Texas Longhorns star makes NFL Draft decision just before Quinn Ewers deadline
Texas Longhorns left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, beating quarterback Quinn Ewers to an official announcement .
Banks Jr. is one of the most decorated linemen in the Longhorns ‘ history. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound All-American is projected as a potential top-ten pick, having won the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award this season.
Banks Jr. was the No. 33 recruit in 2022 and joined the Longhorns after previously committing to the Oregon Ducks. He played 42 times, including winning the Big 12 last season, their first conference title since 2009, and playing in two College Football Playoff semifinals.
“I am eternally grateful for the impact The University of Texas and Longhorn Nation have had on my life,” Banks Jr. posted on Instagram.
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“From the moment I stepped on the Forty Acres, I knew I was part of something special. The support, passion, and pride of this community have shaped me both as an athlete and as a person, and will carry these memories with me forever.”
The superstar tackle’s announcement comes before Texas quarterback Ewers decides whether to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft . Ewers played his last snap as a Longhorn in the 28-14 Cotton Bowl defeat to the Ohio State Buckeyes. According to ESPN , Ewers will likely declare, leaving the Longhorns’ starting gig to Arch Manning.
Ewers isn’t expected to be a high pick in this April’s draft. Opinions on the quarterback vary, with one NFL executive expecting Ewers to be a top-100 pick while others see him sitting outside of that bracket. “Coaches will likely like him a lot more than scouts,” an NFL executive said.
Ewers’ decision to turn pro would see him turn down a seven-figure NIL offer to play another year in college football. Reports that a program is ready to offer $6 million in NIL to tempt Ewers away from Texas and back into college football, similar to the deal Carson Beck secured in Miami with the Hurricanes.
“You know I think that’s selfish of me to be able to be thinking about it or looking at that,” Ewers said on the transfer portal chatter ahead of the Cotten Bowl.
“I owe my teammates the best version of me right now. I can’t be looking forward. I’ll trip on the rock that’s sitting right in front of me. I’ve got to be locked in on what’s right here.”
