Standout OT Kelvin Banks Jr. named to preseason Outland Trophy watch list

On top of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list being revealed on Tuesday, the FWAA also announced the 75-player watch list for the Outland Trophy. This trophy is given annually to the outstanding interior lineman. Last year Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat won the award and the Longhorns could go back-to-back this year.

Texas Longhorns Kelvin Banks Jr. was named to the preseason Outland Trophy watch list on Tuesday. He is among the players who could be a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL draft next April. Banks is widely regarded as one of the two best tackles, LSU’s Will Campbell being the other.

Last season, Banks started all 14 games at left tackle. He has started every game of his collegiate career over the first two seasons. Banks led the team with an 86.8 pass-blocking grade from PFF and played a total of 983 snaps.

He will be key for the success of the offensive line as they attempt to contend for the Joe Moore Award, given annually to the best offensive line in college football. With Banks at left tackle, the Longhorns were able to rush for a combined 2,638 rushing yards with 29 touchdowns. As a pass-blocking unit, the team allowed Texas to pass for 4,047 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Keep your eyes on Kelvin Banks Jr. this season as he looks to lead the Longhorns back to the College Football Playoffs and secure the school’s fifth national championship in a loaded conference. It won’t be an easy task but they have the roster to do it, now they just have to prove it.