Colin Simmons Named a Bednarik Award Semifinalist, Tied for the Nation's Sack Lead at 10.5
The Texas junior edge rusher is one of 18 semifinalists for the Maxwell Football Club's defensive player of the year award — despite missing two games — with three finalists to be named Nov. 24.
AUSTIN — Texas junior edge rusher Colin Simmons was named among the 18 semifinalists for the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award on Wednesday, Burnt Orange Nation reported, the latest national recognition for the cornerstone of the Longhorns' defensive front.
The Bednarik Award, presented annually by the Maxwell Football Club, recognizes college football's most outstanding defensive player. The semifinalist nod follows Simmons's selection earlier this month as one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award.
The production behind the honors is in the sack column. Simmons led the SEC with 12 sacks during the 2025 season and earned first-team All-SEC honors from the conference's coaches, and this season — despite missing two games and playing only 18 snaps against Missouri — he is still tied for the nation's lead with 10.5 sacks, according to the report.
Three Bednarik finalists will be announced on Nov. 24. Simmons, a former five-star recruit, and the No. 6 Longhorns play at LSU on Saturday.
