Colin Simmons transfer portal: 5 landing spots for Texas LB if he leaves the program ft. LSU, Alabama
Colin Simmons has had an outstanding year with the Texas Longhorns, garnering Defensive Freshman of the Year buzz with his play. The edge rusher is second in the team with 7 sacks, and he’s also added 21 tackles and 2 forced fumbles for one of the top defensive units in the country.
While everything seems to be going well in Texas, the depth on the Longhorns defensive line and increased attention from other programs could entice the pass rusher to look for a move.
Colin Simmons transfer portal landing spots
#1 LSU Tigers
This has been an off year for the Tigers' defense, and what better way to bounce back than getting a young premier pass rusher? LSU is in the middle of the pack in both yards (359.4) and points (24.4) allowed per game. If the Tigers are looking to stay relevant in a tougher SEC, the defense simply has to play better.
The team’s sack leader, Bradyn Swinson, is a senior and there’s no one slated to be on the roster next year with more than 2.5 sacks this season. Simmons would be an ideal cornerstone for this defense.
#2 Alabama Crimson Tide
In a somewhat surprising stat, the Crimson Tide got to the Iron Bowl Saturday with only 22 sacks in the season. That’s only better than Mississippi State in the SEC, and it’s one of the reasons Alabama couldn’t close games late against Vanderbilt and Tennessee because it couldn't pressure opposing quarterbacks effectively.
Coach Kalen DeBoer could do much worse than get the athletic Texas edge rusher to Tuscaloosa if given the chance. On the season, Simmons has about one-third of Alabama's total team sacks heading into Saturday's games.
#3 SMU Mustangs
The Mustangs have been a pleasant surprise in the 2024 season and are one win away from likely making the College Football Playoff. While they boast one of the best offensive sides, a talent like Simmons would make an underrated defense that much better.
SMU's leading pass rusher, Isaiah Smith, has 6.5 sacks. However, Jahfari Harvey and Elijah Roberts, who have combined for 8.5 sacks, are both seniors. Simmons would fit in perfectly and the Duncanville, Texas, native would be about 20 minutes away from his hometown.
#4 Tennessee Volunteers
The Volunteers have one of the top defenses in the NCAA, allowing 284 yards per game. Yet, their pass defense, and the pass rush in particular, are inconsistent. Coming into their last game of the season, the Vols had gotten only 26 sacks, which is ninth in the SEC.
Omar Norman-Lott, James Pearce, Omari Thomas and Elijah Simmons are leaving Knoxville next year, so Colin Simmons could join the rotation right away. The talent around him should also mean he wouldn’t face as many double-teams. With a stronger pass rush to help the secondary, the Tennessee defense could make a leap forward and challenge for the SEC title.
#5 Clemson Tigers
Clemson has had an inconsistent 2024 season, and a 55th ranked pass defense is a big reason why. The Tigers have allowed 210.8 passing yards per game with 28 sacks during the year.
Sophomore TJ Parker has broken through with 9 sacks, but no one else has more than four. Simmons would also get to play for a program that consistently develops first-round draft picks on defense.