Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. declares for NFL draft

Field Level Media|published: Sun 12th January, 19:52 2025

NCAA Football: CFP National Playoff First Round-Clemson at Texas

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Sunday.

The junior won the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award this year. The Outland is given to the best interior lineman -- offense or defense -- in college football, and the Lombardi Award is given to the best offensive or defensive lineman.

Banks could be the first offensive lineman off the board this April and is rated the No. 14 overall draft prospect by ESPN.com.

"I am eternally grateful for the impact The University of Texas and Longhorn Nation have had on my life," Banks wrote in a social media post. "From the moment I stepped onto the Forty Acres, I knew I was part of something special. ...

"With that being said, after careful consideration, I have decided to forego my final season of eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. I will always bleed burnt orange and cherish the memories I've made here. Thank you, Longhorn Nation, for everything."

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Banks started 42 games over three seasons at Texas. He helped the Longhorns win the Big 12 Conference title in 2023 before the school's transition to the SEC.

Texas' season ended with a 28-14 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Friday at the Cotton Bowl Classic. Other Texas players to declare for the draft Sunday were offensive guard Hayden Conner and running back Jaydon Blue.

--Field Level Media