Steve Sarkisian evaluates loaded Texas defense, reveals new role for Colin Simmons

Outside of Anthony Hill, there might not be a more impactful player this season than Colin Simmons. Considering his position, Simmons could make an argument to dethrone Hill of the title. Texas has a special player on its hands and needs to do whatever it takes to get him on the field.

So, some changes are coming ahead of the 2025 season. Steve Sarkisian admitted Texas will switch up their defensive personnel to make sure Simmons is consistently on the field. No longer will Sarkisian and Pete Kwiatkowski wait for Simmons to play in certain situations.

“Naturally, we’ve adjusted a few things schematically and personnel-wise, trying to make sure we get our best players on the field,” Sarkisian said. “Collin Simmons needs to be a starter for us. Last year, he was always rotating with Trey Moore. Two great players but it was like ‘Now we have to wait for third down to put them on the field together?’ So we’ve adjusted some things there.”

Sarkisian also mentioned Brad Spence, an import Texas received this offseason through the NCAA transfer portal. He has some experience playing linebacker during his time at Arkansas, as does Moore. Between those two, a combined 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss were recorded during the 2024 season.

Not bad numbers and ones Texas could work with if they wanted to. Both have SEC experience and the production speaks for itself, proving Moore and Spence could do a fine job coming off the edge. Instead, some more linebacker snaps may be heading their way.

This allows for Simmons to get on the field, as Sarkisian mentioned. In a more limited role last year, the true freshman put up nine sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. Early portions of the schedule only saw him trot out there on third down when obvious passing situations arose. No longer. Sarkisian is going to play the former Five-Star Plus+ prospect at a much higher clip moving forward.

Not to say the other guys will not receive any playing time. Depending on what Kwiatkowski calls, one of Moore or Spence is likely playing next to Hill. Duties will be different but Texas hopes results wind up being the same.

Either way, opposing quarterbacks are going to have massive headaches looking around the Texas front seven. Seeing a lot more of Simmons is good news in Austin and something opponents will fear.