AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns suffered a brutal loss Friday night at the hands of the Ohio State Buckeyes, but it’s not all negative in Austin, as three members of the 2024 roster have declared for the NFL draft. Kelvin Banks Jr., Hayden Conner and Jaydon Blue have all announced via social media that they will forgo their remaining college eligibility to turn pro. 

Banks is one of the most decorated offensive linemen in Texas football history. The left tackle won both the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award, two of the most prestigious lineman awards. Banks is almost assuredly a first round lock, and is currently projected as the No. 10 pick, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. 

In a post to Instagram Banks wrote, “I will always bleed burnt orange and cherish the memories I’ve made here. Thank you, Longhorn Nation, for everything. I look forward to representing Texas proudly in the next chapter of my journey. Hook ‘Em.” 

Fellow lineman Hayden Conner also declared for the NFL draft. Conner and Banks played a huge part in making the Texas offensive line into the nationally recognized unit it is today. Conner is a 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive guard, and is projected as the No. 5 offensive guard in the draft. In a post to X on Sunday, Conner said “The past four years have been the best of my life.”

Lastly, running back Jaydon Blue declared for the NFL draft. Blue rushed for 1,161 yards and 11 touchdowns, while playing a vital role in the passing game with 42 receptions and six touchdowns this season. 

Blue is projected as a late round pick, and risks going undrafted, but with Cedrick Baxter and Tre Wisner filling out the Texas backfield next season, it’s likely Blue would have struggled to see the field in 2025. 

Banks, Conner and Blue are just the first of many more likely to declare for the NFL draft. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is expected to declare, along with defensive back Jahdae Barron. Other notable names that have declared include receivers Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, defensive backs Andrew Mukuba and Gavin Holmes, and defensive tackle Vernon Broughton.