The Texas-Tennessee injury report landed as a critical midweek checkpoint for the Longhorns‘ SEC opener, with several key defenders and a lead running back flagged for availability. Fans and game planners will track Wednesday’s release at 7:15 p.m. CT and the final report issued 90 minutes before kickoff because these listings directly affect rotation and game-plan design.
The initial availability note shows Colin Simmons listed as probable after exiting the UTSA game in a boot, Hollywood Smothers listed as questionable, Kobe Black off the report, and Justus Terry out, per Texas Longhorns On SI. That combination shapes how Texas will allocate snaps and which matchups to avoid early in Knoxville.
Key Takeaways
- Colin Simmons is listed as probable on the initial Texas-Tennessee injury report after leaving the UTSA game in a boot.
- Hollywood Smothers appears as questionable on the report, raising short-term concerns for Texas’ early-season offensive workload.
- Kobe Black is off the injury report and expected to be available after missing the UTSA game with a minor issue.
- Justus Terry is listed out on the initial report and will be unavailable for the trip to Neyland Stadium.
Texas-Tennessee injury report Simmons status and pass rush plans
Colin Simmons’ probable designation preserves the Longhorns’ core edge-rush schematic heading into a hostile environment. Simmons exited the UTSA win wearing a boot after what appeared to be a foot issue, but a probable tag suggests a limited chance of a full-week setback.
A probable tag typically means the player is deemed likely to be available with restricted practice reps during the week, so defensive coordinators will prepare a plan that keeps Simmons’ snap count manageable. That allows Texas to maintain pressure packages featuring Simmons while leaning on rotational depth to finish drives and sustain pass-rush tempo.
With Simmons likely to be on the field in at least a rotational role, the Longhorns can still deploy obvious pass-rush looks and situational pressures that rely on his presence to command attention from opposing tackles. The key for Texas will be ensuring he avoids re-aggravation in warmups and that rotation partners are ready for heavier snaps if needed.
Secondary and depth notes with Kobe Black back
Kobe Black, who transitioned to safety this offseason, missed the UTSA game with what was reported as a minor injury but is off the initial report and expected to return to the lineup. Black’s availability matters because he was integrated into the Will Muschamp-designed secondary this spring and saw meaningful late-game action against Ohio State.
Black’s return stabilizes the safety rotation and allows Texas to preserve younger options for subpackages and special teams. Even with Black off the report, midweek updates and the final injury list can still alter availability, so defensive game-planning must hedge for late changes.
Depth behind Simmons and Black becomes the season’s short-term barometer; sustained pressure from the edge and reliability over the middle will shape Tennessee’s play-calling and the Volunteers‘ ability to exploit mismatches.
Injury report comparison table
| Player | Listed Status | Known Detail | Immediate On-Field Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Simmons | Probable | Exited UTSA early; seen in a boot with an apparent foot issue | Likely a rotational role; preserves primary pass-rush option but may limit snaps |
| Hollywood Smothers | Questionable | Undisclosed injury; timing of the issue is unclear | Creates uncertainty in short-yardage and early-down reps for the offense |
| Kobe Black | Not listed | Missed UTSA with what was reported as a minor issue | Available for selection; stabilizes safety rotation and veteran snaps |
| Justus Terry | Out | Listed unavailable on the initial report | Absence removes a depth option; forces other personnel into larger roles |
SEC opener implications for Texas and CFP positioning
No. 1 Texas travels to face No. 14 Tennessee at Neyland Stadium on Saturday at 11 a.m.
CT, making this injury window a consequential checkpoint for College Football Playoff trajectory. The availability of a primary pass rusher and a key safety influences both in-game matchups and the perceived resilience of roster construction when evaluated by voters and committee members.
An active Simmons keeps Texas’ front less predictable and helps protect a defense that is adjusting under new schematic work at multiple spots. Conversely, uncertainty around Smothers affects short-term offensive rotation and could tilt red-zone and late-game plan calls toward backup options.
Recruiting optics and roster management also play a role: showing depth that can weather midweek attrition eases short-term concerns and demonstrates the program’s ability to handle the season’s attritional grind. The final injury report, issued 90 minutes before kickoff, will crystallize the immediate game-plan decisions on both sides of the ball.
For the full initial listing and context, see the original report linked earlier in the piece.
