Texas OT Kelvin Banks Makes Decision on Senior Season After Loss to Ohio State

Banks knows what he's doing next.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. on Dec 21, 2024. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. will forgo his senior season and has declared for the 2025 NFL draft, the Longhorns star announced on Instagram on Sunday.

"I am eternally grateful for the impact the University of Texas and Longhorn Nation have had on my life," Banks wrote in a statement. "With that being said, 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. I look forward to representing Texas proudly in the next chapter of my journey. Hook 'em."

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A post shared by Kelvin Banks Jr (@thekelvinbanks)

Banks' announcement comes after the Longhorns were eliminated from the College Football Playoff on Friday, when they lost 28 –14 to Ohio State, and just ahead of Wednesday's deadline for underclassmen not competing in the national championship to declare for the draft.

The star OT and unanimous All-American started 42 games with Texas, and is expected to be an early selection in April.

"I just think he represents us at the highest level," Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said of Banks previously. "To go along with it he's a great football player and he's very calm on the field. Some might say he's reserved, but I see it first hand that he's not, he plays physical and he plays violent. ... I want him to win every award he can win, be an All-American, and a first-round pick. I don't know what else left tackles can do on that front."

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