Texas Longhorns' Colin Simmons Wins Freshman of The Year Award

Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons has had a freshman year to remember.

Zach Dimmitt | 16 Hours Ago

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (11) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Texas Longhorns

Many fans felt that Colin Simmons was robbed of winning the SEC Freshman of the Year, but the Texas Longhorns edge rusher is still receiving major national recognition as his first collegiate season comes closer to an end.

The Maxwell Football Club announced Thursday that Simmons has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year. He beat out South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who won the SEC's Freshman of the Year.

Simmons was also named to the Freshman All-SEC Team earlier this month. He was the only Longhorn to make the list.

Alexander, who starred for four seasons at Alabama before a memorable NFL career, called Simmons personally to tell him the news. Take a look:

📞🏈 SHAUN MAKES THE CALL!

As part of the @shaunalexander Freshman of the Year Award tradition, legendary @Seahawks Shaun Alexander personally calls the award winner on Christmas Day. 🎄📅

Join us in welcoming @ColinSimmons__ of @TexasFootball to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of… pic.twitter.com/jOak8TrTrb
— Maxwell Football (@MaxwellFootball) December 26, 2024

Simmons arrived to Austin last offseason as an in-state five-star recruit out of elite Duncanville High School. Despite all the hype, he has arguably exceeded expectations during his first collegiate season.

Headed into the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against Arizona State, Simmons has tallied 39 total tackles (27 solo), a team-leading eight sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. He managed to snag his first-career pick off of a tipped pass in the CFP win over the Clemson Tigers. Six of his eight sacks have come against SEC competition this season.

If Texas continues to advance, Simmons' numbers will only get more impressive.

No. 5 Texas and No. 4 Arizona State will kick off from Peach Bowl on New Year's Day at 12 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.