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Texas' star DE named the top returning pass rusher in 2025 according to PFF

The Longhorns have been getting a ton of national love lately, and now Colin Simmons was named the top returning collegiate pass rusher.
ByMatthew Wilson|
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (11) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (11) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pro Football Focus has singled out quite a bit of Longhorn football players over the past month or so, and another was just included in their most recent list. Texas' dominant pass rusher, Colin Simmons, was officially declared the top returning defensive end in the country over the likes of Clemson's T.J. Parker, Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton, and Oregon's Matayo Uiagalelei.

Simmons appeared in all 16 games for the Longhorns in 2024 and led the team in sacks with 9. He also finished second in tackles for loss with 14 as a true freshman. His presence along the defensive line was felt in each and every game,and that's something that can't be said for most 1st-year college players, especially on the line of scrimmage.

The craziest part about his overall performance last season was that he actually got better against top competition. He absolutely dominated against Georgia, Clemson, and Arizona State in the SEC Championship and playoff games. One of his most memorable moments of the year was when he picked off Cade Klubnik in the 1st round playoff game.

Simmons was one of the few ready-made college players in the 2024 recruiting class, and he undoubtedly showed it in year 1. His pass rush repertoire is already established and well-rounded, specifically his speed/cross-chop and club-rip moves. His hip and ankle flexibility allows him to transition into his dips without telegraphing it at the point of attack.

Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski used Simmons everywhere last season, from rushing inside over the guard/center, to dropping back into coverage to cover tight ends. Even though he was pretty effective doing all those different things as a freshman, his role might change a bit in 2025. Kwiatkowski might be planning to leave Simmons on the line of scrimmage more often to wreak havoc in the backfield.

As a coach, you don't want to keep one of your best defender's from doing what they do best, just because they're versatile. Trey Moore was actually moved to linebacker this offseason, so it's possible that the defensive staff wants to use Moore as that position-flexible player instead of Simmons in 2025.

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