​AUSTIN (KXAN) — If Texas’ defense wants to take that next step under first-year defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, it may start with the Longhorns’ deepest position group.Headlined by one of the nation’s premier pass rushers is Colin Simmons, Texas’ defensive front, features a combination of veteran experience and young talent that could play a major role in the Longhorns’ national championship aspirations.
Defense shines, offense ‘too sloppy’ in Texas’ second scrimmage Simmons may be the biggest name of the group, but he’s far from the only one expected to make an impact. With Hero Kanu and Maraad Watson on the interior and sophomore Lance Jackson off the edge, Texas has plenty of proven options returning to the defensive front.Simmons the standard entering Year 3ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 31: Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) rushes the passer during the Cheez-It Bowl between the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas Longhorns on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)There isn’t much for Simmons to prove when it comes to his ability to get to the quarterback.The junior enters 2026 as one of the most decorated defensive players in the country, earning preseason First-Team All-America honors from Walter Camp and Phil Steele, along with First-Team All-SEC recognition. Simmons was also named to the preseason watch lists for the Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.Simmons established himself as one of the nation’s premier pass rushers in 2025, leading the SEC with 12 sacks while adding a team-high 15.5 tackles for loss and 15 pressures.Heading into his third season on the Forty Acres, Simmons isn’t just the headliner of Texas’ defensive front. He’s become the standard for a position group loaded with talent.Simmons has also embraced the transition to first-year defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and his aggressive approach.”I think Muschamp puts his best players in a position to go make a play,” Simmons said.
The Will Muschamp effect on Texas’ defense Young talent turning heads up frontSimmons may be the standard on Texas’ defensive line, but he’s also taken notice of the younger players developing beside him.Freshman Richard Wesley is one name that’s quickly caught Simmons’ attention.”Oh Richard, he’s a dog,” Simmons said. “I always tell Richie he mess around and be better than me, honestly, truthfully. I feel like just the way he came in and prepared himself, the way he carries himself. He studies, listens, takes notes. He does everything right.”Simmons was just as complimentary of sophomore Justus Terry, describing him simply as a “straight dog” with “NFL talent.”Terry has been one of the more talked-about names throughout fall camp as he looks to carve out a larger role along the interior of Texas’ defensive front. The former five-star prospect appeared in 10 games as a true freshman last season, giving