DYNAMIC DUO, EDGED OUT — Colin Simmons Named One of College Football’s Top Returners, But Longhorns Still Without a National Defense Crown

Despite Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons being recognized as one of college football’s most elite returning defenders, the broader question continues to haunt the Forty Acres faithful: When will Texas claim its crown as the nation’s top defense?

As preseason honors and hype begin to swirl, Simmons’ name is high on nearly every analyst’s list. His freshman season in Austin exceeded expectations — a rare feat for a true first-year player on the defensive line. He racked up sacks, pressures, and chaos in equal measure, drawing double teams and disrupting game plans. Now, entering his sophomore year, he’s being hailed as one of the most feared pass rushers in the country.

But while the accolades pour in for Simmons, and deservedly so, Texas finds itself still chasing an elusive milestone — a definitive, undisputed No. 1 national defensive ranking. For a program loaded with tradition and star power, that reality is both puzzling and frustrating for fans who have waited years for the defense to match the expectations of a championship-caliber program.

Simmons, the former five-star phenom from Duncanville High School, exploded onto the scene last year with a mix of speed, intelligence, and raw power that belied his youth. He finished his freshman campaign with 10.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and a motor that never stopped. Coaches praised his work ethic and maturity, while NFL scouts already started penciling his name into future draft projections.

It’s no surprise, then, that Simmons was recently named a top returning defensive player by multiple national outlets. His combination of technique and tenacity has made him the cornerstone of the Longhorns’ defensive unit, and a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators.

The Longhorns have shown significant defensive improvement under head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff. In 2024, Texas ranked among the top 20 nationally in total defense, and their front seven — anchored by Simmons and fellow edge rusher Ethan Burke — was among the most disruptive in the Big 12 before the team transitioned into the SEC.

But despite these strides, Texas hasn’t quite cracked the top echelon in national defensive rankings. Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama have consistently dominated those spots in recent years, leaving the Longhorns trying to prove they belong in that elite category.

There’s no question the potential is there. With Simmons returning, plus rising stars like linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and cornerback Malik Muhammad stepping into larger roles, the defense is arguably the strongest it’s been in years. Texas has size, speed, and scheme — all the ingredients necessary for dominance.

Still, questions remain. Can they maintain consistency? Can they force enough turnovers in clutch moments? And perhaps most importantly: Can they shut down SEC offenses week after week, particularly against the likes of LSU, Georgia, and Alabama?

As spectacular as Simmons is, one player alone cannot carry a defense to national supremacy. The 2025 Longhorns must become more than just a collection of stars — they must function as a cohesive, relentless unit. That’s the challenge ahead.

Texas fans, meanwhile, are growing anxious. The team has flirted with greatness for several years, and last season’s near playoff berth has only intensified the desire to get over the hump. With elite recruits, NFL-bound talent, and rising expectations, the time is now.