In just 54 days, the Texas Longhorns storm the field against Texas State, and if you haven't been paying attention, their EDGE defender group is stacked. Colin Simmons, the absolute leader, is one of the best players in the country, but the big question looming is if this unit has the depth to fill in the gaps. We're breaking down how this fascinating position group could shake out this season.
Simmons and Jackson: The Elite Frontline
First up, your starters: Colin Simmons and Lance Jackson. Simmons isn't just the best player in this unit, he's the best player on the entire team, period. Offenses are going to have him circled at the top of their scouting reports every single week. Expect him to be an absolute force, racking up another double-digit sack season, no doubt. On the other side, Lance Jackson slots in as the true defensive end. He looks like the perfect heir to Ethan Burke's spot, bringing length and a solid ability to play the run effectively. I'm telling you, this duo could be just straight up *taking over* games for Texas this season.The Crucial Rotation: Depth Makes or Breaks It
There's going to be a consistent rotation at this position, though don't expect Simmons to be off the field much. Zina Umeozulu has apparently had an insane offseason, earning that EDGE3 spot backing up Simmons. Colton Vasek is a fantastic backup option to Jackson, *if* he can stay healthy , and that's been a massive "if" in the past. True freshman Richard Wesley has earned playing time, but he's gonna have a learning curve early on. If he figures it out fast, he could factor in with Vasek, backing up Jackson. And don't forget Brad Spence, he's just too good to keep off the field and will likely be used in "NASCAR" packages on long third downs.The Ceiling Is Sky-High, But the Stakes Are Real
Then you've got your specialty guys: Justus Terry, Jamarion Carlton, and Smith Orogbo. Terry is listed as a DT, but his length and athleticism mean he could definitely factor into the defensive end rotation. Carlton is another impressive freshman who could hit the field later in the season, and Orogbo, while likely seeing the least snaps, could absolutely shine against Texas State and UTSA. Look, if Umeozulu, Jackson, and Vasek all play to their potential, this unit won't just be good, it could be the *most disruptive* group in the entire country, period. The worry? If those guys miss the mark, Colin Simmons might end up shouldering too much of the load. I expect these players to step up, and the Texas pass rush to be one of the best in the nation this season.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.