The Texas Longhorns football program suffered a double blow on Tuesday as wide receiver Isaiah Bond and offensive tackle Cameron Williams announced their decisions to forgo their remaining college eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft.
Adding to the blow of losing Bond and Williams is today’s news that star quarterback Quinn Ewers has also decided to enter the draft.
Their departures are part of a significant wave of talent exiting Austin this offseason.
Isaiah Bond, who transferred to Texas from Alabama last year, made a significant impact in his lone season with the Longhorns.
Bond recorded 34 receptions for 540 yards and five touchdowns, while also contributing 98 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Meanwhile, Cameron Williams, a mainstay on the offensive line, started 16 games at left tackle and made 37 appearances during his tenure at Texas.
His consistent play provided stability for the Longhorns’ offensive unit.
Their decisions add to a growing list of key departures.
Since the Longhorns’ season ended with a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl last Friday, 15 players have declared for the NFL Draft.
The long list includes wide receiver Matthew Golden, defensive backs Gavin Holmes and Andrew Mukuba, and offensive linemen Jake Majors, Hayden Conner, and Kelvin Banks Jr.
The talent exodus has sparked discussion among analysts, with 247Sports’ Brad Crawford noting the significant challenge ahead for Texas.
“Gonna have to readjust my way-too-early top 25 with this mass exodus of talent at Texas,” Crawford remarked. “Arch Manning can lead, but can he carry the Horns? Not sure.”
Crawford initially ranked Texas No. 1 in his way-too-early predictions for the 2025 season, but the ongoing draft and transfer decisions could lead to a reshuffling of expectations.
Despite the departures, optimism remains among Texas supporters.
The Longhorns still boast a wealth of talent, and head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff are expected to be aggressive in the transfer portal to address roster needs.
Also, there’s no denying that Manning is the real deal. After all, he will most likely enter the 2025 season as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
While replacing such high-caliber players is no small feat, Texas has its sights set on competing for an SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth in 2025.
Having said that, Texas fans are starving for a national championship. They came so very close these past two years under Ewers.
There are also rumblings that Steve Sarkisian could be a candidate for the Dallas Cowboys head coaching job.
Considering the current state of things, just how concerned should Texas fans be for the immediate future of the program???
