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Anthony Hill Jr. is gearing up for Day 1 NFL draft buzz at Texas in 2025

by: Evan Vieth3 hours ago
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Anthony Hill (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Texas’ defensive players thrive on competition. While they root for each other’s success, there’s no denying that much of their motivation comes from betting on themselves and proving what they can do on the field.

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No one embodies that more than Michael Taaffe and the safeties. At Monday’s press availability, Taaffe sat alongside Jaylon Guilbeau, who was asked about his interception against San Jose State. Guilbeau began to explain that he benefited from Jelani McDonald tipping the ball his way—but Taaffe jumped in to set the record straight. McDonald had actually dropped an interception, a mistake he won’t live down in the safety room anytime soon.

It seems as if the Longhorns keep small wagers on everything—who forces the most turnovers, racks up the most tackles, and likely plenty of other competitions that spill beyond the field. We know for sure the safeties count their interceptions.

If there’s one player who fuels that competitive edge while reaping the benefits, it’s linebacker Anthony Hill.

Now in his third year, Hill is the definition of a success story in Austin. He burst onto the scene as a freshman pass rusher, shifted into the mike linebacker role in year two, and has since developed into a captain of the defense. Alongside Taaffe, he’s become a leader in communication for what many argue is the best defensive unit in the country.

This season, only Taaffe and McDonald have logged more snaps than Hill. The same thing happened in 2024 when, despite battling injuries, only Jahdae Barron and Malik Muhammad managed to out-snap him.

Now fully healthy, Hill has been a force. Week 1 in Columbus was quiet by his standards—he still thinks he could’ve made a crucial stop on Ohio State’s first touchdown—but he came out swinging against San Jose State.

Literally.

Hill forced two fumbles in that game, adding four tackles and three quarterback pressures. He’s at his best when he’s hunting the football—chasing down runners, collapsing the pocket, or plugging gaps that disappear in a blink.

The numbers back it up. Hill leads all Power Four linebackers in forced fumbles and, according to PFF, is one of only 15 qualified linebackers to allow fewer than 10 yards in coverage. He hasn’t missed a tackle all season.

That production is drawing national attention. With his NFL Draft eligibility now on the table, Hill’s name will only keep popping up. CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards recently projected him as the 17th overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals—potentially the highest selection for a true off-ball linebacker since 2019 (I don’t know what you are, Isaiah Simmons!).

Hill is more than just a top prospect; he’s the heart of this Texas defense and one of college football’s most exciting players. The Longhorns won’t feel the same once he’s gone, so fans would be wise to savor every snap while he’s still in burnt orange.

And maybe watch out for that right hook—it looked like it landed.

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