46 Days Until Kickoff: Who Was The Best No. 46?

Blake Munroe · 2026-07-21T20:44:55Z

We’re now 46 days away from kickoff, and today’s countdown features one of the deeper jersey numbers in Texas football history.

Roosevelt Leaks | Running Back (1972–74)

Leaks is one of the greatest running backs ever to wear the Burnt Orange. A Consensus First-Team All-American in 1973, he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting after rushing for 1,415 yards and 14 touchdowns that season. He was a two-time First-Team All-Southwest Conference selection, finished his career with 2,923 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, and set a Texas single-game record with 342 rushing yards against SMU in 1973. His legendary career was recognized with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Joseph Ossai | EDGE/Linebacker (2018–20)

Ossai developed into one of the nation’s premier defenders during his time in Austin. A Consensus All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2020, he led the conference in tackles for loss during the regular season. He closed his career with 165 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, cementing himself as one of the most disruptive defenders of the modern era.

Malik Jefferson | Linebacker (2015–17)

Jefferson was named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12 in 2017 while earning Second-Team All-America honors. Jefferson started 29 of 33 career games, totaling 233 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions. He also earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2015 and was a two-time Butkus Award semifinalist.

Current No. 46s: Smith Orogbo (EDGE) and Spencer Barnett (Kicker).

Who gets your vote as the greatest Longhorn to ever wear No. 46? 🤘