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Everything is bigger in Texas, including its love for college football. The premier program in the great state is the University of Texas at Austin. Four National Championships, 33 conference titles, and an insanely impressive all-time record of 948–392–33. Texas has seen quite a few legends come through this illustrious program. From Earl Campbell to Earl Thomas, these are the biggest legends in Texas Longhorns History.
Bijan Robinson
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Texas Stats: 31 games played, 539 rushes, 3,410 yards, 33 rushing TD, 60 receptions, 805 yards, 8 TD, 1x All-American
Bijan Robinson was the do-it-all running back every program desires. As outlined by his impressive 6.3 YPA and 13.4 YPR, Robinson was a beast on the ground and through the air. The former All-American spent three seasons at Texas, and although he never made it to the championship, Robinson was No. 1 in the Big 12 in rushing yards and No. 6 in the NCAA in his final season. Robinson would go on to be the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL draft and looks like a future star after his first season with the Atlanta Falcons.
Justin Tucker
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Texas Stats: 52 games played, 45.5 yards average/punt, 100% XP, 83.3 FG%
The NFL’s greatest kicker of all-time punted for four years at Texas and served as the kicker for his junior and senior years (2010-11). In his tenure at Texas, Tucker was 71/71 on extra points (which is no small feat when you see the misses in today’s game). The kicker was also 40/48 when he started kicking field goals in his junior and senior seasons. This is only eclipsed by the knowledge that Tucker is over 90% in his illustrious 12-year NFL career. It is tough to know how college kickers will pan out at the next level, but with Tucker’s college career long of 52 yards and starting his kicking career going 2/2 on field goals both over fifty yards in his opening game as a junior, he seemed like a good bet. Tucker was a fantastic kicker at Texas and is without a doubt the greatest kicker in NFL history.
Brian Orakpo
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Texas Stats: 47 games played, 103 total tackles (75 solo), 34.5 tackles for loss, 23.0 sacks, 6 forced fumbles
Through Brian Orakpo’s first three seasons in Austin, the talented defensive lineman had a National Championship (2005) and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2005) honor to his name. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet — especially if you are looking at his freshman through junior years. After totaling 11.5 sacks through his junior year, Orakpo blossomed into a first-round pick as a senior due to his tremendous burst off the edge and his innate understanding of Texas’ defensive scheme. In 12 starts, the future 13th overall pick tallied 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. In addition to being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, the unanimous All-American was awarded the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award — deeming Orakpo as one of the nation’s best players in 2008.
Britt Hager
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Texas Stats: 34 games played, 499 total tackles (308 solo)
In 1987, Hager set a then-Texas record with 187 tackles…only to top that record in ’88 with 195 stops. Hager’s talent was evident from the jump, and he more than fulfilled his potential. To this day, Hager is Texas’ all-time leading tackler (499) and holds the two highest single-season marks. The football gene has been passed onto his kids, Bryce and Breckyn, as well. Bryce played six years in the NFL, while Breckyn compiled 135 tackles for the Longhorns between 2015-18.
Steve McMichael
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Texas Stats: 30.0 sacks, 11 forced fumbles
Before he became a Super Bowl champion with the famed 1985 Chicago Bears and well in advance of his stint in professional wrestling, Steve McMichael established himself as a Longhorn legend. A member of the team from 1976-79, McMichael became an All-American defensive tackle. While posting 30 sacks and forcing 11 fumbles is nothing to sneeze at, McMichael’s is perhaps most revered for his performance against Oklahoma his senior year. Pitted against Billy Sims — the 1978 Heisman winner — and the No. 3 Sooners, McMichael notched 13 tackles as the Texas defense held OU to just seven points.
Kenneth Sims
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At Texas: Two-time All-American, Lombardi Trophy winner
How dominant was Kenneth Sims for the Longhorns? Dominant to the point that the hulking defensive end finished eighth for the Heisman Trophy in 1981. Coming off the edge at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Sims was an unstoppable force. After spending two seasons playing behind fellow UT greats Bill Acker and Steve McMichael, Sims was finally given an opportunity to shine as a junior — and shine he did. The future No. 1 overall pick registered 131 tackles and was named an All-American. As an encore, Sims returned for one final season and won both the Lombardi Trophy — awarded to the best player regardless of position — and the UPI Lineman of the Year en route to his eighth-place Heisman finish. With 29.0 sacks to his name, Sims ranks fourth all-time in UT history.
Major Applewhite
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Texas Stats: 43 games played, completed 611-of-1,065 passes, 8,353 yards, 60 TD, 28 INT
Just a few years before Vince Young set the world on fire, Texas had another quarterback who set numerous school records — Major Applewhite. Besides having a fantastic name, Applewhite was a prolific passer at UT. During his redshirt freshman season, Applewhite led the Longhorns to wins over No. 7 Nebraska — ending the Cornhuskers’ 47-game home winning streak — No. 6 Texas A&M and Mississippi State in the Cotton Bowl. Despite earning All-Big 12 honors and leading the Longhorns to two Cotton Bowl appearances, Applewhite was forced into a backup role his senior year. Although the greatness of Vince Young quickly overshadowed Applewhite’s tenure, the four-year player left his mark. As it stands, Applewhite ranks third all-time in passing yards and third in touchdown passes.
Jerry Gray
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Texas Stats: 297 total tackles, 16 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveriesÂ
Before Nathan Vasher and Earl Thomas became national names for the Texas Longhorns, Jerry Gray was the man in the defensive backfield. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Gray was a four-year stalwart for the Horns. Gray was known for his ferocious hits, shutdown coverage and athletic plays in the secondary. His consistently excellent play netted the defensive back consecutive All-American honors (1983-84), as well as back-to-back Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year wins. Seven of his 16 interceptions — third-most in UT history — came in 1984, which set a single-season record that stood until 2009. A four-time Pro Bowler for the Los Angeles Rams, Gray is currently an assistant head coach with the Atlanta Falcons.
Noble Doss
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Texas Stats: 17 interceptionsÂ
Unless you are a lifelong Texas fan or a college football junkie, you probably have not heard of Noble Doss. Doss, born in Temple, Texas, was one of the star players for Texas from 1939 to 1941. Doss played the position of athletic back for the legendary coach Dana X. Bible. Having a knack for picking the ball out of the air, Doss intercepted seven passes in 1940 — at the time a single-season record. Over 80 years since he last appeared in a game for the Longhorns, Doss remains tied atop Texas’ all-time interception list with 17 picks. Oh, and if you’re curious whether Doss was athletic enough to play ‘athletic back,’ here is a fun tidbit for you to consider — the UT legend played for both the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Yankees (All-American Football Conference) upon leaving school.
D’Onta Foreman
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Texas Stats: 27 games played, 431 rushes, 2,774 yards, 20 rushing TD, 13 receptions, 146 yards
If you watched D’Onta Foreman play at Texas City High School, you probably had little doubt that he would be a standout player at Texas. A two-way standout, Foreman entered his freshman year with a ton of hype. Unfortunately, he was fourth on the depth chart — playing behind talented backs including Malcolm Brown and Jonathan Gray. After garnering just 14 carries in Year 1, Foreman received 94 as a sophomore — averaging over 7.0 yards per carry.
Finally, in 2016, the former Texas City star was afforded an opportunity to shine. Highlighted by a 341-yard effort against Baylor, Foreman galloped to 2,028 rushing yards for the season — the second-best single-season mark in program history. The junior was named a Consensus All-American and took home the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. Despite not starting until his final season, Foreman is 10th all-time at Texas in total rushing yards.
Jackson Jeffcoat
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Texas Stats: 40 games played, 172 total tackles (101 solo), 50.0 tackles for loss, 26.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles (4 recovered), 1 INT
The son of Jim Jeffcoat — a two-time Super Bowl champion and longtime Dallas Cowboy — Jackson Jeffcoat was recognized as one of the top prep players in the country ahead of his collegiate debut. The No. 1 strong-side defensive end and No. 5 national recruit overall, Jeffcoat committed to Texas in 2010. After earning freshman All-American honors, Jeffcoat became a steady force for the Longhorns in his final three seasons. The edge rusher peaked as a senior when he notched 13.0 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. Jeffcoat’s high motor and long arms created a ton of problems for offensive linemen. His production in 2013 resulted in being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the nation’s top defensive end (Ted Hendricks Award). With 27.5 career sacks to his name, Jeffcoat ranks seventh all-time — and is the most prolific rusher the school has seen since the mid-1980s.
Tony Degrate
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Texas Stats: 27.0 sacks, 147 tackles in 1984Â
Yet another Texas native, Tony Degrate was a tackling machine for the Longhorns in the 1980s. Degrate was quite the specimen both coming off the edge and dominating the interior of the line. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing north of 275 pounds, the electric defensive end/defensive tackle was an opposing team’s nightmare. A two-time All-Southwest Conference player, Degrate notched 147 tackles in 1984 — including a Longhorn-record 123 solo stops. In his last two seasons in Austin, Degrate registered 36.0 tackles for loss. His production in ’84 — which included 12.0 sacks and four forced fumbles — resulted in Degrate winning the Lombardi Award.
Jerry Sisemore
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At Texas:Â National Champion, Two-time All-American
In addition to taking one of the greatest promotional pictures in the history of sports, Jerry Sisemore was a tremendous — and winning — football player. Due to the old NCAA rule that barred freshmen from playing on the varsity team, Sisemore was absent when Texas won the 1969 National Championship. However, when Sisemore took the field as a sophomore in 1970, he helped contribute to Texas’ glory. With Sisemore manning a spot on the offensive line, Texas extended its winning streak to 30 games and captured a second-straight National Championship.
Over the next two years, Sisemore would take his game to another level. The 6-foot-4 lineman became the Southwest Conference’s best offensive lineman — and possibly the best at his position nationwide. At the conclusion of his Longhorn tenure, Sisemore had won three Southwest Conference titles, a National Championship, and was a two-time Unanimous All-American.
Sam Ehlinger
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Texas Stats as of August 2020: 36 games played, completed 729-of-1,154 passes, 8,870 yards, 68 TD, 22 INT, 1,526 rushing yards, 25 rushing TD
Sam Ehlinger is near the top of every major statistical passing category in Longhorn history. This comes as no surprise to those familiar with Texas football. While at Westlake High School in Austin, Ehlinger broke numerous school records previously held by two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks — Drew Brees and Nick Foles. As a freshman Ehlinger spent time as the starter and backup. As a sophomore, however, the Westlake grad became Texas’ leading man. Ehlinger made an immediate impact with both his arm and legs — in addition to tossing 25 TD passes to only five interceptions, Ehlinger rushed for 16 scores. Overall, Ehlinger ranks second all-time in the following categories: passing yards, passing touchdowns, total offensive yards and total touchdowns.
Aaron Ross
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Texas Stats: 50 games played, 205 total tackles (145 solo), 3 forced fumbles (2 recovered), 10 INT, 3 punt return TDs
Not unlike many all-time great players, Aaron Ross’ collegiate career didn’t get off to a smooth start. The versatile playmaker was set to make his Texas debut in 2002 but was deemed academically ineligible. Because of his struggles in the classroom, Ross didn’t touch the field until the 2003 season. Playing behind another defensive standout — Nathan Vasher — Ross managed to make an impact, albeit a small one.
His true breakout came during his junior year, as he excelled on both defense and special teams. Blessed with track speed, Ross returned two punts for touchdowns and intercepted three passes (nine pass breakups) playing corner for the 2005 National Champions. In 2006, Ross became the nation’s top corner. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year recorded 80 tackles, forced three fumbles and recorded six interceptions. Deservedly, Ross was deemed an All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award — given to the best defensive back in the country.
Tommy Nobis
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At Texas:Â National Champion, All-American at two positionsÂ
At one point in college football’s past, the idea of your best player(s) playing on both sides of the ball was a common one. When it comes to Texas, Tommy Nobis is arguably the best two-way player in program history. When Texas’ offense was on the field, Nobis played guard — where he featured as the team’s premier run blocker. However, for as well as he performed at guard, Nobis’ best position was linebacker. From 1963-65, the star backer averaged close to 20 tackles per game. With numbers like that, it is only fitting that Nobis was deemed an All-American following his final season. A National Champion in 1963, Nobis’ excellence on both sides of the ball was also recognized in ’65 — as he took home the Maxwell Award (best all-around player) and the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s top interior lineman.
Johnnie Johnson
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Texas Stats: 13 interceptions, 1,004 punt return yards
From 1977-79, the Texas Longhorns posted a 29-7 record on the strength of a top-ten defense. One of the main reasons for Texas’ great stretch, unquestionably, was Johnnie Johnson. A native of LaGrange, Texas, Johnson excelled as both a defensive back and a punt returner. As a punt returner, Johnson’s 1,004 career yards rank fourth all-time at UT. However, the three-time All-SWC selection made his biggest impact in the secondary. His 13-career interceptions are the fifth most by a Longhorn all-time — proving his selection as the nation’s best defensive back in 1978 seems like the right choice.
Jordan Shipley
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Texas Stats: 53 games played, 248 receptions, 3,191 yards, 33 TD, 49 kick/punt returns, 843 yards, 4 TD
While he is not the most talented wideout to grace the field in Texas’ burnt orange unis, Jordan Shipley is one of the most accomplished offensive players in program history. Though he graduated from Burnet High School in 2003, Shipley didn’t find his way onto the field as a Longhorn until 2006 due to injuries. Once he returned to action, Shipley got off to a decent start — bringing in 43 passes and finding the end zone nine times in two seasons. But over his final two campaigns, Shipley became a UT icon.
In 2008, Shipley was the star receiver for a 12-1, Fiesta Bowl-winning, team. After posting a 1,000-yard, 11-touchdown season, Shipley was granted one final year of eligibility ahead of the 2009 campaign. Shipley’s combination of great hands and elite speed (also a member of the UT track team) resulted in a phenomenal season — 116 receptions, 1,485 yards, 15 total touchdowns — and a place on the All-American team. In the 2010 BCS Championship against Alabama, Shipley hauled in 10 passes for 122 yards and two scores — Texas would lose 37-21.
Bobby Layne
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Texas Stats: 3,145 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 28 wins,Â
Bobby Layne was the definition of a stud athlete. In addition to playing a starring role on the gridiron, Layne was the ace pitcher on Texas’ baseball team — posting a 35-3 record and earning four All-SWC nods. When it came to football, Layne became one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. From 1944-47, Layne accumulated 3,145 passing yards and was deemed a First-Team All-American (’47) and Second-Team All-American (’47). His 28 victories as the starting quarterback trail only Colt McCoy and Vince Young. Hell, Layne even got the job done defensively…evidenced by a three-interception game against Baylor in ’46.
Layne’s greatness carried on at the professional level, as well. The dual-athlete was a three-time NFL champion and seven-time All-Pro. On two occasions he led the NFL in passing yards and once paced the league in passing touchdowns. Layne is forever immortalized in both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Michael Huff
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Texas Stats: 51 games played, 318 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 7 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles (3 recovered), 3 blocked kicks
When Michael Huff was named a Third-Team Freshman All-American in 2002, there was plenty of reason to believe he would develop into one of the nation’s finest defensive players. And while that certainly happened, nobody could have anticipated the history-changing impact Huff had on the sport. Huff had a knack for big plays — as evidenced by his three blocked kicks and four interceptions returned for touchdowns — and saved his biggest plays for last.
In the 2005 BCS Championship game against the dynastic USC Trojans, Huff made two of the three biggest plays of the night. First, he recovered a fumbled lateral by Reggie Bush — swinging the momentum of the game. Then, with USC facing a game-clinching 4th-and-2, Huff tackled Lendale White short of the line to gain — setting up Texas’ offense for the game-winning drive. The Jim Thorpe Award winner will live on in Longhorns lore for decades to come.
Colt McCoy
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Texas Stats: 53 games played, completed 1,157-of-1,645 passes, 13,253 yards, 112 TD, 45 INT, 1,571 rushing yards, 20 rushing TD
Not only is Colt McCoy a legendary figure for the Texas football program, but college football as a whole — whether you think he is a great player or not. Following Texas’ National Championship triumph in 2005, McCoy was tabbed to take over the quarterback position from Vince Young. And while he wasn’t able to win another title as the starter, McCoy became a Longhorn legend in his own right. A four-year starter, McCoy led Texas to three bowl wins (including the Fiesta Bowl) and an appearance in the 2009 BCS Championship.
As a junior in 2008, McCoy tossed 34 touchdown passes and accumulated nearly 3,900 yards through the air. With 11 rushing touchdowns as well, McCoy did enough to finish second in the Heisman vote. In his final season, McCoy led Texas to an undefeated regular season and finished third for the Heisman. Unfortunately, his National Championship aspirations were dashed on Texas’ first offensive series when the QB suffered a game-ending shoulder injury. Overall, McCoy went 45-8 as a starter — his 45 wins rank second all-time for a Division 1 quarterback. He is Texas’ all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, total offense and total touchdowns.
Roy Williams
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Texas Stats: 48 games played, 241 receptions, 3,866 yards, 36 TD, 3 rushing TD
There is no doubt about it, Roy Williams is the most talented wideout to ever sport the burnt orange. Before arriving on campus, Williams was a four-sport star in high school. In addition to being an all-state football player, the future No. 7 overall pick was all-state in track and field, as well as an all-district baseball and basketball player. His immense talent immediately translated at the collegiate level, as Williams scored 10 touchdowns and averaged over 20 yards per catch as a freshman.
After finding the end zone seven more times in Year 2, Williams posted his most prolific numbers as a junior — 1,142 yards and 13 total touchdowns. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, Williams finally earned All-American honors as a senior in 2003. Possessing top-end speed, tremendous leaping ability and soft hands, Williams was a mismatch every time he stepped on the field. More than 20 years after his final game with the Longhorns, Williams remains the program’s leader in receiving yards and touchdowns.
Nathan Vasher
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Texas Stats: 49 games played, 155 total tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 17 interceptions, 2 punt return touchdowns
Nathan Vasher was a dominant force in the defensive secondary. A two-way stud in high school — an all-state selection at wideout and cornerback — Vasher strictly spent time playing defense and special teams at Texas. As a freshman, Vasher was used sparingly. However, the coaching staff quickly realized that his talent needed to be utilized heavily. Starting with his sophomore season, Vasher became one of the nation’s top players. He was dangerous as a punt returner — 37 returns for 554 yards and one TD — and made opposing quarterbacks pay consistently, intercepting seven passes as a second-year player.
The future NFL All-Pro added 10 more interceptions to his tally over his final two seasons — putting him atop UT’s all-time interception list. At the time of his departure, Vasher had established a Big 12-record 64 career pass breakups. Armed with an advanced understanding of defensive schemes and sublime ball-hawking ability, Vasher is amongst the most skilled defensive backs of the past 20 years.
Cedric Benson
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Texas Stats: 49 games played, 1,112 rushes, 5,540 yards, 64 rushing TD, 69 receptions, 621 yards, 3 TD
While the Longhorns may be light on high-end receivers historically, the same can not be said for the running back crop. And while some of the other top rushers may have more brand-name recognition, only one back had a better collegiate career than this man. A four-year starter, Cedric Benson was an instant star for the Longhorns. After a 1,053-yard, 13-touchdown introduction to the nation in 2001, Benson was named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year — and he would only get better each of the next three years.
With a similar build and rushing style akin to the great Ricky Williams, Benson had virtually no trouble succeeding at the collegiate level. His near 1,300-yard effort as a sophomore was only a taste of what was to come. Benson, who rushed for 1,360 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior, became the unquestioned top running back as a senior. In winning the Doak Walker Award, Benson stampeded his way to 1,834 yards and 19 scores. In total, his 5,540 career rushing yards and 64 rushing touchdowns rank second all-time in UT history.
Derrick Johnson
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Texas Stats: 50 games played, 458 total tackles (280 solo), 65.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sack, 9 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles (5 recovered)
Derrick Johnson may be on Texas’ Mount Rushmore. A transcendent talent, Johnson had the look of a future All-American from the moment he arrived on campus. Standing at 6-foot-3 and approaching 250 pounds, the linebacker was an intimidating presence. As athletic a backer as you could find, Johnson often excelled thanks to his strength and quickness. And while his tackling was questioned at times, the detractors were a bit off. Aside from his freshman campaign in which he registered 83 tackles in just two starts, the two-time Consensus All-American recorded at least 120 tackles in each of his final three seasons.
Johnson recorded 120 stops as a sophomore, 125 in his third year — including 20.0 tackles for loss — and 130 as a senior. A true sign of a superstar player, Johnson was at his best when it mattered most. While at Texas, Johnson played in 18 games against ranked opponents. His production in those 18 matchups? 175 tackles (31.0 TFL), 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, three forced fumbles (one recovery). Safe to say, Johnson deserved to take home both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (top defensive player) and the Dick Butkus Award.
Jamaal Charles
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Texas Stats: 38 games played, 533 rushes, 3,328 yards, 36 rushing TD, 49 receptions, 539 yards, 3 TD
If Jamaal Charles had any room to operate, you had no chance of taking him down. If he had a step on you, you weren’t catching him. One of the fastest players in the country from the first time he took a snap as a Longhorn, Charles was an instant sensation. Playing a part-time role for the 2005 National Champions, the dynamic runner averaged 7.4 yards per carry (119 carries) and scored 13 times as a freshman.
After a disappointing sophomore campaign, Charles opted to prioritize football over track and field — where he finished 5th in the 100m finals at the NCAA Championships — to maximize his ability. Unsurprisingly, it worked. Charles rushed for 1,619 yards and 18 touchdowns in his final season. He was the nation’s eighth-leading rusher and rushed for the eighth most scores. Despite playing just three years for the Longhorns, Charles is currently the fifth-leading rusher in school history.
Earl Thomas
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Texas Stats: 27 games played, 135 total tackles (97 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, 10 INT, 2 TD
How good was Earl Thomas as a Longhorn? Well, despite playing just two seasons for the program, he ranks 12th all-time in interceptions and holds the single-season mark with eight picks (2009). After redshirting his initial year on campus, Thomas earned a starting gig and immediately became the team’s defensive leader. As a redshirt freshman, Thomas started 13 games at free safety and finished second in tackles (63), picked off two passes, blocked a kick, forced four fumbles and broke up 17 additional passes.
In earning Freshman All-American honors, Thomas established himself as a premier player. Not only was Thomas a ballhawk, but the free safety was amongst the hardest hitters in the nation. Furthering his greatness, Thomas’ skill was matched by his intelligence on the field. In his second and final season, Thomas nabbed eight interceptions — returning two for touchdowns — and was named a Consensus All-American. That he became a future Hall of Fame safety in the NFL is of no surprise.
Vince Young
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Texas Stats: 37 games played, completed 444-of-718 passes, 6,040 yards, 44 TD, 28 INT, 3,127 rushing yards, 37 rushing TD
Vince Young wasn’t the finest passer, but he ranks seventh all-time at Texas in yards and sixth in touchdown passes. For a program that doesn’t have a rich quarterback history, Young only reaching those heights may seem a bit surprising. However, Young’s game was far more advanced than simply being a good passer. The Longhorn legend is seventh on the rushing list and has rushed for more touchdowns than all but three players. After taking over the starting role as a sophomore in 2004, Young became the most lethal dual-threat quarterback since Michael Vick. In leading Texas to a Rose Bowl victory, Young racked up over 1,800 passing yards and more than 1,000 yards on the ground. The following year, Young’s final season, the QB cemented his place in history.
Young vastly improved as a passer in ’05, finishing the season with over 3,000 yards and 26 TD passes — after throwing just 12 the year before. His exploits on the ground continued as he added another 1,050 yards and 12 scores to his name. Then, facing off against the juggernaut that was USC football in the BCS Championship, Young became a true legend. Young finished the game with 267 yards through the air and 200 yards and three scores on the ground — leading Texas back from a 12-point deficit in the game’s final seven minutes, capping off his UT tenure with a National Championship-winning eight-yard scamper with 19 seconds remaining.
Ricky Williams
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Texas Stats: 46 games played, 1,011 rushes, 6,279 yards, 72 rushing TD, 85 receptions, 927 yards, 3 TD
Ricky Williams is one of the greatest college football players of all-time, period. With a perfect blend of speed, power and elusiveness, Williams carved out one of the finest collegiate tenures you will ever see. As a true freshman, Williams averaged 6.0 yards per carry in a shared backfield. That was enough to convince the coaching staff that he was ready for the lion’s share of carries the following year, and boy did he deliver. The phenom gained 1,272 yards on 205 carries and scored 14 total touchdowns — earning his first of three All-Big 12 nods.
In Year 3, Williams won the Doak Walker Award (his first of two) and was named an All-American for the first time. Somehow, rushing for 1,893 yards (6.8 YPC) and 25 touchdowns was only good enough to earn a fifth-place finish for the Heisman behind three future Hall of Famers — Charles Woodson, Peyton Manning, Randy Moss — and Ryan Leaf. However, Williams could not be denied the following year. In claiming the Heisman, Williams gained 2,124 yards on the ground and added 27 more rushing TDs. By season’s end, the superstar had claimed the all-time rushing record — now the third-best mark — and tied or broke 20 NCAA records.
Earl Campbell
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Texas Stats: 40 games played, 765 rushes, 4,443 yards, 40 rushing TD, 6 receptions, 128 yards, 1 TD
While Ricky Williams would terrorize you with his speed and deft moves, Earl Campbell would beat you up with his powerful runs until you broke. A powerhouse of a back, Campbell could beat you with both his power and speed. After falling just short of 1,000 yards as a freshman, Campbell rushed for 1,118 and 13 scores in Year 2 — earning All-American honors. The legend was limited as a junior due to a terrible hamstring injury, but his return to the field as a senior couldn’t have gone better. En route to an easy Heisman victory — the first in school history and one of two winners overall (Williams) — Campbell led the nation with 19 touchdowns and 1,744 yards. When it comes to Texas football, it’s Campbell, Williams, Vince Young and then everyone else.
