Anthony Hill Jr. has signed his first NFL contract with the Tennessee Titans. The former Longhorn linebacker aims to continue his successful college career in the NFL.
Key points
Anthony Hill Jr. signed his first NFL deal with the Titans
He was a standout player at Texas with 249 tackles
Hill recorded 17 sacks during his college career
He had a career-high of two interceptions in his final season
Seven players from the Titans' draft class signed rookie deals
Anthony Hill Jr.Tennessee TitansNFLTexas Longhorns
Former Longhorn Anthony Hill Jr. signs first NFL deal with Titans
Former LonghornAnthony Hill Jr. can finally cross a major milestone off his bucket list. On Friday, the 2026 draftee signed his first NFL deal with the Tennessee Titans. He was one of the seven players from the Titans' draft class to sign their rookie deal. Now Hill's focus will be on replicating his success in college at the NFL level.
During his college career, the Texas native appeared in 40 games and recorded 249 total tackles. He also made life difficult for offensive coordinators with 17 sacks. Regardless of who the Longhorns were facing, Hill was a human wrecking ball.
In his last collegiate season, Hill showed why he can be a difference-maker. He set a new career-high in interceptions with two. While the Ryan High alum was limited to 10 games, he still recorded 69 total tackles, the second highest of his career. That drew the attention of the Titans, who needed an impact player on defense.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill runs the ball for a touchdown off an interception, which was disallowed due to an illegal block during the Longhorns' game against the ULM Warhawks at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. (Sara Diggins-Imagn Images)
Q&A
What team did Anthony Hill Jr. sign with in the NFL?
Anthony Hill Jr. signed with the Tennessee Titans.
What were Anthony Hill Jr.'s college statistics at Texas?
During his college career, Hill recorded 249 total tackles and 17 sacks.
How many players from the Titans' draft class signed rookie deals?
Seven players from the Titans' draft class signed their rookie deals.
What were Anthony Hill Jr.'s achievements in his last collegiate season?
In his last season, Hill achieved a career-high of two interceptions and recorded 69 total tackles.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. celebrates.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. celebrates during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl.
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr (0) tackles Sam Houston Bearkats quarterback Grant Gunnell (10) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 09: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after tackling Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 15: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during warmups before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Oct 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) causes Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. (9) to fumble during the first half at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 15: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates an interception during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a tackle in the second quarter against Landan Brown #34 of the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Nov 9, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) chases down Florida Gators running back Ja'Kobi Jackson (24) during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Anthony Hill Jr. of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball against Earnest Greene III of the Georgia Bulldogs
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jul 15, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. answers questions from the media during SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas linebacker Anthony Hill (LB12) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas linebacker Anthony Hill (LB12) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill runs the ball for a touchdown off an interception, which was disallowed due to an illegal block during the Longhorns' game against the ULM Warhawks at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. (Sara Diggins-Imagn Images)
1 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill runs the ball for a touchdown off an interception, which was disallowed due to an illegal block during the Longhorns' game against the ULM Warhawks at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. (Sara Diggins-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. celebrates.
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. celebrates during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl.
4 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
5 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Sep 20, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr (0) tackles Sam Houston Bearkats quarterback Grant Gunnell (10) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
6 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 09: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after tackling Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
7 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 15: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during warmups before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Oct 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) causes Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. (9) to fumble during the first half at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
9 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 15: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates an interception during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
10 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a tackle in the second quarter against Landan Brown #34 of the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
12 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Nov 9, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) chases down Florida Gators running back Ja'Kobi Jackson (24) during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Anthony Hill Jr. of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball against Earnest Greene III of the Georgia Bulldogs
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
15 / 17
PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Jul 15, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. answers questions from the media during SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas linebacker Anthony Hill (LB12) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Texas Longhorns career of new Tennessee Titan Anthony Hill Jr.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas linebacker Anthony Hill (LB12) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
As Hill made headlines with his play, he also added to his trophy case during his time at the Forty Acres. He was named a Second-Team All-Americanlast season and a finalist for the Butkus Award. Each year, the award is given to the top linebacker in the country. After setting a career-high in total tackles with 113 as a sophomore, Hill was named a semifinalist for the 2025 Chuck Bednarik Award.
With his first NFL deal signed, Hill can now focus on helping make the Titans a contender. They finished the 2025 campaign with a 3-14 record, which was the worst in the AFC South. The roster also features former Longhorn star Gunnar Helm, who should be a good source of knowledge for Hill to lean on.
Although Hill begins his pro career with high expectations, he has the potential to be a star at the next level. If that happens, then the Titan defense will not be an ideal matchup for the next few years as they look to end their rebuild.
