With a 9-3 overall record, it's understandable why the Texas Longhorns were left out of the College Football Playoff this year. However, after holding some of the most dominant teams in the nation to 35 points or less, the latest All-American lists don't check out quite as easily.
When the AP released its three All-American rosters, there were only two Longhorns on the lists, and zero were on the first-team defense.
Veteran linebackers Anthony Hill Jr. (second-team defense) and Michael Taaffe (third-team) were the only Horns to make the cut, despite the fact that Texas held teams like Ohio State to just 14 points.
Texas Longhorns snubbed by AP All-American list
No, the Horns didn't live up to the lofty expectations that were placed on them ahead of the 2025 season, entering the year ranked No. 1 in the country. However, by the end of it all, Texas toppled then-No. 3 Texas A&M in a resounding 27-17 victory.
The Texas defense deserved more recognition, and it is as simple as that. Hill easily could have been a first-team All-American, and Taaffe arguably could have made the second-team roster.
Michael Taaffe 2025 season stats
- 70 total tackles (38 solo)
- 1 sack
- 2 interceptions
- 1 pass deflection
Taaffe made some of the biggest plays throughout the Horns' regular season and deserved to be recognized for his accomplishments as a fourth-year leader on the team (especially as a player who started as a walk-on).
Of course, as Texas prepares for its postseason matchup against the Michigan Wolverines, Taaffe won't be on the roster as he opted out of the bowl game to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Anthony Hill Jr. 2025 season stats
- 70 total tackles (38 solo)
- 4 sacks
- 3 forced fumbles
- 2 interceptions (3 yards)
- 1 pass deflection
Hill was everywhere when the Texas defense was on the field this season, and while his numbers aren't quite as high as they were in 2024, they were still an incredible feat to achieve.
Similar to Taaffe, Hill opted out of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to start on Thursday, April 23.