Colin Simmons, a junior edge rusher for the Texas Longhorns, is already being talked about as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. His relentless pass rush has turned heads across the SEC, and analysts predict that his senior season could rewrite the program’s record books.
A Record‑Breaking Pursuit
In the 2025 campaign Simmons posted 12 sacks, the fifth‑most in the nation and the most in the SEC, while also forcing a career‑high 61 quarterback pressures. That production placed him second‑team All‑American and first‑team All‑SEC, and his 21 career sacks have left him just three away from the top ten all‑time list.
The single‑season sack mark currently stands at 22.5, set by Kiki DeAyala, and the career record of 40.5 belongs to the same DeAyala. Simmons is targeting both, a feat that would cement his place among the Longhorns’ defensive legends.
A Tough Road Ahead
Texas’ 2026 slate features a demanding SEC schedule, highlighted by a showdown with Ohio State that could serve as a marquee test for Simmons’ ambitions. Under the guidance of head coach Will Muschamp, the defensive scheme has been refined to maximize pressure, giving Simmons the tools to chase down quarterbacks with greater efficiency.
Beyond the numbers, Simmons’ leadership in the locker room and his ability to elevate teammates have made him a central figure in the Longhorns’ plans. If he stays healthy and maintains his current trajectory, the 2026 season could see Texas rewrite chapters of its defensive history and set a new benchmark for pass rushers in the conference.