Texas Gets Devastating Colin Simmons Injury Update Before Ole Miss

The Texas Longhorns received another significant setback Monday as they prepare for a crucial SEC matchup against No. 7 Ole Miss.

Star edge rusher Colin Simmons is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and is not expected to play Saturday, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Simmons is considered week-to-week, but additional reporting suggests the Longhorns could be without their defensive star for an extended period.

According to reports, Simmons is expected to miss three to four weeks after undergoing an MRI on Monday. The examination reportedly revealed no structural damage, providing some encouraging news regarding his recovery.

The injury occurred during Saturday's 27-24 loss to Florida, when Simmons went down early in the fourth quarter.

The junior defensive standout required assistance leaving the field before eventually being transported to the locker room on a cart. Before exiting, Simmons had delivered another impressive performance, recording eight tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack.

His absence represents a substantial blow to a Texas defense that has relied heavily on his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Through six games, Simmons has recorded 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, leading the nation in both categories.

The former five-star recruit has also established himself as one of college football's most talented defensive prospects, attracting considerable attention ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.

Now, Texas must find a way to replace that production at a particularly difficult point in its season.

The Longhorns have dropped consecutive games against Oklahoma and Florida after previously occupying the No. 1 spot in the national rankings. Those defeats sent Texas tumbling to No. 19 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, adding even more pressure ahead of Saturday's matchup.

Without Simmons, head coach Steve Sarkisian and his defensive staff will likely need increased contributions from players such as Lance Jackson, Zina Umeozulu and Maraad Watson.

Texas is also dealing with uncertainty surrounding running back Hollywood Smothers, whose availability against Ole Miss remains in question because of an undisclosed injury.

The Longhorns are entering a critical stretch of their schedule with little room for additional setbacks.

Simmons' reported recovery timeline means Texas could be without its most disruptive defensive player for several important conference games.

While the absence of structural damage offers hope for his eventual return, the immediate challenge is clear: Texas must find a way to stabilize its season without one of the nation's premier pass rushers.