Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden has declared for the NFL Draft

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden will reportedly declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, forgoing the remainder of his eligibility in college.

Matthew Golden was a key piece of the Texas offense this season, helping lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals. He finished the season with 58 receptions in 16 games. He had 987 receiving yards and averaged 17 yards per reception, making him an excellent deep threat. He also finished the season with nine touchdown receptions.

Prior to his one season with the Texas Longhorns, Matthew Golden played two seasons for the Houston Cougars. However, he made the decision to transfer out of the program following a coaching change there. His numbers at Texas were stronger across the board from either of his two seasons with the Cougars.

Matthew Golden also returned kicks during his college career. That included having two kick returns for touchdowns in 2023 with Houston. For his career, he averaged 25.8 yards per kick return. He did not, however, return punts.

Coming out of high school at Klein Cain in Houston, Texas, Matthew Golden was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was also the 29th-ranked wide receiver and the 176th-ranked player nationally in his recruiting cycle. Now, he’ll be moving on to the NFL.

While helping the Texas offense in the College Football Playoff, Golden had a career game against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, snagging seven receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown. He then was held more in check against Ohio State, going for two receptions and 51 yards, but did have a highlight reel reception in that game.

Unfortunately, in that Cotton Bowl against Ohio State, Golden got banged up with an apparent ankle injury. That severely limited how much he was able to play in the game likely hurting Texas’ comeback efforts in the second half.

The offense that head coach Steve Sarkisian has been known for will already have a new look next season. Prior to Matthew Golden declaring for the NFL Draft, two other offensive stars, offensive lineman Kelvin Banks and running back Jaydon Blue previously declared for the NFL Draft. There are also several other offensive players who have interesting decisions to make in the coming days.