Not only was Matthew Golden the third Longhorn selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, tying a program record from 1980, but he also broke a 23-year streak held by the Green Bay Packers, becoming just the second wide receiver since 1988 picked in the first round by the franchise.
Despite the massive accomplishments he reached on Thursday night, he made sure to shout out his former program.
"To any college player, I'll tell you to go to Texas, man," Golden said. "They develop some real dawgs, and they'll get you to the next level."
Golden didn't start at Texas, he played his first two years of collegiate football with the Houston Cougars before transferring to play for the Horns during his junior season. During that singular year, Golden transformed into the first-round draft pick that he is now.
— Kyle Umlang (@kyleumlang) April 25, 2025
While at Houston, Golden averaged just 38 receptions, 494 receiving yards, and 6.5 receiving touchdowns per season. At Texas, he blew those numbers out of the water.
Matthew Golden stats with the Texas Longhorns
- 58 receptions
- 987 receiving yards
- 9 receiving touchdowns
- 14 kick off returns
- 285 return yards
- 1 pass completion (50 percent)
- 30 passing yards
Golden was a problem for opponents' defenses as he not only flew down the field, averaging 17 yards per reception, but he also averaged over 20 yards per kick return.
The young wideout was the third former Texas player drafted on Thursday night. He joined offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who was drafted ninth overall by the New Orleans Saints, and defensive back Jahdae Barron, who was drafted 20th overall by the Denver Broncos.
The second night of the 2025 NFL Draft is set to kick off at 6 p.m. CT on Friday, April 25, with the second and third rounds taking place. Rounds four through seven will start at noon on Saturday, April 26.