Biles, Simmons land on Bednarik Award watch list for second straight year

Texas defensive standouts Rasheem Biles and Colin Simmons were named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list for the second consecutive year, the award's committee announced Friday, adding another preseason honor to a growing list of accolades for the Longhorns' defensive core heading into 2026.

The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football, making the watch list a notable distinction among the nation's premier defenders at the start of each season.

Biles, a senior, arrived at Texas this offseason after transferring out of Pittsburgh's program. His inclusion on the list for a second straight year underscores the reputation he has built as one of the more prominent defensive players in the sport despite changing programs. Simmons, a junior, also returns to the watch list after earning the recognition a year ago, reflecting his continued development as a key piece of the Texas defense.

The two players have accumulated multiple preseason recognitions throughout the lead-up to the 2026 season, with the Bednarik nod representing the latest in a series of honors that have drawn attention to Texas's defensive unit. The Longhorns enter the season with expectations that their defense could be among the best in the country.

For Biles, earning a spot on the watch list in his first season as a Longhorn signals a smooth transition from Pittsburgh and a strong impression made during the offseason and preseason camp. For Simmons, the repeat recognition reinforces his standing as one of the program's most important returning contributors on that side of the ball. Together, the pair form a notable foundation for a Texas defensive group that will look to make a significant impact in 2026.