The Texas Longhorns found themselves on the cusp of the National Championship during the 2023-2024 season, marking a significant return to prominence in the college football world.

Looking ahead to their prospects for the upcoming season, the Longhorns will likely face the challenge of forging their path without two key players from their recent squad.

Star running back Jonathon Brooks and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II confirmed their entry into the 2024 NFL Draft, as initially reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Jonathon Brooks, a third-year running back, had an impressive tenure at Texas, amassing 18 total touchdowns in 22 games. His 2023 season was particularly noteworthy until an unfortunate ACL injury during the Longhorns’ victory over TCU in November.

Encouragingly, Brooks is anticipated to make a full recovery in time for training camp in July. In his last season, he rushed for 1,139 yards and recorded 10 touchdowns on 187 carries.

On the defensive front, Byron Murphy II took to social media to announce his decision to enter the NFL Draft after contributing significantly to Texas’ College Football Playoff journey. Murphy’s Texas career boasted impressive stats, with 70 total tackles and 8 sacks in just 39 games. His achievements also include the title of Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2021.

In his final season, Murphy notched 29 tackles, 8.5 of which were for a loss, along with five sacks, earning him first-team All-Big 12 recognition.

These departures signify the end of two remarkable college football careers at Texas, leaving a void that the Longhorns will need to address as they set their sights on continued success in the seasons to come.

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