Colin Simmons headlines Texas’ deep defensive front

AUSTIN (KXAN) — If Texas' defense wants to take that next step under first-year defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, it may start with the Longhorns' deepest position group.

Headlined by one of the nation's premier pass rushers is Colin Simmons, Texas' defensive front, features a combination of veteran experience and young talent that could play a major role in the Longhorns' national championship aspirations.

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Simmons may be the biggest name of the group, but he's far from the only one expected to make an impact. With Hero Kanu and Maraad Watson on the interior and sophomore Lance Jackson off the edge, Texas has plenty of proven options returning to the defensive front.

Simmons the standard entering Year 3ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 31: Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) rushes the passer during the Cheez-It Bowl between the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas Longhorns on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There isn't much for Simmons to prove when it comes to his ability to get to the quarterback.

The junior enters 2026 as one of the most decorated defensive players in the country, earning preseason First-Team All-America honors from Walter Camp and Phil Steele, along with First-Team All-SEC recognition. Simmons was also named to the preseason watch lists for the Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.

Simmons established himself as one of the nation's premier pass rushers in 2025, leading the SEC with 12 sacks while adding a team-high 15.5 tackles for loss and 15 pressures.

Heading into his third season on the Forty Acres, Simmons isn't just the headliner of Texas' defensive front. He's become the standard for a position group loaded with talent.

Simmons has also embraced the transition to first-year defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and his aggressive approach.

"I think Muschamp puts his best players in a position to go make a play," Simmons said.

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Simmons may be the standard on Texas' defensive line, but he's also taken notice of the younger players developing beside him.

Freshman Richard Wesley is one name that's quickly caught Simmons' attention.

"Oh Richard, he's a dog," Simmons said. "I always tell Richie he mess around and be better than me, honestly, truthfully. I feel like just the way he came in and prepared himself, the way he carries himself. He studies, listens, takes notes. He does everything right."

Simmons was just as complimentary of sophomore Justus Terry, describing him simply as a "straight dog" with "NFL talent."

Terry has been one of the more talked-about names throughout fall camp as he looks to carve out a larger role along the interior of Texas' defensive front. The former five-star prospect appeared in 10 games as a true freshman last season, giving him valuable experience heading into his sophomore campaign.

With a full offseason in the program, Terry has an opportunity to turn that potential into production as part of a deep rotation up front.

Veteran depth throughout the defensive frontAUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 13: Hero Kanu #93 of the Texas Longhorns and Lance Jackson #40 stand at the line of scrimmage in the second half against the UTEP Miners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Wesley and Terry may have increased roles for Texas up front in 2026, but the veteran depth built around Simmons is where this position group could flourish.

Hero Kanu leads the group of veteran linemen on the Forty Acres. In his first season at Texas, Kanu appeared in all 13 games and made 12 starts, recording 30 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.

Now entering his senior year 30 pounds heavier, Kanu is motivated to make his mark in the trenches after passing on the 2026 NFL Draft for another season at Texas.

Kanu isn't the only experienced option Texas brings back on the interior. Maraad Watson returns for his second season on the Forty Acres after appearing in 12 games with six starts in 2025.

Watson finished the year with 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries, highlighted by a career-high 1.5 sacks against San Jose State.

Alex January also returns for his third season in the program, while sophomore Josiah Sharma adds another young option after gaining experience during his freshman campaign. Together, the two add even more flexibility to a crowded interior rotation.

Then there's Ian Geffrard, who quite literally stands out among the group. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 375 pounds, Geffrard gives the Longhorns a massive presence in the middle and another option against opposing rushing attacks.

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Texas' depth isn't limited to the interior, with multiple options available alongside Simmons off the edge.

Lance Jackson enters his sophomore season looking to take another step after appearing in all 13 games during his freshman campaign. With a year of experience under his belt, the former five-star prospect could be in line for an increased role in 2026.

Jackson understands the opportunity, but his focus throughout fall camp has remained on the fundamentals.

"We're obviously focused on technique and stuff, but just trying to make plays," Jackson said.

Junior Zina Umeozulu also returns alongside Simmons, and the Longhorns' star pass rusher believes his fellow third-year edge is poised for a bigger role.

"Zina is in his best form right now," Simmons said. "I think he's in his best form right now. I think he's ready. In my opinion, I feel like he's ready."

Between the proven production of Simmons and Kanu, returning options like Watson and Umeozulu and the emergence of players such as Terry, Wesley and Jackson, Muschamp won't be short on options to work with up front in his first season leading the Texas defense.

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