Updated
Texas suffered another setback as pass rusher Colin Simmons was carted from the field with an apparent leg injury during the Longhorns’ 27-24 defeat to Florida.
The 20-year-old defensive standout went down in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium after being brought to the ground while engaged by Florida blockers Lacota Dippre and Bryce Lovett.
Kevin Durant celebrates Arch Manning after Texas’ stunning comeback against Ohio State
Medical staff hurried over before helping Simmons toward the sideline. He was later placed on a cart and taken away for further evaluation.
No immediate diagnosis was announced, leaving Texas supporters anxiously awaiting an update. Before departing, Simmons made the team’s familiar “Hook ’em” hand gesture, though he appeared visibly upset as he headed toward the locker room.
Simmons entered the matchup as one of college football’s most productive defenders and a leading candidate to become a high selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.
He had made eight tackles against Florida and recorded a sack, taking his season total to a nation-leading 10.5. His recent run had been particularly impressive, with 8.5 sacks across his previous three games.
His absence could prove costly for a Texas defense that relies heavily on his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
The timing of the injury also heightened the concern, with the contest finely balanced and the Longhorns needing a strong finish to avoid another damaging defeat.
Florida rallies as Texas suffers another collapse
The injury came with the game level at 17-17, after Texas had surrendered an early advantage. The Longhorns led 17-3 in the second quarter, but Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr., making his first career start, gradually settled into the contest.
The Gators found momentum before halftime and tied the score on their opening possession after the break.
Running back Jadan Baugh helped drive Florida’s late surge, as the visitors scored 24 unanswered points and moved ahead by 10 in the fourth quarter.
His powerful running gave Jones valuable support and helped Florida take control when Texas struggled to sustain its offensive drives.
Arch Manning briefly revived hopes with a crucial fourth-down completion and a touchdown pass that cut the margin to three. Texas then forced Florida to punt, seemingly setting up another dramatic finish in front of the home crowd.
However, the Longhorns’ comeback stalled when Manning was sacked and fumbled late in the game. Florida recovered, then Jones produced a vital third-down run to keep possession and help secure the upset.
The defeat leaves Texas at 4-2 and adds to the pressure after its previous loss to Oklahoma. The Longhorns had opened the season with national-title ambitions, but consecutive defeats have sharply reduced their room for error in the race for the College Football Playoff.
Simmons’ status now adds another concern. With no confirmed diagnosis available immediately after the game, the team’s next update will be closely watched by fans and NFL scouts alike.