Report: Texas linebacker David Gbenda signs with Tennessee Titans as UDFA

According to Arye Pulli, now-former Texas Longhorns linebacker David Gbenda has signed with the Tennessee Titans coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft. Gbenda is an UDFA and will begin his career in the AFC South.

“Source: The #Titans are signing former Texas LB David Gbenda to an UDFA deal,” Pulli said. “Had 61 total tackles and 5 TFLs in 2024.”

Gbenda played a critical role in the 2024 Texas defense, one that led them to an SEC championship game appearance and a deep College Football Playoff run. As mentioned, Gbenda recorded 61 tackles and five tackles for a loss but also added a sack and forced fumble.

Even so, there was some adversity for Gbenda to overcome. He began the year as Texas’ starting weakside linebacker before getting replaced by Liona Lefau. Steve Sarkisian made the move in order to find a nice connection with star Anthony Hill.

A demotion, on paper, could have deterred Gbenda as an experienced veteran. Instead, he kept his head down and kept working.

“Regardless of the amount of reps I get, I’m still trying to make sure I’m intentional with the prep and also understand that the amount I get doesn’t matter,” Gbenda said. “It’s what I do with them,” Gbenda said. “My attitude and effort and everything I do. That’s what I try to emulate and give to the team.”

The same mentality will be needed moving forward for Gbenda. Tennessee will be the one giving him an opportunity, getting the linebacker’s professional career underway.

More on David Gbenda, journey to NFL

Gbenda played high school football at Katy (TX) Cinco Ranch, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 167 overall recruit in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Six years were spent on the 40 Acres due to a redshirt season and COVID-19. A total of 63 games played means Gbenda was one of the more experienced linebackers in this year’s draft cycle. He played in some big moments as well.

In total, Gbenda recorded 170 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and four sacks. Two interceptions are on there too, most recently in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State. Unfortunately, Texas wound up on the losing end and Gbenda saw his college career come to an end from the Cotton Bowl.