2. 1996
Priest Holmes and Ricky Williams form a dynamic duo in the new Big 12
Regarding pure NFL talent and college production, there might not be a better running back duo in the same backfield in Texas history than Williams and Priest Holmes for the Longhorns in 1996. Texas had two future NFL All-Pros and multi-time Pro Bowl selections in the same backfield, with Holmes and Williams leading the Big 12's most efficient rushing offense at a clip of 5.2 yards per carry.
Texas had a true thunder and lightning package out of the backfield, with Holmes running over opponents in goal line and short-yardage situations and Williams being the workhorse for the Longhorns' offense.
Williams and Holmes were so good for the Longhorns that the team's 1,000-yard running back from the previous year, Shon Mitchell, ranked second on the team in rushing yards in 1996. Mitchell was a major contributor to Texas's top trio of running backs during the 1996 campaign, rushing for over 600 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
The First-Team All-Big 12 selection for Texas, Williams had seven 100+ yard rushing games. He ranked fifth in the Big 12 in rushing yards (1,272) and yards from scrimmage (1,563).
When the Longhorns upset No. 3 ranked Nebraska in the 1996 Big 12 Championship Game 37, Holmes rushed for a career-high three touchdowns and 120 yards on the ground.
This was the first Longhorns' team of the decade in 1996 to rush for over 2,500 yards in a season.