Austin, TX – Actor Glen Powell, a University of Texas at Austin alumnus, surprised the Longhorns football team with scholarship announcements for walk-on players Landwehr and Michael Taaffe during a team meeting on September 26, 2023, at the Moody Center.
The gesture highlighted the perseverance of both players, who remained on the roster from the 2021 team that concluded Steve Sarkisian‘s inaugural season with a 5-7 record. Trey Luerssen of Longhorns Wire first reported the news.
Defensive back Michael Taaffe was awarded a scholarship in December 2022, prior to the Valero Alamo Bowl against Washington, as detailed by Sports Illustrated.Taaffe, like Landwehr, initially joined the team as a walk-on.
Powell, born and raised in Austin, Texas, briefly attended UT before pausing his studies at age 19 to pursue an acting career. he has as returned to take classes and is nearing completion of his degree.
The 36-year-old actor is widely recognized for his roles in Top Gun: maverick (2022), where he played “Hangman,” and the Netflix romantic comedy Set It Up (2018). He also starred in everybody Wants Some!! (2016), directed by Richard Linklater, a UT Austin film professor.
Powell’s upcoming projects include a leading role in the Hulu television series Chad Powers, based on the character created by former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. The series will debut with two episodes on September 30, 2023.
He is also set to star in Edgar Wright’s remake of The Running Man,scheduled for theatrical release on November 7,2023. The original 1987 film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The scholarship announcements underscore Coach Sarkisian’s commitment to recognizing dedication and achievement within the program, and Powell’s involvement highlights the strong connection between the university and its accomplished alumni.
