2026 NFL Draft: Four Texas stars selected on Day 1

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft featured a strong Texas presence, as multiple players with ties to the state were selected early Thursday night.

From powerhouse high schools to top college programs, the Lone Star State’s pipeline was on full display.

David Bailey leads the charge

What we know:

David Bailey became the first Texas-connected player off the board, going No. 2 overall to the New York Jets.

The Texas Tech edge rusher, listed at 6-foot-4 and about 250 pounds, pairs elite speed with the ability to bend around tackles, making him one of the top pass rushers in the class.

Bailey cemented his draft stock with a dominant final season in Lubbock, leading the FBS with 14.5 sacks while adding 19.5 tackles for loss and 81 pressures. Known for his explosive first step and relentless motor, he consistently disrupted opposing quarterbacks.

Jordyn Tyson drafted No. 8 overall by the New Orleans Saints

Jordyn Tyson ensured Texas remained a fixture in the top 10.

The wide receiver was selected No. 8 overall by the New Orleans Saints after starring at Allen High School and Frisco Independence High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Tyson developed into one of the most polished pass catchers in the class, emerging as a consistent big-play threat. After transferring from Colorado, he led Arizona State in receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. His production came despite injuries, including a torn ACL, broken collarbone and hamstring issues.

K.C. Concepcion drafted No. 24 overall by the Cleveland Browns

K.C. Concepcion added to the run on Texas-linked talent later in the first round.

The wide receiver was selected No. 24 overall by the Cleveland Browns after playing at NC State and later transferring to Texas A&M.

Concepcion earned first-team All-SEC honors as a wide receiver, all-purpose player and return specialist. He also won the 2025 Paul Hornung Award and developed into one of the most dynamic offensive playmakers in the class.

At 5-foot-11 and about 190 pounds, he is known for his burst and run-after-catch ability, often turning short completions into explosive gains. He totaled 1,299 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior, showcasing his versatility.

Jadarian Price drafted No. 32 overall by the Seattle Seahawks

Jadarian Price capped the first round as the final Texas-connected selection.

The Seattle Seahawks selected the Notre Dame running back with the No. 32 overall pick. A former standout at Denison High School in North Texas, Price developed into a key contributor for the Fighting Irish.

He combines vision, acceleration and physical running between the tackles, while also showing the ability to contribute in the passing game. After overcoming an early-career injury, Price emerged as one of Notre Dame’s most reliable offensive weapons, making him an appealing late first-round option.

The Lone Star State pipeline

What's next:

Teams across the league leaned on Texas’ deep football pipeline, investing in players shaped by one of the country’s most competitive high school and college systems.

For those selected, the moment marked the culmination of years spent under the bright lights of Texas football. For NFL teams, it was a bet that the state’s track record of developing elite talent would continue to translate to the next level.