2025 Preseason Herbie Awards: Colin Simmons named best game wrecker

On Friday, ESPN College GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit revealed his annual preseason Herbie Award choices. During the event, Herbstreit named Texas linebacker Colin Simmons his preseason pick in the “Best Game Wrecker” category.

“Whether he’s wearing No. 11 or 1, Ohio State is going to be ID’ing him. They’re going to make sure they know exactly where he is because he can get after the quarterback,” Herbstreit said of Simmons. “… I really thought he did a great job of living up to the hype as a true freshman.

“Boy, I can’t imagine what he’s going to look like after an entire off season to work on his technique, continue to add to his arsenal moves to get to the quarterback, and get stronger and faster. He’s going to have a big year.”

As a true freshman last season, Simmons appeared in all 16 of Texas’ games. He finished his debut campaign with 48 tackles, a team-high nine sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.

Simmons’ nine sacks are the third-most in a single season by a freshman in college football history. For his efforts, he was named the Shawn Alexander Freshman of the Year — the first in Texas’ storied program history.

Evidently, experts don’t expect Simmons to have a sophomore slump. Simmons was named a preseason All-SEC First-Team selection by both the league’s media and coaches. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound standout is excited to show out in Year 2.

“I feel way more comfortable than I was my freshman year, especially with knowing the playbook and flying around out there having fun,” Simmons said. “That’s really the main thing with me, having fun out there.

“I don’t want to think it’s like a job or something I have to do. Just go out there, have fun, do what I’m supposed to do, do my assignment, and get better as a team.”

Colin Simmons will immediately be put to the test in the 2025 campaign. Texas is kicking off its season with a showdown against Ohio State. Worse, the Longhorns will be on the road. While many players would be intimidated by the challenge, Simmons is eager to take on the Buckeyes.

“I never lose my confidence playing this sport,” Simmons said. “You’ve got to have confidence playing this sport going into games, going into practice, walking into this facility. You have to have the utmost confidence.”

On Aug. 30, Texas will square off against Ohio State at noon ET. The game will air live on FOX.