A heartfelt moment unfolded during a recent University of Texas football team meeting when actor and proud Longhorn alum Glen Powell surprised linebacker Marshall Landwehr with a full-ride scholarship. The announcement, which was made through a special video message, honored Landwehr’s unwavering commitment, resilience, and dedication to the team over the past four years. The team gathered to watch a large screen, expecting a routine meeting, but instead witnessed Powell, known for his Texas roots and rising success in Hollywood, deliver news that left everyone cheering.

"What's up Longhorns! It's Glen Powell, fellow Texas alum," he said in the video. "I have a newfound respect for what it takes to join a football team. It takes grit, it takes grind, and most important, it takes heart. Marshall, your hard work has not gone unnoticed. That’s why Texas is giving you a scholarship." The room erupted with applause as Powell delivered the emotional surprise to the fifth-year senior.

Marshall Landwehr, who started as a walk-on in 2021, has fought through years of practices, meetings, and team development to earn his place. A former standout player at Highland Park High School, Landwehr was recognized with an all-state honorable mention for his defensive performance before joining the Texas Longhorns. Since then, he has appeared in 15 games and become a reliable figure on the roster, demonstrating consistency and passion on and off the field.

The recognition comes at a crucial time as the Longhorns prepare to open their 2025 football season with one of the most anticipated matchups in college football. The No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns will face the No. 2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes on August 30 at 11 a.m. The game is expected to set the tone for a season full of high expectations and intense competition, especially with Arch Manning, nephew of legendary quarterback Eli Manning, leading the team as quarterback.

Glen Powell, who grew up in Austin and graduated from the University of Texas, has remained closely connected to his alma mater. His recent involvement in a football-themed film project, produced by Eli Manning, only further deepens his ties to the sport and the Texas football community. Powell’s success in the film industry has not distanced him from his Texas identity. On the contrary, he continues to engage with UT and Longhorn fans whenever possible.

Moments like these highlight the special bond between former students and the current generation of athletes. Powell’s recognition of Landwehr’s journey is a powerful example of how determination can change a player's trajectory, from being an unnoticed walk-on to a fully sponsored collegiate athlete. For the team, it was more than just an award—it was a morale booster that showed how perseverance and dedication can be rewarded in unexpected ways.

Landwehr’s story resonates with many student-athletes across the country who commit themselves to their sport without guaranteed scholarships or high-profile attention. His achievement represents what the walk-on path is all about: passion, effort, humility, and patience. For head coach Steve Sarkisian and the rest of the coaching staff, the moment served as a reminder of the depth and character that players like Landwehr bring to the locker room.

The scholarship announcement also sets an inspiring tone ahead of the new season, not just for the team, but for the entire Longhorn community. As Texas gears up to defend its top national ranking, stories like Landwehr’s serve as the emotional heartbeat of a program that values both performance and perseverance.

While the spotlight often falls on big-name recruits and rising stars, it’s the grit of players like Landwehr that truly embody the spirit of college football. His scholarship isn’t just a financial reward—it’s a testament to what it means to believe in yourself and earn your place through sheer effort and determination.

As the Longhorns prepare for their showdown with Ohio State, fans and teammates alike will undoubtedly rally around Marshall Landwehr—not just as a linebacker, but as a symbol of what can happen when hard work is paired with heart and loyalty. And thanks to Glen Powell, that journey now has the recognition it truly deserves.