You’ve seen him ejecting from fighter jets and dodging tornadoes on the big screen, but right now, Glen Powell is probably worried about a Spanish final. It sounds like a bit from one of his movies. A massive Hollywood A-lister—the guy everyone is calling the next great American movie star—is currently "zooming" into classes at the University of Texas at Austin.
Honestly, it’s refreshing. In an industry where most people fake their background or distance themselves from their roots the second they hit it big, Powell is doing the opposite. He’s doubling down on being a Longhorn. But the Glen Powell UT Austin story isn't just about a celebrity wanting a piece of paper for his wall. It’s a decades-long saga of a hometown kid who left, conquered Hollywood, and realized he had some unfinished business back on the 40 Acres.
The Dropout Who Never Actually Left
Most people think Glen Powell just showed up at UT for a photo op recently. Not even close. He actually enrolled way back in 2008. He was a Radio-Television-Film (RTF) major at the Moody College of Communication, following in the footsteps of other Texas legends like Matthew McConaughey.
He wasn't just some student hiding in the back of the lecture hall, either. He was a Sigma Phi Epsilon brother. He was a regular at the football games. He was, by all accounts, living the peak Austin college life. But then Hollywood called—literally. He had already done The Great Debaters with Denzel Washington, and the momentum was too much to ignore. He moved to LA at 19, leaving his degree behind.
It was a "difficult decision," as he told the Moody College grads during his 2023 keynote speech. But he didn't just disappear. Over the last decade, he’s been a constant fixture on the sidelines of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, often seen sporting that iconic burnt orange.
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Why He’s Back in School (While Filming Blockbusters)
So, why go back now? He’s 36. He’s rich. He’s famous. Why bother with proctored exams and early American history?
- The Mom Factor: Powell has been vocal about the fact that his mother, Cyndy, really wants him to finish. There’s something deeply relatable about a guy who survives a Top Gun press tour but still can't say no to his mom's request to graduate.
- The Finish Line: He actually came into UT as a "second-semester sophomore" because of credits he earned at Westwood High School. He only had a few credits left to wrap up.
- The Legend Factor: Finishing what you started matters in Texas.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, Powell has been juggling his degree with a schedule that would break most people. While filming The Running Man with director Edgar Wright in London, he was literally remote-learning. He told IndieWire that he’s "zooming in for classes" and flying back to Austin a few times a semester just to take his proctored exams. Imagine sitting in a testing center and the guy from Twisters walks in to take a Spanish test next to you.
That Viral Scholarship Moment
If you want to understand the depth of the Glen Powell UT Austin bond, look no further than August 2025. Powell didn't just send a "Go Horns" tweet; he worked with head coach Steve Sarkisian to pull off one of the most emotional moments of the season.
He recorded a video for walk-on linebacker Marshall Landwehr, a fifth-year senior who had been grinding without a scholarship since 2021. In the video, Powell—who was ironically preparing for his role in the Hulu series Chad Powers (where he plays a walk-on)—told Landwehr that his "grit and heart" had been noticed.
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When the video played in the team meeting and the room realized Landwehr was finally getting a full ride, the place erupted. It wasn't a PR stunt. It was a guy who genuinely loves the culture of Texas football using his platform to reward a kid who embodies the "get to work" attitude Austin prides itself on.
The Commencement Speech That Actually Mattered
In May 2023, Powell returned to the Moody College of Communication to deliver the keynote address. Usually, these speeches are full of platitudes about "aiming for the stars." Powell’s was different. He was candid about his failures.
He told the graduates that "no good story happens from things going right." He talked about losing out on roles he desperately wanted and how those "detours" actually led to better things. He gave practical, Texas-style advice that most Hollywood types would find too simple:
- Learn how to change a tire.
- Never show up to a party empty-handed.
- Write thank-you notes.
- Wear burnt orange everywhere.
He basically told a bunch of 22-year-olds that being a decent human being is more important than being a successful one. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with the Austin community, which is why he’s often seen as the "rightful heir" to McConaughey’s throne as the university’s primary ambassador.
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Graduation 2027: The New Timeline
There was a lot of speculation that Powell would graduate in 2025. However, recent updates and his intense filming schedule for projects like The Running Man and Chad Powers Season 2 have shifted the goalposts. Reports from late 2025 suggest he is now on track to officially walk the stage in 2027.
Is it a long time to finish a few credits? Sure. But he’s doing it while carrying the weight of the film industry on his shoulders. He’s taking the "slow and steady" approach, ensuring he actually learns the material rather than just checking a box.
Actionable Takeaways from Powell’s Journey
If you're a student or an alum looking at Powell’s path, there are actually a few things to learn here that aren't just "be a famous actor."
- Audit Your Credits: Powell realized he was closer to a degree than he thought because of high school dual-enrollment. If you left school early, check your transcripts; you might be three classes away from a degree you thought was out of reach.
- Leverage Remote Learning: The pandemic changed how UT handles distance education. Even if you aren't filming a movie in London, the university has more flexible "extension" options now for returning adult learners.
- Don't Fear the Return: Returning to school in your 30s can feel weird, but Powell is proving that "student" is a title you can wear at any age.
- Stay Connected: Whether it’s through the Texas Exes or just showing up to games, your network at UT is a lifetime asset. Powell’s career was jumpstarted by fellow UT alum Robert Rodriguez in Spy Kids 3-D. The Longhorn network is real.
The Glen Powell UT Austin story is far from over. Whether he’s on the sidelines at DKR or in a library cubicle finishing a history paper, he’s a reminder that you can always go home again—especially if home is Austin, Texas.
Keep an eye on the 2027 commencement list. It might just have a very familiar name on it. In the meantime, look for him on the sidelines this Saturday. He’ll be the one in the burnt orange hat, probably trying to hide a textbook under his seat.