Senior tight end Gunnar Helm has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, ending his four-year run with the Longhorns.
“The past four years have been the best of my life,” Helm said in his statement. “From the highs of intense games to overcoming challenges, every moment — good and bad — has shaped me. The culture of this team, the brotherhood, and the support we give each other have pushed me to grow, both as a player and a person.”
The former three-star prospect picked Texas over Auburn, UCLA, Wisconsin and Iowa as part of Tom Herman’s last recruiting class at Texas. Helm signed alongside fellow tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, who was drafted as a fourth-round pick during the 2024 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.
With Sanders gone, Helm stepped up into his role as starting tight end and became Texas’ leading pass-catcher with a total of 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns averaging 13.1 yards per catch this season. Helm started in 25 of the 54 games he appeared in and was a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award this past season for the best tight end in the country.
Helm put together a polished career at Texas, though his standout performance came his senior year. His best game of the season came early against Michigan, where he caught seven passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Despite Helm’s personal growth and accomplishments as a player, the 2024 season came to a sour end for the Longhorns with their loss against Ohio State in the College Football Playoffs semifinals.
“I’ve learned what it means to work hard, persevere, and be part of something bigger,” Helm said. “Texas has truly become my home, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.”
Helm shows promise as a projected potential third-round pick and second-string tight end largely due to his versatility, prototypical tight end build and ability to thrive as both receiver and pass blocker, according to College Football Network.
“This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s next,” Helm said in his statement. “Thank you, Texas, for the memories. Hook ‘em!”
Helm will be able to showcase his aforementioned skills in the NFL Scouting Combine from Feb. 27 to March 2 prior to the NFL Draft, which will occur from April 24 to April 26.