Texas Cornerback Malik Muhammad Learned From the Best During College Career

Muhammad credits veteran teammates and coaches for helping him develop into an NFL prospect

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Texas Longhorns cornerback Malik Muhammad had the opportunity to learn from some of the best players and coaches during his three-year college career. Muhammad cited veteran teammates like Jahdae Barron, T'Vondre Sweat, Xavier Worthy, and quarterback Quinn Ewers as key mentors who provided valuable advice and guidance that helped him develop into an NFL prospect. Muhammad is currently ranked 12th among cornerbacks and 87th overall on the 2026 Consensus Big Board, and he showcased his skills at the NFL Combine, highlighting his high football IQ, technical abilities, and versatility to play both inside and outside.

Why it matters

The Longhorns have produced a significant amount of NFL talent in recent years, with a record 12 players selected in last year's draft. Muhammad's development under the tutelage of veteran stars and a top coaching staff demonstrates the program's ability to cultivate elite defensive back talent, which is highly valued in the modern NFL.

The details

During his press conference at the NFL Combine, Muhammad credited several veteran teammates for taking him under their wing and sharing their expertise. He specifically mentioned Jahdae Barron, T'Vondre Sweat, Xavier Worthy, and quarterback Quinn Ewers as providing invaluable advice that helped him improve his game over the course of his three seasons at Texas. Muhammad said the older players would tell him, "When your time comes, you're gonna have to do this or do that or do this or do that." This guidance from experienced leaders allowed Muhammad to develop into an All-SEC caliber cornerback, setting career highs in tackles for loss and interceptions in 2025.

  • Muhammad spent three seasons playing for the Texas Longhorns from 2023 to 2025.
  • In 2025, Muhammad's final season, he set career highs in tackles for loss (2.5) and interceptions (2).
  • Muhammad participated in the 2026 NFL Combine in February 2026.

The players

Malik Muhammad

A cornerback who played for the Texas Longhorns from 2023 to 2025 and is now an NFL prospect, currently ranked 12th among cornerbacks and 87th overall on the 2026 Consensus Big Board.

Jahdae Barron

A veteran Texas Longhorns player who served as a mentor to Muhammad during his college career.

T'Vondre Sweat

A veteran Texas Longhorns player who served as a mentor to Muhammad during his college career.

Xavier Worthy

A veteran Texas Longhorns player who served as a mentor to Muhammad during his college career.

Quinn Ewers

The Texas Longhorns quarterback who served as a mentor to Muhammad during his college career.

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What they’re saying

“I had great mentors. Older guys, as far as Jahdae (Barron), (T'Vondre) Sweat, Xavier Worthy, Quinn Ewers, I grew well over the course of my three years at Texas. Just being able to pick gems off of those guys and then have them telling me, 'When your time comes, you're gonna have to do this or do that or do this or do that.'”

— Malik Muhammad, Texas Longhorns Cornerback (NFL Combine Press Conference)

What’s next

Muhammad will work out during the second day of the NFL Combine on February 28, 2026 and will await his selection in the 2026 NFL Draft starting on April 23, 2026.

The takeaway

Malik Muhammad's development at Texas demonstrates the program's ability to cultivate elite defensive back talent, as he was able to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the country. His NFL-ready skill set and high football IQ make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary.