Kirk Herbstreit names Texas edge Colin Simmons the best ‘game wrecker’ in college football
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When Texas and Ohio State take the field at The Shoe next Saturday, there will be talent galore on the gridiron. The Buckeyes may even have college football’s best defender, Caleb Downs, roaming their secondary. But to Kirk Herbstreit, it’s a Longhorn defender who has the best chance at single-handedly pushing his team to a win.
On Friday evening, Herbstreit awarded Texas edge defender Colin Simmons with the “game wrecker” Herbie Award. The College GameDay analyst spoke glowingly about the sophomore and believes he’s poised for big things in 2025.
“Whether he’s wearing No. 11 or 1, Ohio State is going to be [identifying] him. They’re going to make sure they know exactly where he is because he can get after the quarterback,” Herbstreit said. “He did a great job of living up to the hype as a true freshman… I can’t imagine what he’s going to look like after an entire offseason to work on his technique… he’s going to have a big year.”
Simmons recorded 48 combined tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks as a freshman last season. Those numbers aren’t boosted by outlandish performances against inferior competition, either: 8 of his sacks and 12 of his tackles for loss came against Power 4 foes. His pair of 2-sack games versus Mississippi State and Arkansas offered a glimpse of his game-wrecking capabilities.
Buckeyes quarterback Julian Saying is making his first career start versus the Longhorns. If Simmons can feast and rattle the young signal-caller, Texas could open the season with a marquee road win.
The massive showdown will kick off at noon ET on Aug. 30.
