The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a notable move this offseason, parting ways with two former Texas Longhorns who were once seen as rising talents in the league.
First up is Keilan Robinson, who was selected by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After spending just one season in Jacksonville, the team has opted to release the former Texas running back. Robinson’s time with the Longhorns was marked by versatility; he played in 37 games, tallying 11 total touchdowns, including two on special teams.
Last season, Robinson started his rookie campaign on injured reserve, but he managed to make an impact in six games mainly on special teams. His standout moment came in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, where he returned two kickoffs for 34 yards in a tightly contested 10-6 victory. Interestingly, despite his potential, he didn’t get a chance to showcase his offensive skills much, recording only five snaps without any touches to show for it.
There’s still a possibility for Robinson to return to the Jaguars’ practice squad, but as it stands, he will now be on the lookout for his next opportunity in the NFL after a brief stint in Jacksonville.
Robinson’s journey began at Alabama under the legendary Nick Saban, where he had a promising start with 39 carries, 254 yards, and two touchdowns in his freshman season. He then transferred to Texas for the 2021 season, where he had his career-highs in several categories, including 45 carries and 322 rushing yards, along with three rushing touchdowns.
His college career had its share of highlights, particularly a career-best performance against West Virginia in 2021, where he rushed for 111 yards and found the end zone. As the 2023 season unfolded, Robinson became a key contributor in pivotal moments for the Longhorns. In a decisive game against Texas Tech, he not only snagged a 10-yard touchdown reception but also electrified the crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown shortly after halftime. His performance continued into the Big 12 Championship, where he excelled against Oklahoma State, rushing for 75 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Despite a challenging season for Texas under head coach Steve Sarkisian, with a 5-7 record, Robinson chose to remain with the Longhorns through 2022, a decision that ultimately contributed to their resurgence in contention for national recognition in 2023. With that background, it’s clear that Robinson has the talent to make an impact, and fans will be watching closely to see where his career leads next.
