Hollywood star Glen Powell channels NFL draft drama with surprise scholarship for Texas Longhorns walk-on

Actor Glen Powell, best known for Top Gun: Maverick and soon-to-premiere Chad Powers, returned to his University of Texas roots with a powerful gesture. During a recent team meeting, the Austin native stunned players when he announced that fifth-year linebacker Marshall Landwehr, a dedicated walk-on, was receiving a full scholarship.In a video message played for the team, Glen Powell said, “What’s up Longhorns? It’s Glen Powell, fellow Texas alum. I have newfound respect for what it takes to join a football team. It takes grit. It takes grind. And most importantly, it takes heart. Marshall, your hard work has not gone unnoticed. That’s why Texas is giving you a scholarship.”The room erupted in cheers as Landwehr—who has spent five years earning his spot on the roster—smiled in disbelief before being mobbed by his teammates.Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Landwehr’s perseverance, telling him, “When we talk about everybody in this room has a role in the organization, this is the epitome of that, dude. I couldn’t be more fired up for you man. Congratulations!”Landwehr, a Highland Park High School alum who shares a hometown with golf superstar Scottie Scheffler and NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford, used the moment to credit his teammates. “Y’all are part of the biggest reason why I show up every day,” he said. “Been doing this for five years, it doesn’t get old, keep working. This is the dream, man.”The timing of Powell’s surprise couldn’t be better—Texas enters the season ranked No. 1 in preseason polls, with Arch Manning set to make his highly anticipated debut at quarterback.Also Read: “She has a larger impact on…”: NASA engineer reveals the power moves behind Taylor Swift's success and Travis Kelce’s roleFor Powell, the moment also serves as a perfect lead-in to his upcoming Hulu comedy Chad Powers, inspired by Eli Manning’s viral walk-on sketch, which premieres September 30. The UT alum left the school at 19 to chase his Hollywood dream, but on this day, he was back on home turf, giving another dreamer their moment in the spotlight.