Former University of Texas quarterback and NFL veteran Colt McCoy will deliver the keynote address at The University of Texas at Austin’s 143rd Commencement Ceremony, according to a March 27 announcement. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
McCoy’s selection as speaker highlights his continued involvement in leadership roles both within and beyond athletics. He currently serves as founding and managing partner at commercial real estate firm HPI in Fort Worth. This year, he was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he contributes to efforts supporting student success in public higher education.
“Colt has applied the same leadership we saw on the field to everything he’s done since,” said UT President Jim Davis. “He’s an example to all Longhorns that no matter what they go on to do, the leadership skills they develop here will carry them far. We can’t wait to welcome Colt back to the Forty Acres to share his wisdom with our graduates.”
McCoy played as a redshirt quarterback on UT’s 2005 National Championship team and was a two-time finalist for the Heisman Trophy. In recognition of his achievements, UT retired his No. 12 jersey—one of its highest honors—and he is a member of several halls of fame including those for Texas Athletics and high school football.
Raised in Tuscola, Texas, McCoy earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management from UT in 2009 while serving as starting quarterback from 2006-2009. He set an NCAA record with 45 career wins as starting quarterback and received numerous academic and athletic awards during his college years.
After being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft in 2010, McCoy played professionally for thirteen seasons before focusing on business ventures such as opening HPI’s Fort Worth office in 2025. Throughout his career both on and off the field, peers have praised him for character and mentorship.
“The University of Texas shaped my life in so many ways, teaching me about leadership and the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than yourself,” McCoy said. “As many times as I ran onto the field at DKR in my football career, addressing our newest graduates with the opportunity to inspire what they do next is truly one of my greatest honors.”
The commencement ceremony will recognize more than ten thousand graduates from eighteen degree-granting colleges and schools. Alongside McCoy’s address, attendees can expect student performances along with fireworks and a drone show.
