In the 2025 NFL Draft, three standout Texas high school football alumni were selected within the top 10 picks, underscoring the state’s reputation for producing elite football talent. Quarterback Cam Ward from Columbia High School was chosen first overall by the Tennessee Titans, running back Ashton Jeanty from Lone Star High School went sixth to the Las Vegas Raiders, and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. from Summer Creek High School was picked ninth by the New Orleans Saints.
Texas high school football has long been a hotbed for future stars, and this year’s draft was a strong reminder of that. With thousands of fans packing stadiums on Friday nights and communities rallying behind their local teams, it’s no surprise the Lone Star State keeps churning out NFL-ready talent. For Ward, Jeanty, and Banks Jr., their high school roots were the starting point for something special—and now, they’re each headed to franchises looking for game-changers.
Cam Ward
Columbia High School (West Columbia, TX) / Tennessee Titans (#1 Overall)
Cam Ward’s journey from a lightly recruited high school quarterback to the first overall pick in the NFL Draft is a testament to his perseverance and talent. At Columbia High School in West Columbia, Texas, Ward played in a run-heavy Wing-T offense, which limited his passing opportunities and visibility to college scouts. Despite this, he secured his only scholarship offer from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio.
At UIW, Ward quickly made a name for himself, earning the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). He then transferred to Washington State, where he continued to develop his skills before moving to the University of Miami for his final collegiate season. In 2024, Ward led the Hurricanes to a 10-3 record, throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns. His stellar performance earned him the Davey O’Brien and Manning Awards and ACC Player of the Year honors. The Tennessee Titans recognized his potential and selected him as the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Titans are likely to be in a rebuilding year. Ward will likely start week one. The offensive talent around him is limited, but they should have a decent offensive line and defense to help keep them competitive.
Ashton Jeanty
Lone Star High School (Frisco, TX) / Las Vegas Raiders (#6 Overall)
Ashton Jeanty’s path to the NFL began at Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, where he showcased his versatility and athleticism. During his senior year, Jeanty rushed for 1,843 yards and scored 41 total touchdowns, catching the attention of college programs nationwide. He committed to Boise State University, where he continued to excel on the field.
At Boise State, Jeanty quickly became a key contributor. In his freshman year, he rushed for 821 yards and seven touchdowns. His sophomore season saw even greater success, with 1,347 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 569 receiving yards. In 2024, Jeanty led the nation with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, earning him the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards and a runner-up finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. The Las Vegas Raiders selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jeanty now heads back to his home state of Nevada with a chance to make an immediate impact in a Raiders offense that sorely needs a spark.
The Raiders were the worst rushing team in the NFL last year, and that will change with Jeanty. They already have Brock Bowers as an All-Pro tight end and added Geno Smith at QB. The Raiders should have one of the most improved offenses in the NFL, and Jeanty could be a big part of that.
Kelvin Banks Jr.
Summer Creek High School (Houston, TX) / New Orleans Saints (#9 Overall)
Kelvin Banks Jr., a product of Summer Creek High School in Houston, Texas, was a highly regarded offensive line prospect. He committed to the University of Texas, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman starter at left tackle. Over his collegiate career, Banks started all 42 games, demonstrating consistency and dominance on the offensive line.
In 2024, Banks’ exceptional play earned him several prestigious awards, including the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Jacobs Blocking Trophy. He was also named a unanimous All-American and First-Team All-SEC. Recognizing his talent and potential, the New Orleans Saints selected Banks with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With elite pass-blocking and run-blocking skills, Banks Jr. brings a powerful presence to the Saints’ offensive front and could protect their quarterback for the next decade.
The Saints are in a bit of a transition. They have been in a salary cap disaster for a few years, making it difficult to rebuild the team. They’ve remained mostly competitive and have some talent on their roster. Currently, Derek Carr is the QB that Banks will be protecting, but look for the Saints to pick up a QB in the second or third round of the draft, potentially one of three former Texas high school football quarterbacks, Sanders, Ewers, or Milroe.
These three athletes’ selections in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft highlight the strength and depth of Texas high school football programs in developing future professional talent. From West Columbia to Frisco to Houston, these young men took different paths to stardom, but their stories all started under the Friday night lights in Texas.
