Colin Simmons and Lance Jackson are giving Texas a ferocious pass-rush tandem as the unbeaten Longhorns continue their push toward another playoff run.
The Texas Longhorns defense has become the backbone of a 4-0 start, and few players have done more damage than edge rushers Colin Simmons and Lance Jackson.
Texas' latest statement came in a 20-17 road win over Tennessee, where the defense overwhelmed the Volunteers with 10 sacks, the second-highest single-game total in program history.
Simmons was the biggest problem of all, exploding for 5.5 sacks, a school record and a mark that tied the SEC single-game record.
That performance pushed Simmons' season total to 7.5 sacks, giving the junior another dominant start after leading Texas with 12 sacks in 2025.
Simmons has become more than a talented pass rusher. He has become the player opposing offenses have to account for on virtually every passing down.
And that attention is helping create opportunities elsewhere.
Lance Jackson has continued his emergence as a sophomore, recording 16 tackles and two sacks through the early portion of the season.
His four tackles against Tennessee matched a career high even though he didn't record one of Texas' 10 sacks.
The numbers tell the larger story.
Simmons and Jackson have combined for 29 tackles and 9.5 sacks, giving defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski two edge defenders capable of disrupting an offense without relying heavily on blitz pressure.
That's a major advantage for a Texas defense that has already shown it can take over games.
Against Tennessee, the Longhorns held the Volunteers to just 221 total yards, including 70 on the ground. Tennessee quarterbacks managed only 151 passing yards while repeatedly dealing with pressure.
The schedule won't get easier as SEC play continues, which makes the development of this tandem increasingly important.
Simmons already entered the season with national recognition and postseason expectations. Jackson's rise gives Texas another weapon offenses can't ignore.
If both continue producing at this level, opponents face an unpleasant choice: devote extra protection to Simmons and risk leaving Jackson one-on-one, or trust an offensive tackle to survive against one of the most disruptive defenders in college football.
So far, neither option looks particularly attractive.
For a Texas team with championship expectations, Simmons and Jackson are quickly becoming one of the biggest reasons those expectations look realistic.
