Texas Star RB Jonathon Brooks Declares For NFL Draft Early After Season-Ending Injury

The injured standout running back plans to turn pro after turning in a breakout 2023 campaign for the Longhorns.

After missing the final four games of No. 3 Texas’s season with a torn ACL, standout running back Jonathon Brooks has reportedly announced a major decision regarding his collegiate career. 

Brooks, who suffered his season-ending injury against TCU on Nov. 11, intends to forego his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the 2024 NFL draft, he told ESPN on Thursday, per Pete Thamel.

The redshirt sophomore’s reported decision to leave the Longhorns deals another seismic blow to Texas on the heels of its 37–31 loss to No. 2 Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Monday.

Brooks will reportedly enter the NFL draft, despite an ACL injury prematurely ending his season at Texas :: Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman/USA TODAY Netowrk

Barring a change of plans, Brooks, Texas’s leading rusher in 2023, will depart Austin following a breakout, career-best campaign. The Hallettsville, Texas native tallied 1,139 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as for 25 receptions for 286 yards and another TD, in just 10 games prior to missing the final four games of the season, including the Big 12 championship and CFP semifinal at the Sugar Bowl.

With Brooks now set to enter the pro ranks, the explosive six-foot tailback figures to have his fair share of suitors, with an expectation that he’s set to be ready by training camp, per Thamel.