Texas Longhorns Stud Colin Simmons Earns High Rank In College Football's Top 50 Players

When looking at the 2026 college football season, many see the Texas Longhorns as one of the teams to beat.

Most of that is due to QB Arch Manning and coach Steve Sarkisian's offense, which is loaded, but we can't forget about the defense, can we?

Not when the Longhorns have a star edge in Colin Simmons going quarterback hunting on every play.

In his two seasons with the Longhorns, Simmons has been nothing but super productive. He's posted a combined 29.5 tackles for loss, 21 sacks, six forced fumbles and 91 combined tackles in 29 games. 

That is some good production, folks.

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After his 2025 season, which was easily the best of his young career, it is easy to anticipate that Colin will once again be seen as one of the better edge rushers in football, right?

Well, PFF took it a step beyond and, in truth, has given Simmons his flowers for what he's done and what they project him to do in 2026.

In PFF's ranking of the top 50 players in college football, Simmons comes in at No. 3, behind only Leonard Moore of Notre Dame (No. 2) and Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State (No. 1).

"No returning FBS edge defender has been more valuable than Simmons over the past two seasons, according to PFF WAA," PFF wrote. "He also ranks second among returning edge defenders in pressures (105) over that span while posting a strong 78.7 career PFF run-defense grade.

"Simmons enters his junior season as the nation's top edge defender and projects as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft."

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Simmons the third-best player in college football? That is some accolade.

Now, PFF's stats and how they rank don't sit too well with some, but based on Simmons' production over the last two seasons, he is the very definition of a nightmare to go against.

With the Longhorns boasting an elite offense and a defense capable of wreaking havoc, with Simmons leading the way, the 2026 season could be very fruitful for Texas and Sarkisian.

For reference in PFF's list, the next best edge is Louisville's Clev Lubin at No. 17.

Simmons as one of the best players in college football? That much is clear.