Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons is emerging as a leader in spring practice, giving Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns a dominant force on defense.
Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons is already one of the most dangerous defenders in college football, but this spring, the Texas Longhorns are seeing something even more important from the former Dallas standout ... growth as a leader.
That development could be just as valuable as his pass-rushing talent heading into the 2026 college football season.
Colin Simmons has long been known for his ability to wreck plays off the edge, but Texas coach Steve Sarkisian says the junior is now showing a more polished, team-first approach during spring practice.
Instead of blowing up reps before they fully develop, Simmons is working within the structure of practice while still showing the elite burst and speed that make him a nightmare for offenses.
For a Texas defense expected to lean heavily on Simmons this season, that's important.
With Will Muschamp’s unit aiming to remain one of the most physical groups in the country, Simmons is expected to lead the way as both a tone-setter and a playmaker.
His ability to pressure the quarterback is already well established, but Sarkisian’s recent comments suggest Simmons is becoming the kind of veteran presence championship-level teams need.
The biggest takeaway from Texas spring football isn’t that Simmons can dominate. Everyone already knew that.
It’s that he’s learning when to dominate and when to let a rep breathe so the rest of the defense can develop around him. That’s a major step for a player who’s likely to be one of the faces of the Longhorns this fall.
Sarkisian has also pointed to Simmons’ improvement against the run, which only raises his ceiling even more.
If he continues combining explosive athleticism with discipline and leadership, Colin Simmons could be in line for a massive junior season and become one of the defining stars of Texas football in 2026.
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