Texas Longhorns Shine on ESPN’s All-America Teams
As the 2024 college football season comes to a close, ESPN has unveiled its All-America teams, featuring the best of the best in the NCAA. The Texas Longhorns are well-represented on both sides of the ball, with three players earning first-team honors and one player securing a spot on the second team.
First-Team Honorees
Kelvin Banks: The junior offensive tackle was a dominant force on the Longhorns’ line, paving the way for a balanced offense that averaged over 275 passing yards and 160 rushing yards per game. Banks, who won the Lombardi Award as the nation’s best collegiate lineman, has been a starter at left tackle since his true freshman season.
Anthony Hill: The sophomore linebacker was a tackling machine, leading the Longhorns with 113 tackles, 17 for loss, alongside six sacks, an interception, and four forced fumbles. Hill’s impressive performance earned him a spot on the first team.
Jahdae Barron: The cornerback was a key contributor to the Longhorns’ stingy defense, which ranked among the nation’s best. Barron’s impressive coverage skills and ball-hawking abilities made him a first-team selection.
Second-Team Honoree
Michael Taaffe: The safety was a vital part of the Longhorns’ defensive backfield, earning a spot on the second team behind two national championship contending safeties, Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs.
The recognition of these four players is a testament to the Longhorns’ strength on both sides of the ball. With three first-team selections, Texas tied for the most representatives on the first team. The Longhorns’ impressive performance this season has set the stage for a bright future in Austin.
