Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the first selection on Day 3 (No. 101 overall, Round 4) of the 2024 NFL draft. Sanders, a Denton native and first-team All-Big 12 tight end, had a dominant collegiate career. He set an all-time program record for catches by a tight end with 99 receptions over three seasons.
Sanders played a key role in Texas' College Football Playoff run, leading the team in catches and receiving yards during the semifinal loss to Washington and also performing well in the Big 12 championship game against Oklahoma State.