Seasoned Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Cole Hutson will look to make the jump to the pro level at the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. With reps across the three interior offensive line positions, Hutson is an experienced prospect that has 48 appearances and 23 starts to his name.
Cole Hutson, OL, Texas23 starts / 48 gamesC • LG • RGWell-versed at all three interior positions. Scheme flexibility, position value, plug-and-play#nfldraft #longhornshttps://t.co/8FMlGsF71a pic.twitter.com/f420xAeeBA
Hutson was one of the first commitments for the Longhorns in the 2022 recruiting cycle and signed as the No. 16 interior lineman, according the 247Sports Composite rankings. As a freshman, he immediately contributed 13 starts at right guard while paving the way for Bijan Robinson’s Doak Walker Award.
Over the next two seasons, Hutson appeared in 22 games, providing depth for two of the best Texas offensive lines in recent memory. In his final season on the Forty Acres, Hutson returned to a starting role, highlighted by making the switch from center to guard to free up other offensive linemen to play their natural positions.
Cole Hutson at guard and keeping Connor Robertson at center paid dividends for Texas' offense on Saturday…The offensive line gave up zero sacks and helped the running game get 100 yards on the ground. A complete performance for a group that seems to be finding their stride… pic.twitter.com/AOEAqcLG2j
As a prospect, Hutson has the smarts and experience that translates well to the NFL. He’s played in multiple positions with different quarterbacks, running schemes, and linemen combinations. There is little doubt that he can plug and play at any of three interior offensive line positions. However, Hutson may be limited by his physical capabilities, particularly against NFL level defenders.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian explained, “I don’t know if Cole is the most physically gifted offensive lineman we have in that room, but what they do have is experience. What they do have is they’re smart, and what they do have is they’re tough.”
Currently projecting an undrafted free agent, the path to an NFL roster will be challenging, but very possible. As a true interior offensive lineman with the intangibles that translate to success, Hutson will look to prove himself during a rookie minicamp.