Anthony Hill Jr. will be among the prospects available in April’s draft. Per an announcement from the Texas linebacker, he has elected to turn pro. 
As a true junior, Hill could have remained in place with the Longhorns for 2026. Instead, that year will represent his rookie season in the NFL. Hill will no doubt be among the top options at the linebacker spot during the pre-draft process.
In 2023, Hill emerged as a key presence on Texas’ defense, making 14 appearances and six starts. He was named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and also took home Freshman All-American honors. Expectations were raised in Hill’s case for his follow-up seasons with the Longhorns moving to the SEC, and he delivered.
The 6-3, 238-pounder filled the statsheet during Texas’ run to the CFP semifinals in 2024. Hill totaled a team-leading 113 stops, along with 16.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks and four forced fumbles. That production led to a number of accolades, including first-team All-SEC and All-American honors. Hill remained highly impactful against both the run and pass in 2025, although a broken hand left him sidelined for the final two games of the season.
Now, Hill’s attention will turn to the pre-draft process. If things go well on that front, he could be one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class. There is of course plenty of time for things to change, but for the time being Hill is ranked 33rd overall by ESPN and fourth in terms of linebackers.