DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 10: Texas Longhorns edge Colin Simmons (1) looks on during the Allstate Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners on October 10, 2026, at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 10: Texas Longhorns edge Colin Simmons (1) looks on during the Allstate Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners on October 10, 2026, at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images · Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Texas junior EDGE Colin Simmons was named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2026 Lombardi Award, the award committee announced Tuesday.

Simmons has established himself as one of the nation’s premier defensive players this season, leading the FBS with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss despite missing Texas’ last two games with an injury. The Dallas native has recorded 25 total tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four quarterback hurries across six appearances. Simmons is the second Longhorn in three years to be named a semifinalist. Texas alum Kelvin Banks Jr. won the award in 2024.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Austin American-Statesman: Can Texas basketball freshmen carry ‘OD confidence’ into next game?

Austin American-Statesman: Texas’ Madison Booker hasn’t forgotten the UCLA game. She’s just moved on.

Austin American-Statesman: How tight ends, backs can help the worst passing game in the Sarkisian-era

Austin American-Statesman: Golden: Marcus Spears Jr. shines, reflects new-look Texas’ NCAA potential

247Sports: CFP rankings: Why history indicates Texas football has clear path to the playoff as a 3-loss team

247Sports: First things first Wednesday: Inside the helmet communication between Texas DC Will Muschamp and Justin Cryer

Inside Texas: Two get out of jail cards Texas has not used enough on offense in 2026 but should

Inside Texas: Texas is on a list of 10 teams in this dreadful stat. It isn’t good for the Longhorns.

Inside Texas: Arch Manning has been a rollercoaster since the bye. Texas needs the steam train.

ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

No. 7 Texas vs. No. 18 Missouri preview: Tigers host Longhorns for top 25 battle

Texas freshmen tracker: Smoke Matthews makes impact in win over Mississippi State

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

247Sports: Three questions: Can Texas crack the top five in recruiting?

247Sports: Midweek water cooler: Latest on Xavier Muhammad, Brysen Wright, and other Texas recruiting targets

247Sports: Texas makes strong impression on 2029 LB Raiden Johnson with offer

247Sports: The JUCO report: Hayden Lowe headlines busy November across junior college recruiting

Inside Texas: Texas Longhorns recruiting intel: Two committed targets visiting Austin, details on 2028 prospects

SEC SHOWDOWN

Houston Chronicle: Bohls: Why UT must start fast, SEC coach concerns and Longhorns’ youth takeover

Houston Chronicle: Missouri doesn’t get the hype but Tigers a more complete team than Longhorns

Rock M Nation: Texas Longhorns preview

And The Valley Shook: If LSU wins or loses vs. Alabama

Rocky Top Talk: Jalen Washington’s eligibility case set to move to Indiana

Roll ‘Bama Roll: Alabama rolls in opener, 96-74

A Sea Of Blue: Kentucky vs. Tennessee injury report: CJ Baxter and DeSean Bishop are good to go

WHAT WE’RE READING

SB Nation: NBA power rankings for all 30 teams with huge changes after opening weeks of new season

SB Nation: The hits keep coming for wild-card hopefuls chasing the Packers

SB Nation: Jacoby Brissett trade gives Ravens hope as Cardinals move on at the right time

NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

  • Good news, folks.

Source: Yahoo Sports