In a major accolade for the Texas Longhorns, sophomore edge rusher Colin Simmons has been named Pro Football Focus (PFF)’s No. 1 Returning Edge Rusher for the 2025 college football season. This recognition, announced by PFF College on May 31, 2025, cements Simmons as one of the nation’s premier defensive talents and a cornerstone of Texas’ dominant defense heading into their second SEC campaign.
Simmons, a Dallas native and former five-star recruit from Duncanville High School, burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2024, playing in all 15 games for the Longhorns. His stellar debut season saw him lead the team with nine sacks, 14 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and 48 total tackles. Notable performances included a three-tackle-for-loss, two-sack game against Mississippi State in Texas’ SEC opener and a first-career interception in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal against Clemson. His disruptive presence earned him the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, making him the first Longhorn to claim the honor in its seven-year history.
PFF’s Max Chadwick praised Simmons’ “nuclear playmaking ability,” highlighting his 43 quarterback pressures (second among all freshmen) and a 28.6% pass-rush win rate, which ranked third among SEC edge rushers. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Simmons combines first-step quickness, elite length, and relentless effort, drawing comparisons to NFL stars like Von Miller and Myles Garrett.
