Texas Safety Andrew Mukuba’s Journey from Zimbabwe to College Football Stardom

Andrew Mukuba, a safety for the Texas Longhorns, made a game-changing interception in overtime during the College Football Playoff game at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, securing Texas’ spot in the semifinals. The Austin native, who returned to Texas after three years at Clemson, has become a hometown hero with his standout performances this season.

Mukuba’s journey to football stardom began in Zimbabwe, where he grew up without electricity before moving to Austin with his family at age nine. His mother, Tshala Bilolo, worked as a hotel housekeeper near the University of Texas campus, while Mukuba discovered his passion for football on the playground. His fifth-grade P.E. teacher, Shannon Crenshaw, recalls Mukuba’s natural talent and determination, which quickly earned him a spot on the Austin Steelers youth football team.

Despite his mother’s initial reservations, Mukuba excelled at Austin’s LBJ High School, becoming one of the nation’s most sought-after defensive backs. He initially chose Clemson, where he became the first true freshman to start at safety for the Tigers since 1972. However, after facing injuries and feeling out of place in Clemson’s new defensive scheme, Mukuba transferred back to Texas, where he has thrived under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

This season, Mukuba has recorded five interceptions, tied for the SEC lead, and delivered standout performances, including a pivotal hit on Georgia quarterback Carson Beck in the SEC championship game. His return to Texas has also reunited him with childhood friends and fellow defensive backs Jahdae Barron and Michael Taaffe, with whom he trained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mukuba’s story is one of resilience and determination. “Football is an opportunity for Drew to change the dynamic of his family,” said his trainer, Bernard ‘Bam’ Blake. “He weighs that on his shoulders as a thing of pride.” As Mukuba prepares for the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State, he remains focused on the bigger goal: a national championship. “The story is not over,” he said.