Imagine being a quarterback and knowing that the player lined up across from you is virtually unstoppable. That's the reality for anyone facing Colin Simmons right now. He's not just playing well—he's playing like an All-American, and it's sending shivers down the spines of offenses everywhere. But here's where it gets controversial: despite his dominance, some critics argue he’s still flying under the radar nationally. Is he truly getting the recognition he deserves? Let’s dive in.
After a somewhat quiet start to the season, Colin Simmons has transformed into an absolute force on the field. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, and the Longhorns are leaning on him heavily as they push through the remainder of their schedule. What’s most impressive? He’s doing this while opposing teams are actively game-planning to stop him. And this is the part most people miss: even when he’s double-teamed or schemed against, Simmons finds a way to make an impact.
Heading into this season, Simmons was already one of college football’s most feared players, and for good reason. While his sack numbers were modest early on—just 1.5 in the first five games—he was consistently pressuring quarterbacks, proving he was close to breaking out. Fast forward to now, and he’s not just close—he’s arrived. Compared to last year, where he had 4.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble at this point, Simmons has already surpassed those numbers. He’s doubled his sack total and forced fumbles, and with 9.5 tackles for loss, he’s just five shy of matching his entire 16-game total from 2024.
Since the Red River Shootout, Simmons has been on another level. He currently leads the nation with 6.5 sacks and is tied for first with two forced fumbles. His 23 pressures (14.7%) rank him second nationally, and he’s seventh in quarterback hits with 9. These aren’t just stats—they’re a testament to his ability to dominate games single-handedly. Even in the one game where he didn’t record a sack or tackle for loss (against Mississippi State), he still led the team in tackles, showcasing his all-around impact.
But here’s the bold question: Is Colin Simmons the most underrated defensive player in college football right now? Despite his stats and impact, he’s not always mentioned in the same breath as other top defenders. Maybe it’s because he’s not on a team with a flashy record, or perhaps it’s because his dominance has become expected. Either way, it’s time to give him his due.
As a leader, Simmons isn’t just talking the talk—he’s walking the walk. His performance against Vanderbilt, where he earned SEC co-defensive lineman of the week honors, was a masterclass. He recorded a strip-sack, recovered the fumble, and added five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and two pressures in a 34-31 win over the No. 9 Commodores. That fumble recovery set up a field goal, giving Texas a 10-0 lead. Later, his pressure on third-and-11 forced a punt, leading to a Longhorns touchdown drive. By game’s end, Simmons had helped the Texas defense post six sacks—twice as many as Vanderbilt’s quarterback had ever faced in a single game.
With two mobile quarterbacks still on Texas’ schedule, the Longhorns need Simmons to keep up this level of play. He’s not just a player—he’s a game-changer. So, here’s the question for you: Do you think Colin Simmons is getting the national attention he deserves? Or is he still being overlooked? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
