Texas may be heading into its SEC opener with a major question hanging over the defense, but Steve Sarkisian wasn’t interested in playing injury update games on Monday.
The No. 1-ranked Longhorns are coming off the final game of their three-game non-conference stretch, a win over UTSA, and now they turn to No. 14 Tennessee this Saturday in Knoxville. It will be the first time in program history Texas makes the trip to Knoxville, and the status of Colin Simmons is the big issue as the week begins.
Simmons, the reigning SEC sack champion, left last Saturday’s game against the Roadrunners with what appeared to be an ankle injury. When Longhorns beat writer CJ Vogel asked Sarkisian about the edge rusher during the coach’s Monday afternoon press conference, the answer was short and pointed.
Sarkisian when asked about the status of EDGE Colin Simmons:
"There is something called an injury report in the SEC, so that's enough of the injury questions."
- CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) September 21, 2026
That kind of edge from Sarkisian isn’t exactly new. He’s long been willing to let reporters know where he stands, especially when the questions hit a nerve.
And from Texas’ side, the silence makes plenty of sense. There’s no reason to tip Tennessee off any earlier than necessary about the availability of one of the most important pieces on the defensive front.
Still, if Simmons can’t go on Saturday, it would be a huge hit for Texas as it walks into one of the toughest road settings in college football.
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