Which Texas football players made ESPN’s list of the top 100?

Texas football was among the best rosters in the sport this past season. Even though the Longhorns didn’t win the national championship, they showed depth and talent all across the field.

The distinction of “most talented” likely goes to Ohio State, the College Football Playoff champions who defeated Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals. ESPN recently ranked its top 100 players in college football from the past season, and the Buckeyes had 10 players make the list.

Texas was not far behind, however. Many of those listed were on a defense that was rated among the best in the country, but there was some offensive players mixed int too. Some of their top contributors are headed to the NFL draft, while others will return for another year of seasoning in college.

Here are the seven Texas Longhorns football stars who were placed on ESPN’s top 100 list:

Texas safety Andrew Mukuba, No. 93

The Clemson transfer lands at No. 93 after returning home to Austin and having his best season ever. Mukuba’s instincts and chemistry with his teammates were fundamental to the Longhorns’ success on defense, with the safety racking up 69 tackles, five interceptions and eleven passes defended.

“A Clemson transfer who helped Texas improve from 116th in pass defense in 2023 to first in the regular season this year, he was a physical player whose big hits stopped runners cold. His interception in the second overtime against Arizona State clinched a CFP quarterfinal win for the Longhorns,” ESPN’s Dave Wilson said.

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, No. 74

Golden had already had a successful career at Houston, but the wide receiver made his mark nationally during his lone year with Texas.

While Isaiah Bond began the season as the Longhorns’ No. 1 target, Golden slowly proved himself to be the more reliable pass catcher. Ewers consistently looked for him in clutch situations and the Houston transfer is now projected to be a top receiver in the upcoming NFL draft.

“On the season, he finished with 58 catches for 982 yards and nine TDs, including a 28-yard touchdown on fourth-and-13 against Arizona State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl to force a second overtime,” Wilson said.