Junior offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. has officially declared for the 2025 NFL draft forgoing his final year of eligibility. Banks leaves as the best offensive lineman in Texas history, carving out a career of team achievements and earning individual accolades.
Banks made the announcement through a post on his Instagram.
“I want to thank Coach Sark and Coach Flood for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dreams of playing on the biggest stage in college football,” Banks wrote. “I look forward to representing Texas proudly in the next chapter of my journey.”
Banks ends the 2024 season as the Lombardi Award winner, and the Outland Award winner, becoming the first player in program history to win both awards in one season, and a Joe Moore award finalist. Each award is meant to recognize exemplary play by an offensive linemen. Banks is the most decorated player on the Texas roster.
This marks the second year in a row that a Texas lineman won the Outland Award as defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, now at the Tennessee Titans, is the previous winner. Banks is the fifth Longhorn to win the Outland, making Texas the first school to win the award in consecutive years since Nebraska won three in a row back in the 1980s.
Banks played in 15 games this season accounting for 935 snaps and allowed only one sack all season according to Pro Football Focus. Playing in 42 games across his three years at Texas banks only allowing three sacks his entire tenure at left tackle. Banks was also recognized as a consensus All-American and All-SEC in his position.
Banks is mocked to be selected early in the NFL draft, possibly within the top ten in a draft class filled with elite prospects. Pro Football Focus has Banks Jr. ranked as the 15th overall best prospect in the upcoming NFL draft and the second-ranked Offensive tackle, only behind LSU’s Will Cambell.
Banks has the opportunity to be the first Texas Longhorns offensive lineman selected in the first round of the NFL draft in 23 years. The last time a Longhorn lineman went in the first round was back in the 2002 draft. Offensive tackle Mike Williams was selected in the first round by the Buffalo Bills.
The NFL Draft will start on Thursday, April 24.
