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Longhorns defensive line duo emerging as one of the nation's best
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- Longhorns defensive line duo emerging as one of the nation's best
As part of the Texas Longhorns' 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 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 1/2 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.
While Simmons has created chaos, he has received some help from Jackson, who has become an important player for 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.
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Although the 2026 campaign is far from over, Jackson's emergence has been encouraging. He and Simmons have combined for 9 1/2 sacks and 29 tackles. That is one of the highest totals of any duo in the nation, and they show no signs of slowing. That is key for a team that has national title aspirations.
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.
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at Neyland Stadium before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Air Force One flies over Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Fans cheer before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, right, speaks with University of Tennessee president Randy Boyd before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; United States President Donald Trump is shown on the video board in attendance at Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam (2) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Derrek Cooper (5) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Ryan Niblett (21) runs against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs againstTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; General view of the pregame ceremony before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Daune Morris (17) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) looks to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Qua Moss (6) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs against against Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Amare Campbell (0) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Ty Redmond (4) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter (7) recovers an onside kick during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) tackles Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) reacts during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) and linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) greet fans after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) celebrates after Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) is sacked again during a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Brianna Paciorka-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
(Brianna Paciorka, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at Neyland Stadium before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at Neyland Stadium before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Air Force One flies over Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Fans cheer before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, right, speaks with University of Tennessee president Randy Boyd before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; United States President Donald Trump is shown on the video board in attendance at Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam (2) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Derrek Cooper (5) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Ryan Niblett (21) runs against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs againstTexas Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; General view of the pregame ceremony before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Daune Morris (17) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) looks to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns cheerleaders perform during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Qua Moss (6) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) runs against against Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Amare Campbell (0) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Ty Redmond (4) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter (7) recovers an onside kick during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Derek Williams Jr. (2) tackles Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) reacts during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Raleek Brown (0) and linebacker Rasheem Biles (3) greet fans after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas tops Tennessee in SEC opener
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) celebrates after Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) is sacked again during a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Brianna Paciorka-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
(Brianna Paciorka, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns defensive line duo emerging as one of the nation's best
