Kelvin Banks Jr., the standout junior offensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns, has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Banks, who has been a key figure on Texas’ offensive line since his freshman season, has established himself as one of the top prospects in college football.
His decision to enter the draft marks the end of a highly successful collegiate career, where he was a cornerstone of a Texas offense that has seen significant growth and improvement during his time in Austin.
A native of Allen, Texas, Banks arrived at Texas as a highly-touted recruit, earning recognition as a five-star prospect and the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2022 class. His transition to college football was seamless, as he immediately earned a starting role on the offensive line as a true freshman in 2022.
Over the course of his first two seasons, Banks developed into one of the most consistent and dominant players at his position, earning multiple All-Big 12 honors and national recognition for his performances on the field.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 325 pounds, Banks possesses the ideal blend of size, athleticism, and strength that NFL scouts covet in a premier offensive tackle.
His physical attributes, combined with his refined technique and football IQ, make him a highly attractive prospect for NFL teams in need of a top-tier offensive lineman.
Banks’ ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and create running lanes for the Texas offense was a key factor in the team’s offensive success, especially in 2024 when the Longhorns experienced a resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
In his sophomore season, Banks continued to shine as one of the best offensive tackles in the country. His performance in both pass protection and run blocking helped the Longhorns rank among the top teams in the Big 12 in both rushing yards and passing efficiency.
His maturity and consistency in both facets of the game caught the attention of NFL scouts, and his physical tools make him a potential high-round pick in the upcoming draft.
Banks’ decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft is in line with the growing trend of underclassmen declaring early, especially those who have displayed the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Despite still having one year of eligibility remaining, Banks has received feedback from NFL teams indicating that he is a prime candidate to be selected early in the draft, likely within the first round. With his combination of size, skill, and experience, Banks is expected to be one of the top offensive linemen in the 2025 class.
While the Longhorns will certainly miss his presence on the field in 2025, Banks’ departure is a testament to his development and readiness for the next level. His journey from a highly-recruited high school prospect to a potential first-round NFL pick serves as a reminder of the growing pipeline of elite talent coming out of Texas football. As the draft approaches, Banks will continue to be evaluated by teams across the NFL, all of whom will be looking to add a future anchor to their offensive lines.
For Texas, the next step will be finding a way to replace one of the most dominant and reliable players on their roster. However, Banks’ legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Longhorns program, which has been a breeding ground for NFL talent in recent years.