As the Texas Longhorns have gotten off to a 4-0 start, their defense has been elite. That is partly because of the duo of Colin Simmons and Lance Jackson, who frustrate offensive coordinators every week. With the season far from over, they are showing no signs of slowing down while filling up the stat sheet.
Through three games, Simmons has remained a model of excellence with 13 total tackles and a team-high 7.5 sacks. The Texas native also has one forced fumble in that span and has added multiple weekly awards to his trophy case. Regardless of the opponent, Simmons has remained one of the best players at his position.
Colin Simmons 🤝 ELITE
— 247Sports (@247Sports) September 26, 2026
via ABC pic.twitter.com/KBb4mpEL33
While Simmons has created chaos, he has gotten some help from Jackson,
who has become an important player for head coach Steve Sarkisian. So far this season, the talented sophomore has recorded 16 total tackles and two sacks. Against Tennessee last week, he had one of his best games of the season with four total tackles.
Although the 2026 campaign is far from over, Jackson's emergence has been encouraging. He and Simmons have combined for 9.5 sacks and 29 tackles. That is one of the highest totals of any duo in the nation, and they show no signs of slowing down. That is key for a team that has national title aspirations.
#Texas EDGE Lance Jackson recorded 9 pressures vs. Tennessee according to PFF.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) September 27, 2026
His previous career high was 4 (2025 vs OU).
The breakout is underway!
Over the next few weeks, Simmons and Jackson will be two players to watch. The Longhorns schedule is about to get more challenging as they continue SEC play and take on Florida and Ole Miss in November. Those are games in which Texas will need Simmons and Jackson at their best.
If the Longhorns veteran duo can build on their recent play, then there will be plenty of reasons to celebrate in Austin.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns defensive line duo emerging as one of best in nation
