Jaydon Blue’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft marks the culmination of a promising collegiate career at Texas. His development as a dynamic and versatile back has been evident, particularly over the past two seasons. With 730 rushing yards, 368 receiving yards, and 14 total touchdowns in his junior season, Blue demonstrated his ability to be a dual-threat weapon capable of impacting games both on the ground and through the air.
Coming out of high school as a highly-touted four-star recruit, Blue was viewed as a future standout. Though he initially shared backfield duties, his growth into a key contributor for the Longhorns showcased his work ethic and adaptability. His statement reflects both his gratitude for the support system at Texas and his pride in being part of a program steeped in tradition.
Blue’s skill set, including his agility, vision, and pass-catching ability, makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. His performance at the next level will likely hinge on his ability to carve out a role as a complementary back or a third-down specialist. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs during the pre-draft process, as strong showings at events like the NFL Combine or Pro Day could significantly elevate his draft stock.
Jaydon Blue’s ability to step up during adversity and deliver under pressure has been a cornerstone of his college career. Filling in for Texas’ injury-depleted backfield over the last two seasons, he proved himself as a reliable and dynamic contributor, thriving in situations where the Longhorns needed him most. His skill set—centered on quickness, agility, and pass-catching ability—provided a perfect complement to Quintrevion Wisner’s more traditional every-down back role.
Blue’s standout playoff performances, particularly his two-touchdown games against Clemson and Ohio State, underscore his knack for excelling in big moments. His 77-yard fourth-quarter touchdown against Clemson showcased his game-changing speed and vision, attributes that will undoubtedly intrigue NFL scouts. Playoff contributions like these have a way of standing out during evaluations, and his strong finish to the season might elevate his draft prospects significantly.
While currently off Mel Kiper’s Big Board, Blue’s late-season surge and potential as a versatile weapon make him an intriguing option for teams seeking a modern backfield threat. His ability to create mismatches in the passing game and provide a change of pace as a runner positions him as a potential top-100 pick. If he impresses at events like the NFL Combine or his Pro Day, Blue could solidify himself as one of the draft’s rising mid-round gems.
The Longhorns’ running back legacy is undoubtedly one of the best in college football, and Jaydon Blue has the chance to continue that tradition in the NFL. Following in the footsteps of recent Texas stars like Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, Jonathon Brooks, and Keilan Robinson—who have all found homes in the NFL over the past two drafts—Blue adds his name to the impressive pipeline of versatile and productive backs that Texas consistently produces. His skill set as a quick, agile, pass-catching threat fits the modern NFL’s demand for multi-dimensional running backs.
While Blue’s departure leaves a gap, the Longhorns’ backfield remains in excellent shape. CJ Baxter, Quintrevion Wisner, and Jerrick Gibson provide Texas with both depth and upside. Baxter, despite dealing with injuries, showed flashes of his immense potential, while Wisner solidified himself as an every-down back this year. Gibson, one of the most promising young talents, brings elite speed and explosiveness to the table, ensuring the Longhorns’ running game stays dynamic in 2025.
Texas has done a remarkable job of preparing running backs for the NFL, and Blue will be no exception. His combination of quickness, agility, and ability to contribute in the passing game aligns perfectly with the trends of today’s pro game. NFL teams will undoubtedly keep an eye on his trajectory as he transitions to the next level.
