The Surprising Change That Turned Colin Simmons Into a Dominant Edge Rusher

When Colin Simmons flipped the switch to become a dominant defensive end for the Texas Longhorns, the reasoning might come as a surprise

Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) kneels on the field during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Texas Longhorns enter the 2026 season with expectations that few programs can rival, and with one of the most talented rosters in the country, strengthened by additions from the transfer portal, it is College Football Playoff or bust.

Plenty of attention this offseason for the Longhorns has fallen on the new additions, as well as returning quarterback Arch Manning, but multiple returning pieces will also play a crucial role in determining the outcome ahead.

No player feels that more than edge rusher Colin Simmons, one of the most dominant players in the country, but his decision to become as effective as he has didn't come from a long-winded self-search, but rather, a switch in mentality.

Colin Simmons: Just Do It

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Colin Simmons (1) reacts after a fumble was recovered for a touchdown during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When people think of the most dominant edge rushers in the country, one of the names most brought up is Simmons, who has been the definition of consistent since arriving with the program.

Over his two years in Austin, he has only continued to grow in that regard, including leading the SEC in sacks last year with 11 solo and two assisted. That was built on a nine-sack freshman season in 2024, where he arrived as a true freshman, nearly putting up double-digit sacks in year one.

For as much as the Longhorns benefited from Simmons, and as much as he proved he was one of the best edge defenders in the country, he was still working on becoming a complete defender, including stopping the run, and being more involved on more plays than just passing plays. The mentality switch was simple for him, and it was all self-completed as well.

"I don't know, that's a good question," Simmons said, sort of tongue-in-cheek. "I don't know, I just said 'F*** it', go strike s**t. Yeah. Go make a play. Go be you. Go be yourself."

Sometimes a mentality switch is just that simple, and for an edge rusher as dominant as Simmons has been, the technique and playing ability are already at the top of the game, so adding something more in his bag of tricks just came down to a simple mindset change.

Simmons has already proven to be a problem off the edge, and now, looking like a complete defender at every level of the game, he could be in for the best year of his career, which would be record-setting for the sport.

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