Texas opened the preseason with a clean statement of intent when three Longhorns were named to the Lombardi Award watch list, an early marker that the program returns notable talent along the line and at linebacker. The listing puts national attention on players who could shift how opponents attack Texas’ front seven and protecting corridors for the offense.
Colin Simmons, Trevor Goosby and Rasheem Biles are the Longhorns named on the list released this week, a development first captured by Burnt Orange Nation and echoed across the preseason cycle.
Key Takeaways
- Three Texas players — an edge rusher, an offensive lineman and a linebacker — were placed on the Lombardi Award watch list ahead of the season.
- Inclusion on the Lombardi Award watch list is an early-season recognition and does not indicate finalist status or eventual winners.
- Colin Simmons will be a junior in 2026, Trevor Goosby is a redshirt junior, and Rasheem Biles is a senior after transferring from Pittsburgh.
Why Texas placed three players on the Lombardi Award watch list
The Lombardi Award watch list nods to positional impact, and Texas landing three names signals depth at multiple spots that traditionally draw the award’s attention. Edge rushers, offensive linemen and linebackers are focal points for the trophy, and Texas’ trio fits that profile heading into the season.
Colin Simmons enters 2026 as a junior with a profile that aligns with the award’s emphasis on disruptive play at the line of scrimmage. His presence forces opposing offensive plans to account for an active edge on early downs and in obvious pass-rush situations.
Trevor Goosby, listed as a redshirt junior, gives Texas continuity on the offensive front and a veteran interior presence that helps both run blocking and pass protection schematics. Goosby’s inclusion highlights the Longhorns’ investment in interior line play as a foundation for offense.
Rasheem Biles joins the list as a senior after transferring from Pittsburgh following three seasons there. His move to Texas added experience at linebacker and the watch list nod underscores the immediate expectations around his role in the defense.
Nominee details and Texas Lombardi history
| Name | Position | Class in 2026 | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Simmons | Edge rusher | Junior | Projected as a primary pass-rush option and focal point of opposing protection plans. |
| Trevor Goosby | Offensive lineman | Redshirt junior | Veteran interior lineman expected to anchor run-game schemes and provide veteran pass protection. |
| Rasheem Biles | Linebacker | Senior | Transfer from Pittsburgh with three seasons of power-conference experience added to Texas’ front seven. |
| Kelvin Banks | Offensive lineman | Past winner (2024) | Most recent Longhorn to win the Lombardi Award, underscoring Texas’ recent presence among award winners. |
| Program history | Various | Since 1970 | The Lombardi Award has honored outstanding linemen since 1970; Texas winners include Kenneth Sims, Tony Degrate, Brian Orakpo and Kelvin Banks. |
What this signals for Texas, the SEC, and the CFP
Multiple Longhorns on a national watch list helps Texas’ profile in conference narratives where line play often determines game outcomes. The SEC’s physical roster construction values trench dominance, so recognition for Texas’ linemen and linebackers feeds into league-level matchups and game planning.
For College Football Playoff considerations, awards and preseason recognition are not determinative, but they shape media and committee conversation when teams are compared head to head. Sustained production from players on the Lombardi Award watch list will matter most on the field, especially in marquee conference showdowns.
From a recruiting and roster-construction perspective, visible development of linemen and linebackers strengthens Texas’ pitch to prospects who prioritize NFL pathways and positional coaching. Continued recognition of this core group helps the staff emphasize immediate playing opportunity alongside program pedigree.
The Lombardi Award committee released the watch list earlier this week, and the listings provide an early lens on which Texas players will be nationally tracked as the season unfolds.
