TENSION ; Long Horns have three keys Stars entering the Transfer Portal including a 5-star recruit coming out of Humble Summer Creek High School in the 2022 recruiting class.

Three key players for the Texas Longhorns offense declared for the NFL draft on Sunday, and more are expected to in the coming days.

Kelvin Banks Jr., Jaydon Blue and Hayden Conner all said via social media Sunday they are foregoing their remaining college eligibility and entering the professional football ranks.

ESPN ranks Banks as the No. 2 offensive tackle and No. 14 overall draft prospect after another All-American season with Texas. Banks won the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, helping the Longhorns get to the College Football Playoff semifinals for the second consecutive year. Banks started as a true freshman with 42 career starts for the Longhorns in three seasons.

 

“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 said in an Instagram post. “To my teammates, thank you for pushing me to be my best every day. I wouldn’t be the player or person I am today without each of you.”

Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) sets up to block against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

247Sports rated Banks as a 5-star recruit coming out of Humble Summer Creek High School in the 2022 recruiting class He was the No. 30 overall recruit in the nation, No. 3 nationally at offensive tackle and No. 7 in Texas. He’s projected to be the first-round draft pick in April’s NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

 

“I will always bleed burnt orange and cherish the memories I’ve made here,” Banks said. “Thank you, Longhorn Nation, for everything. I look forward to representing Texas proudly in the next chapter of my journey. Hook ’em.”