3 Texas underclassmen poised to breakout vs. OU

We are roughly 72 hours away from the kickoff of the 2024 Red River Rivalry, and the stakes could not be higher for both No. 1 Texas football and the No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners.

Which Texas football underclassmen could impact Red River?

The Longhorns will run out of the Cotton Bowl tunnel as the No. 1 team in the country for the first time in 40 years. Oklahoma, on the other hand, is looking to play spoiler as they eye a College Football Playoff berth for the first time since 2019.

Although the Longhorns are a 14-point favorite over their bitter rival, games inside the Cotton Bowl rarely adhere to Vegas projections. Just look back at 2015 when a 16.5-point Charlie Strong-led underdog beat an Oklahoma team that would go on to finish the regular season 11-1.

When breaking down the Red River Rivalry, it is paramount to look through the cracks if you want to identify difference makers. Here are three underclassmen poised to have a breakout performance on Saturday afternoon.

Colin Simmons, Edge

Freshman edge Colin Simmons has already announced himself as a once-in-a-decade type player. The Duncanville (TX) product has wasted no time making his presence felt on the Forty Acres, notching 14 tackles, nine QB hurries, and four sacks through the season's first five games.

His get-off is truly elite; a skill that will make him a first round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Simmons is a prime breakout candidate in his first Red River appearance because of the trust the coaching staff has shown in him.

The true freshman played just 11 snaps in the week one win over Colorado State. Since then, his snap count has gradually increased, culminating in a career-high 41 snaps against Mississippi State. Simmons led the defense in the win over the Bulldogs, notching six tackles and two sacks.

It will be paramount for the Longhorns to contain Oklahoma's athletic quarterback, Michael Hawkins Jr., on Saturday. The true freshman will undoubtedly use his legs early and often to create positive plays for the Sooner offense.

When Hawkins gets out of the pocket and looks to scramble, Simmons' athleticism and speed will be vital in chasing him down. On third down, when the defensive line can pin their ears back, Simmons' presence on the edge will force Hawkins to make untimely decisions.

Simmons' athleticism and uncanny ability to end up in the quarterback's lap will pay major dividends on Saturday.