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Michael Taaffe officially declares for the NFL draft

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook2 hours agojosephcook89

After a decorated career in burnt orange, Texas safety Michael Taaffe announced Monday he’s declaring for the NFL draft. Inside Texas previously reported Taaffe is not expected to participate in the bowl game.

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A former walk-on turned All-American, Taaffe finishes his Texas career with 222 tackles including 9.5 TFL and 3.0 sacks. He also logged seven interceptions, 14 passes defended, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble.

Taaffe was a second-team All-American in 2024 and was a two-time finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, an honor given annually to the top player in college football that started their career as a walk-on. He was recently named a first-team All-SEC defensive back and was the winner of the 2025 Wuerffel Trophy, given annually to the college player “who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.”

During the 2025 season, Taaffe logged 70 tackles with 1.0 sack. He also had two interceptions and a pass breakup.

A major Texas figure on and off the field, Taaffe has poured considerable effort into fentanyl awareness with Tackle Fentanyl. A partnership with Texas Against Fentanyl, Taaffe started the effort in honor of fellow Longhorn walk-on Jake Ehlinger.

Texas just completed a 9-3 regular season with losses to Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia and was left out of the College Football Playoff despite wins over Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt. It’s the first time since 2022 that the Longhorns have been left out of the College Football Playoff and failed to play for its conference championship.

The Longhorns will have plenty to do in the offseason ahead of 2026, including preparing for what is likely Arch Manning’s final season plus replacing defensive standouts like Michael Taaffe, Ethan Burke, and several others.

The program will be making changes throughout the offseason after signing the No. 10 class according to Rivals. The transfer portal opens on January 2, and the Longhorns will undoubtedly be active in that portion of the talent acquisition cycle.

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