The Maxwell Football Club announced on Thursday that Texas Longhorns true freshman EDGE Colin Simmons has been named the 2024 recipient of the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. Simmons is the first player in Texas football history to win the prestigious award, now in its seventh year.
Shaun Alexander, the award’s namesake, praised Simmons:
“This was the closest race in the award’s history, but Colin is a perfect representative for this honor – great talent, great character, and an outstanding ambassador for the University of Texas. We believe he is a future superstar in the NFL.”
Reflecting on the honor, Simmons expressed his gratitude:
“I was so excited when I found out. I couldn’t even let Mr. Alexander finish before I had to show my mom who was calling. It’s an incredible honor, and I owe it to my teammates, coaches, family, and God. This award motivates me to keep improving every day.”
Simmons recalled the moment he learned of his win on Christmas Day:
“He called me and said, ‘You know what it means when I call you on Christmas Day.’ It means a lot that he takes the time to connect with all the finalists and get to know us beyond football.”
Standout Freshman Season
A native of Dallas, Simmons has been a key contributor to Texas’ dominant defense in his first year. He appeared in all 14 games, leading the Longhorns in sacks (8.0) while ranking second in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback hurries (9), and forced fumbles (3). Among all FBS freshmen, Simmons leads in total sacks and ranks second in sacks per game (0.57).
Simmons’ eight sacks are the third-most by a freshman in Texas program history. His performances have been pivotal in Texas boasting one of the top defenses in the nation, including leading the FBS in turnovers gained (29) and interceptions (20). The Longhorns also rank second nationally in scoring defense (13.3 points per game) and passing yards allowed (156.9 per game).
Key Performances
Sept. 28 vs. Mississippi State: Season-high seven tackles, including three for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble in a 35-13 victory.
Nov. 16 at Arkansas: Two sacks for a loss of 18 yards in a 20-10 win.
SEC Championship (Dec. 7 vs. Georgia): Recorded a sack, forced fumble, and quarterback hurry in a 30-10 win.
College Football Playoff First Round (Dec. 21 vs. Clemson): Logged his first career interception, adding to Texas’ streak of 22 straight games with a takeaway.
What’s Next
Simmons and the Longhorns now prepare for the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal, where they will face fourth-seeded Arizona State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan. 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game kicks off at Noon CT on ESPN.
Simmons’ remarkable freshman campaign has solidified him as one of the brightest young stars in college football, and Texas fans are eager to see his continued growth on the field.
