Texas’ first SEC availability report of the 2026 season brought some clarity Wednesday night, but the biggest name on it still leaves plenty to watch heading into Saturday’s matchup with No. 14 Tennessee.
Colin Simmons, Texas’ star EDGE rusher, is listed as probable after leaving last Saturday’s win over UTSA and later being seen on the sideline in a protective walking boot. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian had declined to offer an update on Monday, but the junior’s status on the report points to a likely return.
The Longhorns and Volunteers kick at 11 a.m. on ABC.
Texas also enters the week with several other players on the report. Justus Terry, Xavier Filsaime and Jordan Coleman are listed as out. Nick Townsend is doubtful, while Hollywood Smothers is questionable.
Tennessee’s report includes five players who are unavailable: Ethan Davis, Joakim Dodson, Jaedon Harmon, Edrees Farooq and Dylan Lewis. Javin Gordon and Nathan Robinson are questionable.
Wednesday’s report is just the first in a daily series that will come out around 7:10 p.m. Central Time, with the final update arriving 90 minutes before kickoff on game day.
After Texas’ 30-6 win over UTSA on Sept. 19, Sarkisian said Simmons’ injury did not appear to be major.
"I don't think Colin [Simmons] is serious," Sarkisian said.
Simmons has been Texas’ most productive pass rusher through three games, leading the team with two sacks and three tackles for loss.
Sarkisian also said the decision to hold Simmons out was precautionary, and noted the same approach with defensive back Kobe Black.
"It was more precautionary to get him out, but kind of similar, it was really precautionary to not play Kobe [Black] tonight either defensively.
"Obviously, you know, we've got Nick Townsend and Justus Terry, that we need to get back to. So, you know, we're down about four guys, three guys defensively, one on offense.
Pretty significant players that hopefully start working their way back. But again, I think Colin will be fine.
I think we'll get Kobe back, and then we'll have to assess Justus and Nick moving forward."
Townsend, who won Texas’ starting tight end job out of fall camp, is set to miss his second straight game. He has one catch for eight yards this season. In his place, sophomore Emaree Winston has stepped in and caught five passes for 64 yards.
Terry, a former 247Sports five-star recruit, hurt his foot in pregame warmups before Texas’ win over Ohio State. Sarkisian said the setback was frustrating because the staff had planned to use him.
"That hurt because we had a plan for him in this game," Sarkisian said. "We were counting on him, and in football sometimes that happens.
You know, and you just deal with it. Hopefully, we get him back sooner rather than later because he is performing at a high level."
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