The 2024 season has been a monumental one for Texas Longhorns football, and a key highlight is the rise of standout rookie Colin Simmons. The explosive edge rusher has been awarded the prestigious Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year honor by the Maxwell Football Club, recognizing him as the nation’s top freshman in college football.
Hailing from the powerhouse football program at Duncanville High School, Simmons was a 5-star recruit and ranked as the No. 2 edge rusher in the country according to 247Sports Composite. During his senior year at Duncanville, Simmons dominated with 52 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, contributing to his team’s impressive four shutouts.
In his first year with the Longhorns, Simmons was a force on the field. He tallied 39 tackles, 13 tackles for loss (second-most on the team), and led the team with 8 sacks. He also forced 3 fumbles, helping anchor one of the nation’s top defenses.
One of his standout performances came against Mississippi State, where Simmons single-handedly wreaked havoc. He recorded 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, proving to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He also posted another two sacks against Arkansas, further cementing his status as a freshman phenom.
Simmons’ impact didn’t stop there—he made a game-changing play in Texas’ 38-24 playoff victory over Clemson, intercepting a pass that thwarted a Clemson scoring drive. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the 1st Team All-SEC Freshman Team.
Next up, Simmons and the Longhorns will face Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on January 1, for a chance to advance further in the College Football Playoff. With his electrifying performance this season, the sky’s the limit for Simmons as he continues to shine on the national stage.
