We are only one month into the college football and NFL seasons, but the Texas Longhorns are already making headlines across the sport. Most recently, former Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. did so at the pro level, being dubbed the best defensive rookie in the league for the month of September.
Hill was named the Defensive Rookie of the Month for September after earning a league-leading 34 total tackles as well as two pass deflections.
The next highest rookie on the tackles ranking is Jacob Rodriguez, who is tied for eighth with just 28 total tackles. In other words, Hill is already light years beyond the level that most rookies are playing at in the first month of the season.
Despite his incredible career with the Horns, Hill fell to the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, going 60th overall to the Tennessee Titans. Well, he is certainly ensuring that the teams that passed on him are regretting their choice.
Former Indiana offensive tackle Kahlil Benson earned the Offensive Rookie of the Month award for the month, allowing just six pressures and only four sacks while starting on the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line.
The Rookies of the Month for September, presented by @pepsi pic.twitter.com/e4evdnh3z1
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2026
Longhorn Legends continue to lead the charge at the next level
Of course, Hill is not the only former Longhorn shining brightly in the NFL, with legendary Texas running back Bijan Robinson earning early-season awards of his own and breaking records with the Atlanta Falcons.
So far this year, Robinson has the second-most rushing yards (349) and is tied for the seventh-most rushing touchdowns (2), tacking on 118 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air.
Second-year wide receiver Matthew Golden has undeniably found his footing with the Green Bay Packers, becoming one of the go-to guys for quarterback Jordan Love. Through the first three games of the season, Golden has amassed 253 receiving yards for one touchdown.
Despite going down with a hand injury, fellow wideout Adonai Mitchell started the season with a bang, earning 123 receiving yards on just 14 catches.
Rookie defensive back Malik Muhammad is already excelling for the Chicago Bears, earning 11 total tackles (six solo), two pass deflections, one interception, and one sack.
Jordan Whittington, who is being used primarily as a return specialist for the Los Angeles Rams, has earned 94 yards on just four kick returns as well as an eight-yard reception against the San Francisco 49ers.
Devastatingly, running back Jonathon Brooks, who looked to finally be primed for a breakout season with the Carolina Panthers, has been placed on the Injured Reserve (IR) with an injury to his core and groin.
Simply put, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has turned the program back into one that produces elite NFL talent on an annual basis, and that's exactly what we should expect from the Horns.
As the season continues to unfold, do not be surprised if you see more headlines and awards for the former Longhorns.
Add us as a preferred source on Google