Weather Data Source: forecast for Austin

Texas Football Star Michael Taaffe Thrives in NIL Opportunities

Action shot of a Texas football player during a game.

Austin, Texas, September 30, 2025

News Summary

Michael Taaffe, a Texas football player, has secured multiple lucrative NIL deals while showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Recently featured in a Sonic commercial with Terry Crews, Taaffe is also promoting brands like Kingsford and Mizzen+Main. As Texas faces a daunting October schedule with four away games, including a clash with Florida, the team remains focused. Despite injuries affecting key players, confidence remains high under Coach Sarkisian’s leadership as they prepare for a challenging SEC season.

Austin, Texas – Texas football player Michael Taaffe has made a notable impact in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space, successfully securing several lucrative deals as the team braces for a challenging October road schedule. Taaffe recently appeared alongside actor Terry Crews in a Sonic commercial, further enhancing his visibility and marketability.

Additionally, Taaffe has collaborated with Longhorn legends Colt McCoy and Derrick Johnson to promote both Kingsford charcoal and Mizzen+Main menswear. His knack for self-promotion was on display after a victory against San José State when he humorously pitched himself as a spokesperson for Luden’s Throat Drops during a postgame press conference. Although he has yet to receive any offers related to cough drops, Taaffe remains optimistic and entrepreneurial-minded about his NIL opportunities.

As Texas prepares for a formidable October stretch, the Longhorns will confront four consecutive away games, including an SEC opener against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. This matchup will mark the first time Texas has played a game in Gainesville since 1940. October also brings matchups against Kentucky at Kroger Field and Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium. Furthermore, the Longhorns will renew their long-standing rivalry with Oklahoma in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl.

Defensive lineman Hero Kanu emphasized the team’s mentality going into these away games, describing the experience as akin to being ‘villains’ taking over hostile environments. The Longhorns have a record of 12-7 in true road games under head coach Steve Sarkisian, who holds a 2-2 record against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl. After entering this season with a disappointing 14-7 loss to Ohio State, which halted an 11-game winning streak in away games, Sarkisian advocated confidence in his team’s approach to away-game success.

Before the October matchups, Texas was the only SEC team that had not played a conference game this season after completing four nonconference games. The last home game took place on September 20 against Sam Houston, with the next scheduled for November 1 against Vanderbilt.

Injury updates have been a topic of discussion, particularly involving running back Quintrevion Wisner, who has been sidelined following a lower-leg injury sustained against Ohio State. Reports indicate Wisner is making progress, and the first SEC-required injury report will clarify the status of other injured players as the team approaches SEC play. Receiver Emmett Mosley V is also anticipated to return after dealing with an undisclosed injury.

As the Longhorns prepare to face Florida, players are gearing up for the intensity of playing in The Swamp. Florida currently boasts a record of 1-3 and averages 22 points per game while allowing only 16. Despite their struggles, Sarkisian acknowledged Florida’s strong defensive capabilities and an explosive offensive roster.

FAQ

Who is Michael Taaffe?

Texas football player Michael Taaffe has gained success in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space.

What notable commercial did Taaffe appear in?

Taaffe featured alongside actor Terry Crews in a Sonic commercial.

What other partnerships has Taaffe engaged in?

He partnered with Longhorn legends Colt McCoy and Derrick Johnson to promote Kingsford charcoal and Mizzen+Main menswear.

What upcoming games does Texas have in October?

Texas will play four consecutive games away from Austin, including an SEC opener against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, as well as games against Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma.

What is Texas’s historical performance in road games under Coach Sarkisian?

Texas has a 12-7 record in true road games under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Key Features

Feature Details
Player Involved Michael Taaffe
Notable Collaborations Terry Crews, Colt McCoy, Derrick Johnson
Upcoming Games Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Oklahoma
Record Under Coach Sarkisian 12-7 in true road games
Previous Game Loss to Ohio State

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!