Five Unexpected Standout Prospects for the Texas Longhorns Football Team in 2025
The Texas Longhorns football team has consistently been one of the most prestigious programs in college football. As the 2025 season looms on the horizon, expectations are high, and the team is shaping up to be a serious contender in both the Big 12 and on the national stage. With a rich history of producing elite athletes, it is no surprise that the Longhorns boast a roster filled with potential stars. While many fans will have their eyes on familiar names such as Arch Manning or Bijan Robinson’s successor, there are several lesser-known prospects who could surprise and make a significant impact in 2025.
Here are five unexpected standout prospects who could emerge as key players for the Texas Longhorns in the 2025 season:
1. Jaden Greathouse (Wide Receiver, Sophomore)
When most fans think of the Texas Longhorns wide receiver corps, they immediately think of top-tier names like Xavier Worthy or Jordan Whittington. However, an underrated gem who could steal the spotlight in 2025 is sophomore Jaden Greathouse.
Greathouse, a highly-touted recruit out of Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, has been making waves behind the scenes since his arrival on campus. Known for his precise route running, excellent hands, and physicality, Greathouse has all the tools to thrive in Texas’ high-powered offense. While he may not have the same immediate recognition as Worthy, Greathouse’s ability to make contested catches and be a reliable red-zone target could push him into a featured role as early as 2025.
In his freshman year, Greathouse showed flashes of brilliance, especially in practice and scrimmages, but his playing time was limited. With Worthy and Whittington projected to leave for the NFL after the 2024 season, Greathouse will likely be positioned as one of the go-to targets for whichever quarterback takes the reins in 2025. With the Longhorns looking to build their receiving depth, Greathouse’s ability to contribute as both a slot and boundary receiver could make him one of the breakout stars of the season.
2. Serrano Saba (Offensive Line, Freshman)
The offensive line is an often-overlooked but absolutely critical component to the success of any football team, and the Texas Longhorns will have to shore up their front five in 2025 if they hope to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. While the line may have some familiar faces, one player who could come in and make an unexpected impact is true freshman Serrano Saba.
Saba, a massive 6’6″, 320-pound offensive tackle from Arlington, Texas, is the type of player who can change the complexion of an offense with his size and mobility. He is a mauler in the run game, capable of clearing out defenders and creating lanes for the Longhorns’ talented running backs. His pass protection has been a strong point throughout his high school career, where he showed a knack for staying balanced and patient in one-on-one blocking situations.
Although offensive line coaches tend to be cautious with true freshmen, Saba’s physical tools and work ethic could force the coaching staff to find a way to get him on the field in 2025. With several current Longhorns linemen heading to the NFL after the 2024 season, the team will need new faces to step up. Saba’s potential to start immediately at tackle or guard is high, and if he adjusts quickly to the college game, he could become a key figure in the Texas offense.
3. Isaiah Cobbs (Defensive Tackle, Redshirt Freshman)
Defensive tackle has historically been a strong position for Texas, but in recent years, the Longhorns have struggled to consistently generate pressure up the middle. Heading into 2025, there is a rising star who could fill this gap in the form of redshirt freshman Isaiah Cobbs.
Cobbs, who spent his first year in Austin adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football, has already impressed coaches with his work ethic and raw power. At 6’4″ and 300 pounds, Cobbs possesses the size and strength to clog up running lanes, but his agility and quickness make him an ideal candidate to disrupt quarterbacks in passing situations as well.
While his first season was one of learning and development, Cobbs’ physicality and athleticism were evident during his redshirt year, and he’s now primed for a breakout campaign. As the Longhorns defense looks to take a step forward under new defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, Cobbs’ ability to demand double teams and collapse the pocket will be crucial. His versatility as both a nose tackle and a pass-rushing presence could make him one of the most impactful defensive players in 2025.
4. Kendal Milton (Running Back, Junior Transfer)
The Texas Longhorns have enjoyed a rich tradition of running backs, from Earl Campbell to Ricky Williams to Bijan Robinson. While replacing Robinson’s production will undoubtedly be a monumental task, the team may have found an unexpected standout in junior transfer Kendal Milton.
Milton, a transfer from Georgia, arrives in Austin with a wealth of college experience and a history of explosive performances in the SEC. Standing at 6’1″ and 220 pounds, Milton has the ideal combination of size, strength, and speed to thrive in Steve Sarkisian’s offense. Though he may not have been the featured back at Georgia due to the team’s stacked running back room, Milton showed his flashes when given the opportunity, and now, in a more prominent role at Texas, he could be poised to have a breakout year.
Milton’s ability to run between the tackles while also offering an explosive burst on outside runs makes him a versatile weapon for the Longhorns offense. He also has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, providing another dimension to Texas’ offensive attack. With a solid offensive line in front of him and a talented group of playmakers surrounding him, Milton could emerge as one of the most impactful players in the Big 12 in 2025.
5. Bryce Anderson (Safety, Sophomore)
The Texas secondary has been a position of concern for the Longhorns over the past several seasons, but they have a rising star in safety Bryce Anderson. A sophomore in 2025, Anderson has already demonstrated that he has the potential to become a dynamic force on the back end of Texas’ defense.
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing in at 205 pounds, Anderson possesses the size to be a physical presence against both the run and the pass. But what truly sets him apart is his playmaking ability. Anderson has exceptional ball skills, as evidenced by his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make quick decisions on the fly. His range and quickness allow him to cover a lot of ground, and he has already shown that he can be a key part of the Longhorns’ pass defense, whether it’s intercepting passes or breaking up throws downfield.
With the departure of veteran safety Jerrin Thompson following the 2024 season, Anderson is primed to take over a leadership role in the secondary. His experience as a key contributor as a freshman has provided him with the confidence and understanding of the defensive scheme needed to make a leap in 2025. Expect Anderson to be all over the field, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses and becoming one of the most important players on Texas’ defense.
Conclusion
As the Texas Longhorns head into the 2025 season, they will undoubtedly have a talented roster full of well-known players expected to carry the team. However, the success of the Longhorns will also depend on the emergence of lesser-known prospects who can make unexpected contributions. Jaden Greathouse, Serrano Saba, Isaiah Cobbs, Kendal Milton, and Bryce Anderson are five players who could surprise fans and analysts alike with breakout performances in the upcoming season. Each of these players possesses the talent and potential to make a significant impact and help propel the Longhorns back into national contention.
While the road to success will be challenging, Texas’ young prospects bring a renewed energy and excitement to the program. As the 2025 season unfolds, expect these players to step up and prove that even under the radar, standout talent can shine brightly in the Texas Longhorns football program.