Longhorns Hill Jr. and Taaffe Earn 2025 AP All-America Honors, Declared for NFL Draft

Two Texas Longhorns have been named to the 2025 Associated Press All-America team, a milestone that underscores their standout seasons and signals their readiness for the next level.

AP All-America Honors

The Associated Press released its All-America roster on Monday, announcing that linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. earned a spot on the second team while safety Michael Taaffe made the third team. Both players were also second‑team selections in 2024, showing a consistent level of high performance from one season to the next.

The full list of 2025 AP All-Americans was unveiled in Arlington, Texas, on January 10, with the Longhorns’ selections highlighted among a diverse group of players from across the country.

Player Highlights

Anthony Hill Jr.

Hill finished the regular season with 69 tackles and played in 10 of Texas’ 12 games. His statistics include:

• 7 tackles for loss (4 of which were quarterback sacks)
• 2 interceptions
• 3 forced fumbles
• 3 pass breakups
• 1 fumble recovery

These numbers earned him a second‑team All‑SEC selection and solidified his reputation as a disruptive force on defense.

Michael Taaffe

Taaffe recorded 70 tackles over the same span of 10 games. His key contributions were:

• 1 sack
• 2 interceptions (one of which was a late‑game pick that helped secure a 27‑17 win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown on November 28 at DKR‑Texas Memorial Stadium)
• 3 pass breakups

Beyond his on‑field play, Taaffe was honored with the 2025 Wuerffel Trophy, an award that recognizes both athletic excellence and community service.

Impact on NFL Draft

Both Hill and Taaffe have declared for the NFL Draft and chose to opt out of the upcoming Citrus Bowl on December 31 against Michigan. Their decisions reflect a desire to focus on preparation for the professional level and to capitalize on the momentum from their All‑America recognitions.

Conference Representation

The 2025 AP All‑America list featured a total of 16 selections from the Big Ten, making it the conference with the most players across all teams and positions. The Southeastern Conference followed with six selections. This distribution highlights the competitive balance among the top college football programs.

Other Notable Selections

• Leonard Moore (Round Rock, Texas) was named a first‑team cornerback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
• Cam Cook (Stony Point, Texas) earned a third‑team pick at running back for Jacksonville State.
• Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) secured the first‑team quarterback spot as the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner.
• Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt) was chosen for the second‑team quarterback slot.
• Julian Sayin (Ohio State) received third‑team quarterback honors.

These selections illustrate the breadth of talent recognized by the Associated Press across multiple conferences and positions.

Key Takeaways

• Anthony Hill Jr. and Michael Taaffe have been honored on the 2025 AP All‑America team, marking their second‑team and third‑team selections respectively.
• Both players have declared for the NFL Draft and opted out of the Citrus Bowl, focusing on professional preparation.
• The Big Ten led all conferences with 10 selections, while the SEC had six.
• Additional standout players include Leonard Moore, Cam Cook, Fernando Mendoza, Diego Pavia, and Julian Sayin.

The recognition of Hill and Taaffe not only celebrates their individual achievements but also underscores the strength of Texas’ football program as it continues to develop players who excel at the national level.

Closing

As the 2025 season concludes, the All‑America honors serve as a testament to the dedication and skill of these athletes. Their declarations for the NFL Draft signal the next chapter in their careers, while the broader list of selections showcases the talent distributed across the nation’s top college football programs.