The Texas Longhorns have made a major statement on the recruiting trail, securing two of the most highly touted edge defenders in the 2025 class: Lance Jackson and Colin Simmons. With both players already receiving widespread recognition for their elite athleticism and pass-rushing potential, this formidable duo is poised to become one of the most terrifying edge combinations in college football.
Jackson, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound powerhouse, has been turning heads with his freakish athleticism, while Simmons, at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, brings an explosive, high-motor game to the table. Together, they are going to be a nightmare for quarterbacks in the Big 12 and beyond. When you add to the mix Jackson’s near 6’10” wingspan—an extraordinary measurement for any player, let alone an edge rusher—it’s clear that these two defenders are built to dominate.
Lance Jackson’s physical gifts are truly out of this world. Coming from a football family with plenty of talent, Jackson’s measurements are astonishing for someone his size. His reported wingspan—just shy of 6’10″—gives him an incredible advantage at the line of scrimmage, allowing him to swat down passes, fight off blockers, and gain leverage against offensive linemen.
The younger brother of Arkansas standout edge rusher Landon Jackson, Lance has had the benefit of growing up in a football family, with his older brother’s experience and guidance only accelerating his development. Lance’s game is a blend of raw power and technique, as he consistently uses his long arms and athleticism to control the action off the edge. His ability to engage blockers and disengage quickly is one of his standout traits, making him a nightmare for offensive lines trying to keep him away from the quarterback.
“I’ve been learning from the best—my brother Landon has been a huge influence on me,” Jackson said. “His work ethic and the way he approaches the game have taught me a lot. I want to build on what I’ve learned and take my game to the next level at Texas.”
As a recruit, Jackson was a highly sought-after prospect, but it was his physical profile—especially his wingspan—that really made teams take notice. His ability to not only rush the passer but also cover a ton of ground and wreak havoc in the backfield will make him a major factor in Texas’ defense for years to come.
Alongside Jackson is Colin Simmons, one of the most explosive edge rushers in the country. Simmons, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound force, is known for his relentless motor and his ability to explode off the line of scrimmage. His quickness and bend around the edge make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and his ability to generate pressure on every play is uncanny.
Simmons’ talent is undeniable, and he’s earned a reputation for being one of the most disruptive defenders in the 2025 class. His blend of speed, strength, and agility allows him to excel in a variety of pass-rushing techniques, whether it’s a pure speed rush, a power move, or a combination of the two. His instincts and football IQ have also made him a standout in run defense, allowing him to shut down plays before they even get started.
“Colin is a relentless player who never takes a play off,” said his high school coach. “He’s got the tools, the attitude, and the work ethic to be an elite player at the next level. I expect him to make an immediate impact at Texas.”
The potential for Simmons to grow into an even more complete player at Texas is immense. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, Simmons will have the opportunity to refine his skills and take his game to a championship level.
When combined, Lance Jackson and Colin Simmons form an edge-rushing tandem that has the potential to wreak havoc on any offense in the country. With Jackson’s near-elite wingspan and Simmons’ explosive speed and technique, they’ll be a fearsome pair of defenders for Texas as they transition into the SEC.
Both players bring unique skill sets to the table. Jackson’s length and power give him the ability to both get to the quarterback and cover a lot of ground in run defense. Simmons’ speed and finesse make him an expert at bending around tackles and disrupting plays in the backfield. Together, they will be able to complement each other perfectly, keeping offensive lines guessing and giving quarterbacks little time to breathe.
“Together, they’re going to be a problem,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “Lance and Colin both have the kind of talent that can change the game. We’re excited to get them in the fold and see what they can do in our system.”
As Texas prepares to make its move to the SEC, having players like Jackson and Simmons on the roster will be crucial for the Longhorns. The SEC is known for its tough, physical football, and having two edge rushers with this much talent will help Texas compete immediately against some of the best offensive lines in the nation.
Jackson and Simmons will not only be cornerstones of the Texas defense but also crucial pieces in the Longhorns’ push for SEC and national championships. With their combination of size, speed, and skill, this dynamic duo is sure to become one of the most feared edge-rushing tandems in college football for years to come.
For Longhorns fans, the future looks bright. With Lance Jackson and Colin Simmons ready to terrorize quarterbacks from off the edge, Texas is building a defense that can match its offensive firepower—and that is a scary prospect for any opponent.