🏈 Texas Longhorns Star Player Colin Simmons Signs New Contract Elsewhere, Announces Immediate Departure from Program
*Austin, Texas – June 27, 2025* — In a development that has stunned Longhorn Nation and shaken the college football world, **Texas Longhorns star edge rusher Colin Simmons** has officially signed a new contract with an undisclosed professional affiliate and has announced his **immediate departure** from the Texas Longhorns football program.
The news was confirmed early Friday morning through an official statement from the University of Texas Athletics Department, just weeks before the team’s summer training camp was scheduled to begin.
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### 📜 Official Statement from Texas Athletics
> *“The University of Texas at Austin confirms that student-athlete Colin Simmons has made the decision to leave the Texas Football program with immediate effect. While we are saddened to see him depart, we support his right to pursue his future on his own terms. Colin will forever remain a part of the Longhorn family.”*
This abrupt decision comes after months of speculation surrounding Simmons’ potential early move to a professional or alternative football opportunity, despite his relatively short tenure in the NCAA.
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### 🧨 A Sudden and Shocking Exit
Simmons, a former **five-star recruit out of Duncanville High School**, was one of the most highly touted defensive ends in the 2023 recruiting class. Known for his explosive first step, high football IQ, and relentless motor, he had quickly emerged as **a defensive centerpiece** for the Longhorns.
During his freshman year in 2024, Simmons racked up:
* **11.5 sacks**
* **17 tackles for loss**
* **2 forced fumbles**
* A place on the **Freshman All-American Team**
* Widespread recognition as a future top NFL Draft pick
His sophomore campaign was expected to be even more dominant. Instead, Texas fans are now left reeling after the shocking announcement that **Simmons has signed a new contract**, believed to be with a **UFL (United Football League) franchise or a high-paying NIL-funded development program**.
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### 🗣️ Colin Simmons Speaks: “This is about my future and my family”
Shortly after the news broke, Simmons took to social media with a heartfelt message:
> *“This has not been an easy decision. Texas has been my home, my dream school, and I’ve loved every second in burnt orange. But sometimes, life presents you with opportunities you can’t ignore. I’m choosing to bet on myself, to support my family, and to grow as a man and athlete on a different path.”*
He concluded with:
> *“Thank you Coach Sark, my teammates, and Longhorn Nation. I’ll always carry Texas in my heart. Hook ‘em forever.”*
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### 📉 Fallout and Reaction from Texas Longhorns Camp
Head Coach **Steve Sarkisian** was reportedly informed of Simmons’ intentions late Thursday night. The timing — just as preseason conditioning ramps up — couldn’t be more disruptive for a team with national title aspirations.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Sarkisian expressed disappointment but emphasized understanding:
> *“Colin is a tremendous player and an even better person. While we wish he was staying to finish what we started, we respect his decision. We’ll rally, we’ll adapt, and we’ll move forward as a team.”*
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### 🤯 Fan and Media Reactions: A Mix of Shock, Sadness, and Support
Reactions from fans have been intense and emotional across social media platforms:
* “Can’t believe this. He was our future!”
* “We love you, Colin, but this one stings.”
* “Hope it works out for him — always a Longhorn.”
College football analysts, meanwhile, are debating the **growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals**, player agency, and the blurring line between amateur and professional football.
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit weighed in:
> *“This is the new reality of college football. Elite players like Simmons have options now. It’s unfortunate for Texas, but you can’t blame a kid for securing his future.”*
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### 📊 What Does This Mean for Texas?
Colin Simmons was expected to lead Texas’ pass rush in their first season back in the **Southeastern Conference (SEC)** — a historic and competitive leap. With Simmons gone, the Longhorns will need to look to:
* Senior DE **Ethan Burke**
* Sophomore **Derick Brown**
* Incoming freshmen like **Zion Williams**
The coaching staff may also explore options in the **transfer portal** to fill the sudden void on the edge.
Despite the setback, Texas still boasts a strong defensive unit, anchored by linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and safety Derek Williams. However, **replacing Simmons’ impact and leadership will be a tall order**.
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### 🧭 What’s Next for Colin Simmons?
While the destination is not yet officially confirmed, sources indicate that Simmons has inked a **lucrative multi-year deal** with a developmental league that offers both **playing time and financial support**, possibly through new NIL pathways. Some speculate he may join a UFL team or even a top-tier European program as a bridge before entering the **2026 NFL Draft**, for which he will now be eligible.
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### 🧩 Conclusion: A Departure That Defines the New Era of College Football
Colin Simmons’ exit from the Texas Longhorns is not just a player leaving a program — it’s a **watershed moment** that highlights the complex intersection of college athletics, personal choice, and professional opportunity.
While the Longhorns lose a rising star, they gain a cautionary tale about **adaptation in a rapidly evolving sport**. As Simmons charts his course beyond Austin, fans will be watching closely — not with bitterness, but with hope that the young phenom fulfills the potential that once electrified the Forty Acres.
**One thing is certain: Colin Simmons’ journey is far from over.**
