Longhorns Daily News: Five Texas football standouts land on preseason top-50 players list

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AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 28: Defensive end Colin Simmons #1 of the Texas Longhorns walks onto the field before the SEC football game between Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies on November 28, 2025, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Five members of this season’s Texas football program have been named to Pro Football Focus’ top-50 college players heading into the 2026 regular season.

That includes junior Edge Colin Simmons, at No 3. Per PFF:

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“No returning FBS edge defender has been more valuable than Simmons over the past two seasons, according to PFF WAA. He also ranks second among returning edge defenders in pressures (105) over that span while posting a strong 78.7 career PFF run-defense grade. [He’s ranked] as the nation’s top edge defender and projects as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.”

Next up, at No. 9, redshirt junior quarterback Arch Manning. Per PFF:

“Because Manning entered his first season as a starter as the Heisman Trophy favorite, many were quick to write him off after a slow start to the 2025 season. However, he was terrific during the second half of the year, ranking sixth among FBS quarterbacks in PFF passing grade (89.5) since Week 9. Manning’s 87.3 PFF passing grade for the season also ranked among the top 15 in the nation. He was much more of a dual-threat quarterback than either of his uncles, tying for fifth among Power Four quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (10). Manning showed down the stretch that the immense hype surrounding him was based on more than just the name on the back of his jersey.”

At No. 21, redshirt junior offensive lineman Trevor Goosby. Per PFF:

“Goosby saw extended action in 2024 as Kelvin Banks Jr.’s backup at left tackle before taking over as the starter in 2025. After a breakout redshirt sophomore campaign, he already looks like a legitimate top-10 prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. Goosby and Carter Smith are the only returning FBS tackles to earn 80.0-plus PFF grades as both pass blockers and run blockers. He finished his redshirt sophomore season as the sixth-most valuable tackle in the FBS, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. At 6-foot-7 and 312 pounds, Goosby possesses rare movement skills that allow him to mirror even the nation’s best speed rushers.”

At No. 22, junior linebacker Rasheem Biles. Per PFF:

“Biles was the top linebacker available in the transfer portal this offseason, leaving Pittsburgh for Texas. He earned PFF All-ACC honors in 2025 and ranks as the most valuable returning linebacker since 2024, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. His 31 tackles for loss or no gain lead all returning linebackers over the past two seasons, while his six pass breakups tie for the most among returning Power Four linebackers.”

At No. 40, junior wide receiver Cam Coleman, who joined the program after leaving Auburn earlier this offseason. Per PFF:

“Coleman’s sky-high potential could finally be maximized in Steve Sarkisian’s offense. Despite a horrid quarterback situation and stiff usage, Coleman led Auburn with 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season. His penchant for spectacular plays was evident, as he led all SEC players with 13 contested catches in 2025. Catching passes from Arch Manning should allow Coleman to make a huge impact on Texas’ offense.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

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RECRUITING ROUNDUP

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SEC SHOWDOWN

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NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

  • Not bad, fellas.

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