-America First Team. This recognition underscores the impressive performances of these athletes and solidifies Texas as one of the premier programs in the nation. The three Longhorns who earned First-Team All-America honors are standout figures in their respective positions, each bringing unique skills and contributions to the team. Let’s take a deeper look at these players, their achievements during the season, and what this recognition means for the Texas football program.

1. Bijan Robinson – Running Back

Perhaps no player on the Texas roster has garnered as much attention and acclaim as running back Bijan Robinson. Widely regarded as one of the best players in college football in 2024, Robinson’s place on ESPN’s All-America First Team comes as no surprise. The junior running back’s blend of vision, speed, agility, and power has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses throughout the season.

A Phenomenal Season

Robinson’s season has been nothing short of spectacular. With over 1,500 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, he’s dominated from the backfield and been the centerpiece of Texas’ offense. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through gaps, and make defenders miss in the open field has earned him national recognition. His vision as a running back is among the best in college football, allowing him to consistently find and exploit holes in defenses.

What sets Robinson apart from many of his peers is his versatility. Not only is he an elite rusher, but he’s also a reliable target in the passing game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield has made him a dual-threat weapon, contributing to both the ground and air attacks. In addition to his offensive prowess, Robinson’s leadership and work ethic have been key components of Texas’ success this season, and his all-around abilities make him a legitimate candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

NFL Prospects

Bijan Robinson’s performance has also solidified his status as one of the top running back prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. Scouts have been raving about his skill set, and he is expected to be a high first-round pick. His blend of size, speed, and ability to read defenses positions him to have a successful professional career. However, for now, Robinson remains focused on leading Texas to further success and adding more accolades to his already stellar resume.

2. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback

Another key player who earned a spot on ESPN’s All-America First Team is sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers. After a solid but inconsistent freshman campaign, Ewers took a major step forward in 2024, establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. His development and poise in the pocket have been crucial to Texas’ offensive resurgence and championship aspirations.

A Breakout Year

Ewers’ 2024 season has been a breakout year in every sense of the word. With over 3,500 passing yards and 35 touchdown passes, he has proven himself as a top-tier quarterback capable of leading a high-powered offense. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make throws on all levels of the field have allowed Texas to stretch defenses and put up big numbers through the air.

One of the most impressive aspects of Ewers’ game has been his ability to handle pressure. Whether it’s in big moments or on the road in hostile environments, he’s demonstrated poise and confidence, something that was lacking in his freshman year. His growth as a leader, ability to read defenses, and decision-making have all been major improvements, making him a candidate for postseason awards and further enhancing his draft stock for the NFL.

Future Outlook

Ewers’ future in college football is incredibly bright, and with the trajectory he’s currently on, he could be a household name by the time he enters the NFL Draft. However, for now, his focus is on leading Texas to another championship and continuing to build on the momentum he’s gained. Ewers is poised to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football for the next couple of years, and his inclusion on the All-America First Team is a testament to his tremendous progress.

3. Jerrin Thompson – Safety

While much of the attention surrounding the Texas Longhorns this season has focused on the offensive side of the ball, safety Jerrin Thompson has been a key cog in the team’s defensive success. Thompson’s presence on the field has been a game-changer, as he’s consistently delivered big plays and anchored a defense that has been one of the best in the country.

Defensive Excellence

Thompson’s 2024 season has been a standout one for the Texas defense. With 75 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles, he’s been a playmaking force in the secondary. His ability to cover a wide range of the field and make crucial stops in key moments has earned him All-America honors. Thompson’s football IQ and instinct for the ball have made him a standout defender, and he’s been a vital leader for Texas’ defense this season.

Whether it’s his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, make timely interceptions, or prevent big plays from occurring, Thompson’s versatility has made him one of the most complete safeties in college football. His combination of size, speed, and skill allows him to excel in both pass coverage and run support, and his leadership has been vital in Texas’ successful season.

Leadership on Defense

What sets Thompson apart from other defenders is his leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments. In several key games this season, Thompson has made pivotal plays, including interceptions and forced turnovers that changed the course of games. His consistency and ability to elevate his play in critical situations have made him one of the most valuable defensive players in college football.

Thompson’s presence in the secondary has also allowed Texas to deploy more aggressive defensive schemes, knowing that they have a reliable and trustworthy player in the backfield. He is a key part of what has been one of the best defenses in college football this season, and his First-Team All-America selection is a fitting acknowledgment of his tremendous contributions.

The Impact of These Selections on Texas Football

Having three players selected to the ESPN All-America First Team is a significant achievement for the Texas Longhorns. It serves as a recognition of the team’s talent and hard work throughout the season, and it also raises the profile of the program on a national level. With a combination of elite talent on both sides of the ball, Texas has positioned itself as one of the top teams in the nation, and these All-America selections reflect the overall success of the program.

Program Momentum

The selections of Robinson, Ewers, and Thompson are a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to recruit and develop elite talent. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has made significant strides in recent years, and the recognition of these three players on a national stage reflects the growth of the program. Sarkisian has done a tremendous job in creating a competitive and dynamic environment where players like Robinson, Ewers, and Thompson can flourish.

These individual accolades also provide a boost to Texas’ recruiting efforts. The recognition of these players as the best in the country not only attracts more attention to the program but also serves as a recruiting tool to bring in future stars. Top high school prospects will undoubtedly be looking at the success of players like Robinson, Ewers, and Thompson and be more inclined to join a program that is consistently producing All-America talent.

National Championship Aspirations

With three players making the All-America First Team, Texas is now in a strong position to compete for a national championship. These individual accolades are a reflection of the team’s collective success, and Texas will need to continue to perform at a high level to capitalize on the momentum these players have built. The Longhorns’ strong performance this season, coupled with the recognition of these three stars, puts them in the conversation for the College Football Playoff and a potential national title.