Who are the 10 biggest athletes in Texas? Everything is bigger in Texas, including the star athletes who proudly represent the Lone Star State. With 14 professional teams across major sports leagues, Texas showcases a wealth of talent in the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
The Texas Rangers recently celebrated a significant achievement by winning the World Series in 2023. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs made headlines during the 2023 NBA Draft by selecting the highly touted Victor Wembanyama as the No. 1 overall pick, a move that promises to shape the future of the franchise.
This list of prominent athletes looks different than it did just a month ago when Luka Dončić was still a Texas resident. Despite his departure, the state remains a powerhouse of talent in professional sports, boasting exceptional athletes in both men’s and women’s leagues, as well as at the collegiate level.
Here are the 10 biggest Texas athletes:
10 biggest Texas athletes
One of the most recognizable names on college campuses, Arch Manning has played in 12 games during his first two years at the University of Texas. He has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards, completing nine touchdown passes and only two interceptions. As the starting quarterback shifts to him in 2025, expectations are high for Manning to lead the Longhorns and potentially follow in his family’s footsteps to the NFL.
Davis, a surprising addition to this list, has made waves since his trade to Dallas. A 10-time All-Star, he has consistently performed at an elite level, averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds per game over the last three seasons. His ability to dominate the frontcourt has quickly made him a fan favorite.
CeeDee Lamb, drafted out of Oklahoma, has proven to be a top-tier receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. With four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and three AP All-Pro honors, he has established himself as one of the league’s elite. His impressive statistics include over 5,000 receiving yards in just four seasons, making him a crucial asset for America’s Team.
Jose Altuve stands out with his championship experience, having led the Houston Astros to four World Series appearances and two titles during his 14 years with the team. His consistent performance has earned him MVP votes in eight seasons, showcasing his impact on the game.
C.J. Stroud has shown promise as the Houston Texans’ quarterback. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and making the Pro Bowl in his debut season, he faced challenges in 2024. Despite setbacks, he led the Texans to a Wild Card victory, proving his resilience and clutch performance with five game-winning drives.
Victor Wembanyama, the latest sensation in the NBA, has already made a significant impact in his rookie season. With averages of 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and nearly four assists per game, his shooting splits of 47.6% from the field, 35.2% from three, and 83.6% from the free-throw line showcase his unique skill set and potential for greatness.
Dak Prescott is the face of Texas football, playing the quarterback position for the Dallas Cowboys. His consistency is evident, as he ranks among the top four quarterbacks with over 100 touchdown passes and fewer than 50 interceptions since 2021. Approaching the franchise’s passing yardage record, Prescott is poised to solidify his legacy in 2025.
Honorable mentions
