In a remarkable achievement for the Texas Longhorns, true sophomore Colin Simmons has been named the 2024 Ted Hendricks Award winner, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive end. This prestigious honor, bestowed annually by the Ted Hendricks Award Foundation, celebrates the standout edge rusher who exemplifies excellence in pass rushing, run defense, and overall defensive impact. Simmons’ meteoric rise from a five-star recruit to a national sensation underscores his dominance and cements his status as one of college football’s brightest stars.
Simmons, a Dallas native, burst onto the scene in 2024 as a true freshman, starting all 16 games for the Longhorns and showcasing an explosive blend of speed, power, and technique. His statistical output was nothing short of extraordinary: 48 total tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). These numbers not only earned him the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award but also positioned him as PFF’s top-ranked edge rusher entering the 2025 season. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses, whether by sacking quarterbacks or setting the edge against the run, made him a cornerstone of Texas’ elite defense.
The Ted Hendricks Award, named after the Hall of Fame linebacker, honors players who combine athletic prowess with leadership and character. Simmons’ relentless work ethic and dynamic playstyle drew comparisons to NFL greats like Micah Parsons, with whom he shares a close bond. The two collaborated in June 2024 to host a youth camp for special needs children in Duncanville, Simmons’ hometown, highlighting his commitment to community service. This off-field impact, paired with his on-field heroics, made him a standout candidate for the award.
Simmons’ breakout season was pivotal in Texas’ historic 2024 campaign, where the Longhorns tied a school record with 13 wins and reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. Key moments, like his quarterback sack against Kentucky and a pass breakup in the playoff against Ohio State, showcased his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations. His 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame, combined with explosive speed, allowed him to overpower offensive linemen and disrupt plays, earning him accolades as “an explosive defender with active and heavy hands,” according to ESPN.
The SEC, known for its fierce competition, featured a stacked field of edge rushers in 2024, including South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart, who recorded seven sacks and 51 pressures. Yet, Simmons’ consistency and versatility set him apart. His ability to impact both passing and running plays elevated Texas’ defense, making him a nightmare for opposing coordinators. As PFF noted, Simmons outperformed competitors like Clemson’s TJ Parker and South Carolina’s Stewart, securing his place atop their rankings.
Looking ahead, Simmons is poised to lead Texas’ defensive line in 2025, mentoring younger talents like five-star recruit Richard Wesley. His win marks the first time a Longhorn has claimed the Ted Hendricks Award, a testament to coach Steve Sarkisian’s transformative recruiting and development strategy. As Simmons continues to grow, NFL scouts are already taking notice, projecting him as a future first-round draft pick. For now, Longhorn fans celebrate their star, whose journey from Duncanville High to national acclaim is just beginning.
