Three Longhorns named to Nagurski Trophy Watchlist

The Texas defense continues to shine on the national stage as linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., edge rusher Colin Simmons, and defensive back Michael Taaffe have been named to the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list, the Football Writers Association of America and Charlotte Touchdown Club revealed Tuesday morning. The award honors the top defensive player in college football each year.

For Hill, this marks his second consecutive appearance on the watch list, while Simmons and Taaffe earn their first nods. Texas joins Alabama, Oregon, and Clemson with three selections apiece—just one behind Georgia’s four.

All three Longhorns were previously recognized on the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list in May and earned First-Team All-SEC preseason honors earlier this July.

Last season, Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron was a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy, becoming the first Longhorn to do so since Malcolm Brown in 2014. The last Texas player to win the award was Brian Orakpo in 2008.

Spotlight on the Stars

Anthony Hill Jr. anchored the Longhorn defense in 2024, starting all 16 games and earning second-team All-America honors from multiple outlets. The Denton native led the team in tackles (103), tackles for loss (16.5), and forced fumbles (4), while adding 8 sacks. His dominant outing against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry—featuring 11 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble—earned him a trio of national defensive honors. Hill enters his third season with 30 games played and 22 starts.

Colin Simmons burst onto the scene as a freshman, becoming the first Longhorn to win the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year Award. He led all FBS freshmen in sacks (9.0) and added 14 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 48 total tackles. Simmons’ impact was felt immediately, and his performance ranks among the best freshman seasons in Texas history.

Michael Taaffe, a former walk-on from Austin, proved himself as a cornerstone of the secondary. He started all 16 games last season, finishing second on the team in tackles (78), interceptions (2), and pass break-ups (10). His standout game against Vanderbilt—featuring both an interception and a forced fumble—earned him national and conference honors. Taaffe also played a key role in Texas’ Peach Bowl victory, recording a career-high 10 tackles.

The FWAA and Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce four finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in November, with the winner crowned at the awards banquet on December 8 in Charlotte, North Carolina.