Eighty-one days until Texas kicks the 2026 season off against Texas State and it’s time for another hot take. This time, it’s about the havoc the Texas defense will create under Will Muschamp. Led by Colin Simons, I believe this defense will create more sacks than they ever have during the Sarkisian era and anyone in the country this season.
Texas had 41 sacks a year ago and 46 the high mark during the Sarkisian era. The top mark in college football since 2020 is 55 sacks by Boise State in 2024 and Oklahoma State in 2021. Last season, Miami led the way with 50 sacks on the season, so that seems to be a fair mark for Texas to strive for. How will they get there is the bigger question. There are a number of players that will get in on the action but No. 11 will have to lead the way.
Colin Simmons finished last season with 12 sacks, while also dropping into coverage more than other elite edge rushers. I expect that number to elevate up to nearly 15 sacks this season because of Muschamp’s attacking mentality. Beyond him, I believe you need five players to combine for 20 sacks. I would tab Lance Jackson(2 last year), Rasheem Biles(4.5), Brad Spence(3), Ty’Anthony Smith(2) and Zina Umeozulu(2) to be those guys. Then it’s the supporting cast, between the IDL, secondary and depth LBs, to combine for 15 sacks. I believe players like Justus Terry, Bo Mascoe and Tyler Atkinson can help make that happen.
This is a lofty mark and Texas can have a very successful, top-tier pass rush without hitting this mark. Despite that, I believe this group with Colin Simmons leading the way can do damage. Muschamp is going to allow the players to attack more consistently and it will lead to remarkable results. Whether it’s 48, 50 or 55, I believe this 2026 Texas pass rush will be etched in Longhorns and college football history.
Tomorrow, I want to get into Colin Simmons and why his energy needs to infect the rest of the roster. While he has a tendency to create headlines, the confidence and “nastiness” is something the rest of the Texas defense and team can learn, because they won’t win a National Championship without that.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Texas will lead the country in sacks this season
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
