Two Longhorns named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award watch list

Texas concluded the 2024 recruiting cycle with the No. 5 class in the nation.

The group was headlined by five-star linebacker/edge Colin Simmons and five-star wide receiver Ryan Wingo. Texas' two highest rated signees are expected to make an immediate impact as true freshman this season.

Simmons and Wingo were both early enrollees that have already seemingly earned a spot on the two-deep depth chart.

Wingo finds himself in a loaded wide receiver room fighting for playing time alongside Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, Silas Bolden, Johntay Cook, and DeAndre Moore. To have already reached the two-deep as a true freshman with this group is impressive in itself.

The Longhorns highest rated 2024 signee, Simmons, could receive significant playing time this season as well. The first-year edge rusher was recently tabbed an impact freshman to watch by CBS Sports' Chris Hummer. “Like Anthony Hill a year ago, there’s going to be a role on the defense for Simmons this fall," Hummer said .

On Wednesday, the duo received more preseason attention. Wingo and Simmons were named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award watch list.

Recent recipients of the Shaun Alexander Award include Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs, UNC quarterback Drake Maye, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, and Alabama edge Will Anderson.

The Texas duo will make their collegiate debuts against Colorado State on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m. CT.