Last season, the Texas Longhorns made program history at the 2025 NFL Draft with a record-high 12 players selected.
In week one of the NFL season, five former Longhorns and recent draftees made their debuts. Here is how the five rookies performed in their professional football debut:
**Jahdae Barron — Denver Broncos**
Selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound cornerback was the second Longhorn drafted as the No. 20 overall pick. In the Sept. 7 season opener against the Tennessee Titans, Barron secured a solo tackle and a fumble recovery in the last minute of the fourth quarter, helping the Broncos secure their 20-12 victory.
**Matthew Golden — Green Bay Packers**
In his professional debut, the No. 23 overall pick recorded 16 yards on two receptions in the Packers’ 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions. Golden only received a 48% snap share and ran 13 routes, per [CBS Sports](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/packers-matthew-golden-set-to-play-thursday/). While on the injury report with an ankle issue on Monday, Golden no longer has a designation and will look for a rebound performance on Thursday against the Washington Commanders.
**Alfred Collins — San Francisco 49ers**
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins, a second-round pick by San Francisco, didn’t receive much playing time against the Seattle Seahawks in his professional football debut. However, the 6-foot-5, 332-pound rookie did secure a tackle to help the 49ers in their 17-13 win.
**Andrew Mukuba — Philadelphia Eagles**
Drafted in the second round by reigning Super Bowl champions, the safety was selected at No. 64. Facing the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, Mukuba made the most of his time on the field. He accumulated four tackles to help his team secure the 24-20 victory over the Cowboys.
**Gunnar Helm — Tennessee Titans**
Helm was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round at No. 120. While his regular-season debut ended with a 20-12 loss to Denver, the 6-foot-5, 241-pound tight end was on the field for 40% of offensive snaps. The former Longhorn caught a 16-yard pass from quarterback Cam Ward in week one.
As the NFL regular season ramps up, the former Longhorns will prove to be an exciting watch as they continue their professional careers.