45 Days Until Kickoff: Who Was The Best No. 45?

[Blake Munroe]

We’re officially 45 days away from the start of the 2026 season, so today’s countdown recognizes three outstanding Longhorns who proudly wore No. 45.

Bo Robinson | Defensive End (1989–92)

Robinson was one of the anchors of Texas’ defensive front during the early 1990s. He earned All-Southwest Conference honors in 1992 and was part of four straight victories over Oklahoma from 1989-92. After his Longhorn career, Robinson spent time with the Houston Oilers.

John Walker | Running Back (1980–83)

Walker was one of Texas’ top offensive weapons during the early 1980s. He finished his career with 1,641 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, led the Longhorns with 714 rushing yards in 1981, and helped Texas post a 10-1-1 record and a No. 2 national ranking that season. He was later selected in the 1984 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Reed Boyd | Linebacker (2000–03)

Boyd was the heart of the Texas defense in the early Mack Brown era. He led the Longhorns with 123 tackles in 2002, recorded 203 tackles over his final two seasons, and added 80 tackles in 2003 while starting at both middle and strongside linebacker during his career.

Current No. 45: LB Darius Snow & P Mikey Bukauskas

Who was your favorite Longhorn to wear No. 45?

[HonkEm]

Reed Boyd for me. Just one of those old‑school, lunch‑pail linebackers who always seemed to show up when Texas needed a stop. Led the team in tackles, played multiple spots, and brought that early‑Mack‑era toughness every week. Easy guy to root for.

[closetojumping]

There isn’t an alternate universe, much less this one, in which I would take Reid Boyd over Vernon Broughton. 

[HonkEm]

9 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

There isn’t an alternate universe, much less this one, in which I would take Reid Boyd over Vernon Broughton. 

Haha fair enough --- totally different eras and roles. I just always had a soft spot for Reed because he was that classic early‑Mack lunch‑pail linebacker who showed up every week and racked up tackles like it was his job… because it was.

Broughton’s the better athlete, no doubt. Boyd was just my personal favorite at 45

[closetojumping]

4 minutes ago, HonkEm said:

Haha fair enough --- totally different eras and roles. I just always had a soft spot for Reed because he was that classic early‑Mack lunch‑pail linebacker who showed up every week and racked up tackles like it was his job… because it was.

Broughton’s the better athlete, no doubt. Boyd was just my personal favorite at 45

To each their own, but I wasn’t calling out your post. I get why Boyd was listed, but felt like Broughton was an omission. I’ve been avidly watching or listening to Texas football since the early 80’s, so I don’t think it’s a recency bias thing for me. 

For those that follow, I think Broughton was his senior class’s “Russell Gaskamp Award” winner, which also amused me. 

Anyway, fun stuff. 

[Texas fan in Georgia]

Remember Anthony wheeler with a scoop and score vs USC in 2018. Solid college linebacker 

[Alex Butler]

Loved Boyd and Robinson. Was too young for Johnny Walker. Think VB should be in there too. A solid group for sure. 

[akhookem]

 What about @Gerry Hamilton’s favorite, Mr Right Hash?