Colin Simmons recorded 5.5 sacks and forced a fumble in Texas’s win over Tennessee, a haul that earned him three major defensive awards on Tuesday. The Longhorns defensive end took home the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and the Walter Camp Award after his standout performance.
Simmons’s 5.5 sacks in a single game against a ranked opponent made him the first FBS player in 20 years to reach that figure. He also added nine tackles in the game, helping Texas secure its second victory this season against a ranked team. Through three games in 2026, Simmons leads the Longhorns with 7.5 sacks and 13 total tackles. His nearest teammate, Maraad Watson, has just two sacks.
The honors he received Tuesday are rare for a Texas player. Simmons is the first Longhorn to win the Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week award since Anthony Hill Jr. in 2025. He’s also the first in Texas history to be named Nagurski Trophy Player of the Week since Jaylan Ford in 2022.
The defensive end’s impact extends beyond statistics. He has consistently disrupted opposing offenses, creating pressure that has frustrated quarterbacks so far this season. His performance against Tennessee stood out not only for the volume of sacks but also for the forced turnover and tackles that contributed to stifling a ranked SEC offense.
Fans and analysts took notice. A video clip shared on social media showed Simmons accounting for half of Texas’s ten team sacks in that game. The Longhorns’ Twitter account posted a photo of Simmons with the caption “Colin Simmons 🤝 ELITE” shortly after the awards were announced.
Texas will face Oklahoma on October 10th after its bye week. Although the Sooners are currently unranked, Simmons’s recent form suggests the Longhorns’ defense will be prepared for a tough challenge. The Longhorns have had difficulty winning SEC matchups this season, but Simmons’s performance gives them a boost heading into this contest.
Contact and follow @LonghornsWire on X, formerly Twitter, for further Texas news and updates. Reporter Trey Luerssen is also available on X under @TreyLuerssen.
According to Yahoo Sports.
