Texas Longhorns DT Bill Norton Confirms Departure for 2025

Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Bill Norton got some fans on social media excited about his potential return next season. But after seeing all of the love, he made sure not to give Longhorn nation any false hope.

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Bill Norton (15) 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 | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

AUSTIN -- Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Bill Norton created a bit of buzz on social media Wednesday when he posted a highlight reel of clips from this past season in Austin.

With the caption, "Six years later, the journey continues," fans quickly started to speculate that Norton would be returning for one more season. He declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Jan 14 shortly after Texas' loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, but his latest post made it seem as if there had been a change of plans.

However, clearly having seen all the positive feedback, Norton quickly clarified that he doesn't have any eligibility left as to not give anyone false hope.

Take a look:

Just to clarify, I don’t have anymore eligibility 😂 ❤️
— Bill Norton (@billlnorton) February 19, 2025

A transfer from Arizona, Norton joined Texas for what was his sixth season playing college football. He started off at Georgia, playing four seasons for the Bulldogs before heading west to join the Wildcats.

During his only season at Texas, Norton played in 15 games while posting 14 total tackles (1.5 for loss), one sack and one forced fumble. His best game of the season came in the first round of the College Football Playoff against the Clemson Tigers when he finished with two total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

Norton will now join a slew of other Longhorns like receiver Matthew Golden, offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., cornerback Jahdae Barron and running back Jaydon Blue among many more looking to land with an NFL team this spring. The 2025 NFL Draft begins on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay.

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