77 Days Until Kickoff: Who Was The Best No. 77?

[Blake Munroe]

With 77 days until Texas kicks off the 2026 season, it’s time to recognize some of the best Longhorns to ever wear No. 77.

The headliner is unquestionably Kenneth Sims. A two-time All-American, 1981 Lombardi Award winner, College Football Hall of Famer and the No. 1 overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft, Sims remains one of the most dominant defensive players in Texas football history. His 322 career tackles, 29 sacks, 50 tackles for loss and school-record 15 forced fumbles speak for themselves.

Right alongside Sims is Brad Shearer, the 1977 Outland Trophy winner and Consensus All-American. Shearer was a force in the trenches, piling up 334 career tackles while helping Texas climb to No. 1 in the national rankings during his standout career.

One of the most respected figures in Longhorn history is Stanley Mauldin. A Second-Team All-American and All-Southwest Conference selection, Mauldin helped Texas win the 1942 SWC championship before serving his country as a B-24 bomber pilot during World War II. After returning home, he played for the Chicago Cardinals and helped lead them to the 1947 NFL Championship. His No. 77 was later retired by the Cardinals.

The current No. 77 is Andre Cojoe.

[Blake Munroe]

My apologies on not doing 76 yesterday. My son was competing at the state lineman challenge and we left early. It completely slipped my mind!

[Blake Munroe]

Also what a cool fact about Mauldin. Dude was awesome. I love to highlight what he did every year.

He was a complete badass (excuse the language but I don’t know any other way to put it).

[GoHorns1]

Bill Atessis was 2 time All American DE 69 & 70.

[Waxahorn]

Kenneth Sims was a beast.

[TexasMDcoach]

Sims and Shearer = Tie.

[Jeff Howe]

The late, great Kenny Sims was the last Longhorn to go No. 1 overall in the NFL draft.

Does Arch snap the drought in 2027?