Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Colin Simmons teases upcoming decision

Duncanville (Texas) Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Colin Simmons is just one day away from announcing his college decision, potentially putting an end to one of the most high-profile recruitments of the 2024 cycle.

The No. 5 overall prospect, No. 1 EDGE and No. 1 player from Texas — per the On3 Industry Ranking — will choose between LSU, Texas and Miami on Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. ET on the On3 YouTube channel. While the Hurricanes made the final cut, it appears to be a two-horse race between the Tigers and Longhorns.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), Texas is the leader in the clubhouse at 48%, while LSU is right behind at 33.9%. Both programs have received a pair of RPM picks logged by recruiting insiders at InsideTexas and The Bengal Tiger, though the confidence levels of the picks are higher when in favor of Steve Sarkisian and UT.

Simmons has kept his cards close to the chest throughout his recruitment. That won’t change heading into his announcement on Thursday afternoon, but it also won’t stop him from teasing his humongous decision one final time.

The blue-chip EDGE took to Twitter on Wednesday morning with photos of himself in the gear of each finalist, along with a hashtag.

#HornsUp pic.twitter.com/AMulFCcxeu

— Colin Simmons ✍🏾 Call Me D1🚶🏾‍♂️ (@ColinSimmons__) August 9, 2023

Texas has welcomed Simmons to Austin six times, with the most recent being an official visit on June 23. Of the finalists, the Longhorns were the first to host the Texan, back in January 2022. His contact with lead recruiters co-defensive coordinator Jeff Choate and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks has remained consistent as the program hopes it can fend off the Tigers and keep Simmons in-state.

#ColinBatonRouge pic.twitter.com/5TzxdeRbHt

— Colin Simmons ✍🏾 Call Me D1🚶🏾‍♂️ (@ColinSimmons__) August 9, 2023

LSU has also managed six visits with Simmons, including having the last visit with him before his commitment, as he attended the Bayou Splash in Baton Rouge at the end of July. Outside linebackers coach John Jancek and defensive coordinator Matt House have kept the foot on the gas and have also had their eyes on Simmons for some time on the recruiting trail.

Simmons will be committing at the same time as his Duncanville teammate, four-star running back Caden Durham, who is currently trending towards LSU. The teammate effect could play into the Tigers’ favor and give them a slight edge over the Longhorns.

#BringMiamiBack ⏳ pic.twitter.com/nvmCSLiOmd

— Colin Simmons ✍🏾 Call Me D1🚶🏾‍♂️ (@ColinSimmons__) August 9, 2023

Miami’s chances to land Simmons stands at less than 1%, according to the RPM, which gives even Alabama and Georgia better odds to land what would be a surprise commitment. The Hurricanes received one of his four official visits in June and also welcomed him to Coral Gables in April. Defensive ends coach Jason Taylor and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry led the Canes’ recruitment of the elite talent.