The University of Texas has long been known for producing elite-level NFL talent, and as the 2026 NFL Draft slowly creeps into focus, the buzz around three Longhorns standouts is growing louder. With each Saturday that passes, their performances are only reinforcing what scouts and analysts have suspected for some time: these players have what it takes to make a serious impact on Sundays. The trio—quarterback Arch Manning, wide receiver Johntay Cook II, and defensive lineman Anthony Hill Jr.—have all landed on early 2026 NFL Draft big boards, and for good reason. Their skillsets, leadership, and production have made them focal points of Texas’ resurgence and projected cornerstones at the next level.
Arch Manning’s journey has been under the microscope since before he took a collegiate snap. Being the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of Archie Manning, expectations were inevitably sky-high. But Arch has steadily forged his own identity in Austin. After a patient start to his career, sitting behind Quinn Ewers and taking the time to develop both physically and mentally, 2025 has proven to be his breakout campaign. Manning’s blend of arm strength, pocket awareness, and mobility is rare, but what sets him apart is his football IQ and command of the offense. He reads defenses like a veteran, frequently changing plays at the line of scrimmage and manipulating coverage with his eyes. While some questioned whether the hype would ever translate, he has emphatically silenced the doubters.
Manning’s stats don’t just tell the story of a competent college quarterback—they reflect the growth of someone who’s taken complete ownership of the Longhorns’ offense. Through ten games this season, Manning has thrown for over 3,200 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, while completing 67% of his passes. Beyond the numbers, it’s the moments in which he delivers that have vaulted his draft stock. Whether it’s a two-minute drill to steal a win on the road or converting a third-and-long with pressure in his face, Manning has shown poise and execution worthy of a franchise quarterback label. NFL evaluators are already comparing his style to that of Justin Herbert or Joe Burrow—a steady, surgical presence who makes everyone around him better.
Of course, every great quarterback needs weapons, and Johntay Cook II has been the Longhorns’ ultimate deep threat and reliable target. The former five-star wideout came to Texas with explosive athleticism, but it’s been his route-running refinement and chemistry with Manning that has made him one of the most talked-about wide receiver prospects in the nation. Cook is a nightmare for defensive backs—he accelerates with ease, has an uncanny ability to track the ball in the air, and his footwork at the top of routes is among the best in the country. In a conference loaded with speed and talent, Cook consistently separates himself—literally and figuratively.
This season, Cook has hauled in 72 receptions for 1,245 yards and 13 touchdowns. That production puts him on pace with some of the best receivers in the country, but it’s his versatility that NFL scouts truly covet. He lines up in the slot, outside the numbers, and even takes jet sweeps or screens behind the line of scrimmage. He’s not just a vertical burner; he’s a complete receiver. Multiple scouts have noted that Cook reminds them of former Alabama star DeVonta Smith—a silky-smooth technician with game-breaking ability. But unlike Smith, Cook plays with a little more physicality, often shrugging off arm tackles and fighting for extra yardage after the catch.
What’s perhaps most impressive about Cook is his work ethic and leadership. Coaches rave about how much time he spends in the film room and how seriously he takes his role in the team’s success. He’s been seen working with younger receivers after practice, helping them refine their technique. That level of commitment, combined with his production and polish, has him firmly slotted in the first round on most early 2026 draft projections. As one NFC scout put it, “He’s not just a highlight reel waiting to happen—he’s dependable. That’s gold in today’s league.”
While the offense has been grabbing headlines, Texas’ defense has had its own superstar rising through the ranks. Linebacker-turned-defensive-lineman Anthony Hill Jr. has evolved into one of the most dominant front-seven players in the country. Hill arrived in Austin as a consensus top-50 recruit, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. His freshman year saw him rotate at linebacker, where his speed and instincts stood out. But it was a strategic move by the coaching staff to bulk him up and slide him down to the edge that unlocked his full potential.
Now playing as a hybrid defensive end/edge rusher, Hill has become a terror for offensive tackles. He combines explosive first-step quickness with a relentless motor and a growing arsenal of pass-rush moves. Through ten games, Hill has amassed 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He’s also recorded 42 quarterback pressures, ranking him among the top edge defenders in the country. The numbers are eye-catching, but it’s Hill’s disruptive presence that jumps off the screen when watching film. He changes how offenses game plan. Tight ends are kept in to chip him, backs have to help in protection, and quarterbacks constantly feel his presence off the edge.
Hill’s background as a linebacker also helps him in coverage situations, making him an ideal fit for modern NFL defenses that value versatility. He can drop back into shallow zones, cover tight ends in the flat, or simply crash the backfield with calculated aggression. His agility and lateral quickness allow him to navigate through traffic with ease, while his hand usage and leverage are improving with every game. Scouts have likened him to Micah Parsons—a lofty comparison, but not an unreasonable one given his skillset and athletic makeup.
What has NFL personnel even more excited is Hill’s growth as a leader and communicator. He’s often seen calling out offensive tendencies pre-snap, directing teammates, and making real-time adjustments. The blend of athleticism, football intelligence, and leadership traits make Hill a potential top-15 pick in 2026, especially for teams looking for an impact pass rusher who can stay on the field all three downs.
Together, Manning, Cook, and Hill represent the new face of Texas Football—not just stars in the college game, but future foundational players in the NFL. Their rise mirrors the resurgence of the Longhorns as a national powerhouse. Texas is not only winning games, but doing so behind homegrown stars who are playing at a professional level in every sense of the word. The culture that head coach Steve Sarkisian has built in Austin is rooted in development, preparation, and maximizing the talent of elite recruits. These three players are the embodiment of that mission.
For Manning, the next year will be all about consistency, health, and continuing to refine his game under the national spotlight. With a strong finish and a College Football Playoff berth on the horizon, he could find himself at the top of the 2026 quarterback class. Cook, meanwhile, is in position to become one of the most decorated receivers in Texas history if he continues at this pace. And for Hill, the remainder of the season will be an opportunity to cement his reputation as one of the most feared defenders in the nation.
There’s still a long way to go before the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around, and anything can happen between now and then. Injuries, performance dips, and off-field considerations can always shift the landscape. But as it stands today, the Texas Longhorns are poised to send a trio of elite talents to the professional ranks. And if their current trajectory holds, it won’t just be a matter of making it to the league—it’ll be about thriving in it from day one.
NFL teams are watching. Executives are taking notes. And fans in Austin are savoring what could be the final season for three of the most exciting players to wear burnt orange in recent memory. For Arch Manning, Johntay Cook II, and Anthony Hill Jr., the future isn’t just bright—it’s NFL-caliber.