Standout Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is expected to be an early round draft pick at the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. A fan favorite and game-changing defender, Hill is one of the highest-rated linebackers in this year’s draft class.
From his first moment on campus, Hill made plays. As a true freshman, Hill played as an EDGE, tallying 67 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks along with two pass breakups and a forced fumble.
While Longhorn fans may have been excited to land one of the premier in state recruits, especially after he was committed to Texas A&M, Hill’s instant impact still exceeded even the loftiest expectations.
Although snubbed for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, Hill was a consensus Freshman All-American and the C0-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. His five sacks are tied for the fourth-most by a Longhorn freshman and are the third-most by a Texas true freshman while the eight tackles for loss equaled the eighth-most for a UT freshman and sixth-most for a true freshman.
With his stock soaring, Hill made the transition from edge to linebacker and continued to dominate opposing offenses, recording 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. For his outstanding play, Hill earned First-Team All-American honors and became a focal point in SEC offensive game planning
His transition from pass rusher to three-down linebacker while increasing production and disruption was truly remarkable.
In his final season on the Forty Acres, Hill continued to impact games in multiple ways. He notched 69 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions despite missing time for a broken hand.
He was once again recognized by coaches and members of the media, accruing a Second-Team All American nod, Butkus Award finalist, Chuck Badnarik Award semifinalist, and All-SEC Second Team selection.
This past month, Hill participated in the NFL Combine, cementing himself as one of the premier defenders in this year’s draft. Measuring at 6’2, 238 pounds while running a 4.51 40 with a 1.58 10-yard split, Hill possesses the right combination of size, speed, and strength to play in the NFL.
His 21 reps on bench press, a 37-inch vertical, and 10’5 broad jump only confirmed the freak athleticism that is present on tape.
Hill’s ability to disrupt the game as a pass rusher, gap filler, turnover creator, and tackling machine make him a special prospect. The transition to the NFL as a three-down linebacker isn’t hard to picture. He’s got great instincts, sound technique, and an even keeled center of gravity that allows him to make plays while engaged with blockers.
NFL coaches will also be impressed by his speed. Hill’s lateral quickness allowed him to make plays from sideline to sideline throughout college while his burst resulted in quick firing into gaps and creating disruption behind the line of scrimmage.
Lastly, Hill’s knack for the big play is evident. Whether it’s a third-down or goal-line situation, Hill is in the mix. He creates stops in big moments and forces turnovers repeatedly.
As he transitions to the next level, Hill will need to limit the cutback lanes that he allows and consistently maintain a low pad level, two areas that can be refined under an NFL coaching staff.
Ultimately, Hill is one of the more desirable prospects in the draft. With athleticism, elite production, and a well rounded skillset, Hill is expected to hear his name called in Pittsburgh and immediately make an impact on an NFL roster with the latest ESPN mock draft slotting Hill as the No. 56 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round.
