95 days stand between Longhorn fans and the start of the season. As we continue making our way through the wilderness, it’s time to start making bold proclamations. There are plenty of places I could start but I’ll open with the best player on the team and the leader of the defense, Colin Simmons.
In his first two seasons, Simmons has asserted himself as a top edge defender in the sport. This season, I believe he hits another level and finishes the season with over 15 sacks.
Simmons has 21 sacks through his first two seasons, 9 in his freshman campaign and 12 last season. On top of that, he dropped into coverage 74 times last season, which is more than any other elite edge defender. In fact, of the elite EDGEs, there are just two other players that dropped into coverage 60+ times last season(Akheem Mesidor & Clev Lubin). I don’t envision that being the approach for Simmons under Will Muschamp, which means more sacks should follow.
Colin Simmons is not just the best defender in Texas this season. He’s one of the best defensive players to walk through Austin in a long time. If he proves this take correct, he will be 3rd in career sacks and 2nd in single season sacks in Texas football history. He would etch himself into Longhorns history. Despite the lofty heights he could reach individually, Simmons has made it clear he wants one thing in 2026.
It’s fair to assume if Texas is going to hoist a trophy this season, Colin Simmons will have his fingerprints all over it. The junior has a chance to place himself among the Mount Rushmore of Texas defenders this season. I believe, title or not, he’ll do just that with at least 15 sacks this season. These takes will continue increasing in heat as we move closer to kickoff, but I thought I’d start with the best player on the team.
Tomorrow, we will go off-script a bit with Wildcard Wednesday. There are a number of interesting tidbits around this team to cover as kickoff approaches. We’ll start tomorrow talking about the returner that could move Texas from contenders to national champions, Will Muschamp.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Texas EDGE Colin Simmons will have 15-plus sacks
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
