Can Colin Simmons Double His Sack Total? Sophomore Edge Rusher Poised for Breakout Season After Impressive 9.5 Sack Debut Year

When Colin Simmons took the field as a true freshman, the expectations were already sky-high. A former five-star recruit out of Duncanville High School in Texas, Simmons was heralded as one of the most explosive pass-rushers in the country. His commitment was seen as a game-changer, and he wasted no time showing exactly why. With 9.5 sacks in his first collegiate season, Simmons not only met expectations—he arguably exceeded them. Now, as he prepares for his sophomore campaign, the question looms: how many sacks will Colin Simmons record this season?

The answer isn’t simple, but if one thing is certain, it’s this—Simmons is on a trajectory that could make him one of the most dominant defensive players in all of college football. His blend of speed, bend, and relentless motor gives him a rare edge. But the sophomore leap is not just about talent. It’s also about growth, opportunity, and environment. Simmons has all three working in his favor.

First, let’s talk about growth. Freshmen who rack up nine-plus sacks aren’t common, especially not in Power Five football. Simmons did it while still learning the intricacies of the college game—timing his jump, setting up offensive tackles, countering double teams, and holding up against the run. He did it with raw athleticism and natural football instincts. Now, after an offseason dedicated to refining his game, adding weight to his frame, and mastering film study, Simmons is expected to take the next step. That alone could boost his production from 9.5 sacks into the low to mid-teens.

He’s reportedly added ten pounds of muscle, now weighing in at a chiseled 250 pounds without sacrificing any speed. That increase in functional strength will help him shed blockers more easily and hold the edge better on run plays, potentially leading to more third-and-long situations where he can pin his ears back and hunt quarterbacks. More opportunities lead to more chances to pad that stat sheet.

Then there’s opportunity. Simmons plays in a system that’s built to let pass-rushers thrive. His coaching staff understands what they have in him—a future first-rounder, if not a top-ten pick—and they’ve structured the defense accordingly. Expect Simmons to line up in a variety of spots: off the edge, standing up, with his hand in the dirt, or even in simulated pressure packages where he comes from the interior to exploit mismatches. Versatility is key in college football, and Simmons has it in spades. The scheme will allow him to attack from wherever the weakness is, and that kind of tactical flexibility is a defensive coordinator’s dream.

But defenses don’t operate in a vacuum. One of the biggest factors that will influence Simmons’ sack total this season is the players around him. And fortunately, he isn’t alone. The return of veteran linemen and the development of other edge threats mean Simmons won’t always face double and triple teams. Offenses simply won’t be able to key in on him without paying a price elsewhere. That balance should allow him more one-on-one chances—matchups he typically wins.

Let’s also not overlook the schedule. The teams Simmons will face this year include several with questionable offensive lines or new quarterbacks adjusting to the speed of the college game. These are prime opportunities for him to feast. In particular, early season games could be a springboard to a monster year, building momentum and confidence as he sets the tone for what’s to come. A few two-sack performances out of the gate could place him in the national conversation quickly.

Another piece to this puzzle is motivation. Simmons is a competitor, and he’s aware of the conversation around him. He knows the NFL is watching. He knows that players like Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, and others have turned breakout sophomore seasons into multi-million dollar draft stock boosts. Simmons has that same opportunity. And he’s attacking it with the hunger of a player who refuses to be satisfied with freshman accolades.

Now, let’s try to put a number on it. Is it realistic for Simmons to double his sack total from 9.5 to around 18-20? That’s an elite number—Heisman consideration territory for a defensive player. It’s not out of the question, but it would require not just dominance but also durability and a little luck. Staying healthy, avoiding late hits or penalties that nullify big plays, and getting help from the secondary to force quarterbacks to hold onto the ball are all important ingredients.

A more measured, but still highly impressive, projection might be 13 to 15 sacks. That would put him in All-American conversations and potentially make him a finalist for the Bednarik or Nagurski awards. It would also solidify his status as one of the most feared defenders in college football and likely elevate his team’s defense as a whole.

One underrated factor in Simmons’ sack pursuit is the maturation of his football IQ. As a freshman, he won a lot of reps with speed and instinct. But as he’s grown, so has his understanding of how to break down protections, manipulate blockers, and execute delayed blitzes or stunts with perfect timing. These mental gains often separate the good from the great. It’s the difference between almost getting there and finishing the play with a game-changing sack.

And finishing plays is what Simmons is all about. His closing speed is already NFL-caliber. Quarterbacks rarely escape once he’s within striking distance, and that alone creates pressure even when he doesn’t record a sack. Hurries, knockdowns, and forced fumbles are all valuable—and Simmons has a knack for delivering in all those categories. Coaches say he practices with game-level intensity and sets the tone for the defense. That kind of leadership often translates into on-field production.

As the season approaches, media attention is already mounting. Preseason watch lists, mock drafts, and hype videos have all started to feature Simmons prominently. But no amount of preseason attention will satisfy him. His focus is locked in on execution. Every snap. Every rep. Every quarterback hit. That’s how you build a legacy—not through noise, but through results.

And if Simmons builds on his freshman year the way many expect, he could very well become the kind of player remembered long after his college days are done. One whose sophomore season becomes the stuff of legend. He’s already proven he belongs on the field. Now, he’s out to prove he can dominate it.

So, how many sacks will Colin Simmons get this season? The answer lies somewhere between potential and performance, between what he’s already done and what he’s poised to become. If all the factors align—growth, health, system, and mindset—don’t be surprised if Simmons breaks into the 14 to 16 sack range. And if he gets hot? Don’t rule out a number closer to 18. Either way, this sophomore season is set to be a thrilling ride—and Colin Simmons will be leading the charge, one quarterback takedown at a time.