Colin Simmons injury update: Texas edge rusher expected to miss multiple weeks

Texas football paired the insult of a second straight SEC loss with a critical injury Saturday afternoon, one that will reportedly keep its best defensive player off the field through October

Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons is expected to miss three-to-four weeks with a high ankle sprain, according to OrangeBloods' Anwar Richardson. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian declined to address reports of Simmons' expected absence Monday. Simmons' status for Week 8 against Ole Miss will first be officially shared by Texas in Wednesday's injury report. 

I was told that Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons is expected to miss three to four weeks with a high ankle sprain. Simmons underwent an MRI on Monday that revealed no structural damage. The goal is to get him healthy and back on the field as soon as possible. In addition, I was told that running back Hollywood Smothers is dealing with an undisclosed injury, and his status for Saturday's game against Ole Miss is questionable. https://t.co/s2ZhKHJTKj

- Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) October 19, 2026

Simmons exited Texas' 27-24 loss to Florida early in the fourth quarter. He engaged with a Florida offensive lineman on a running play, then crumpled to the ground as the play came to its conclusion. Simmons remained on the turf for more than a minute as he grabbed his right knee and ankle, and he was helped off the field by Texas staff. Simmons then went to Texas' locker room and did not log another snap.

Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said after the game he did not know the extent of Simmons' injury. 

Simmons' expected absence halts one of the more impressive defensive seasons in Texas history. Simmons' 10½ sacks through six games places him No. 7 on the Longhorns' all-time single-season sacks list. Simmons also is now up to 31½ career sacks, which is No. 3 in Texas history behind Tim Campbell (1979-80) and Kiki DeAyala (1980-82).

Target acquired https://t.co/ly5wPlG2wy

- Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 17, 2026

Simmons is perhaps college football's premier pass rusher. He's the undisputed engine of Texas' defense. He's now on the mend through at least October, bringing a major blow to a Longhorns' defense now reeling after back-to-back losses. 

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This article originally published at Colin Simmons injury update: Texas edge rusher expected to miss multiple weeks.