Simmons Shades—or Teases?—Ohio State: Texas EDGE Colin Simmons Quietly Reposts Buckeyes’ QB Reveal, Let the Battle Begin!

The college football world is already buzzing, and the season hasn’t even kicked off yet. But one silent move by Texas Longhorns star edge rusher Colin Simmons has added even more fuel to a Week 1 showdown that already had plenty of fireworks. After Ohio State announced that sophomore Julian Sayin would be their starting quarterback against Texas, Simmons reposted the Buckeyes’ announcement to his Instagram story—without saying a word.

In the ultra-competitive world of college football, where social media is as much of a battlefield as the line of scrimmage, that one gesture has set the tone. No caption. No emoji. Just a repost. And yet it echoed louder than any trash talk.

So what’s the story here? A rising superstar defensive end. A highly touted quarterback making his debut. And a national title contender versus another in one of the biggest opening-week games in recent memory.

Let’s break it all down.

Ohio State dropped the news that second-year quarterback Julian Sayin would lead the Buckeyes under center to open the season. The move wasn’t entirely surprising—Sayin had been battling for the job throughout spring ball and into preseason camp, and most insiders saw it coming. But the confirmation officially set the matchup: Sayin vs. Texas. Sayin vs. Arch Manning. Sayin vs. Colin Simmons.

Sayin, one of the most highly rated quarterbacks in the country coming out of high school, originally committed to Alabama before transferring to Ohio State. He’s polished, poised, and has the kind of elite mechanics that quarterback coaches drool over. But he’s also largely untested at this level. He appeared in a few games last season in garbage time, with limited snaps, a small sample of completions, and very little real pressure. That all changes now. Week 1 will throw him into the fire against a Texas team stacked on defense—and led by Simmons, who’s quickly built a reputation for causing chaos in backfields.

Which is why Simmons’ Instagram move mattered. It wasn’t just random. It was a move that said: “Got it. Noted. I’ll see him soon.” It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t need words because everyone already knows the message. Sayin might be QB1 on the Buckeyes’ depth chart, but he just painted a big red target on his back—and Simmons took the first shot without even lifting a finger.

Colin Simmons, if you haven’t been paying attention, is the real deal. As a freshman last year, he exploded onto the scene with nine sacks, multiple forced fumbles, and an energy that lit up every game. He was nearly unblockable in some matchups and was honored as one of the best newcomers in the country. He’s not just good—he’s terrifying off the edge. Explosive first step, relentless motor, and a nose for the football.

Now entering his sophomore season, Simmons isn’t slowing down. He changed his jersey number to No. 1—“because I’m the one,” he said—and his goals are nothing short of record-breaking. He wants the Texas single-season sack record. He wants to win every matchup. And yeah, he wants to ruin a few quarterbacks’ weekends along the way. That starts with Sayin.

And it’s not just about Simmons vs. Sayin. It’s Texas vs. Ohio State. Power vs. power. Both programs are stacked with NFL-caliber talent. Both are loaded with five-stars. And both think they have the team to make a title run this season. The matchup on August 30th has been circled for months, but with the QB announcement made and the Instagram repost delivered, it suddenly feels personal.

Let’s not forget—Texas once recruited Sayin heavily. Steve Sarkisian was a major fan of his game. He extended a scholarship, gave him attention early in the recruiting cycle, and made a real push to land him before Sayin eventually chose Alabama. There’s no doubt Sarkisian respects the kid. He’s called him an elite passer and someone with real NFL tools. But respect doesn’t mean mercy—and Sark isn’t dialing back the heat just because Sayin’s talented. If anything, that’ll only make the Texas staff more motivated to shut him down.

And don’t think for a second that Sayin doesn’t feel the pressure. He’s stepping into one of the biggest stages college football has to offer—starting quarterback at Ohio State in a game that could have playoff implications right out of the gate. It’s a massive opportunity, but it’s also a trial by fire. He’s going to be up against one of the best pass-rushing groups in the country. Simmons and company aren’t just coming to play—they’re coming to wreck everything.

That’s the chess game. One team places its king on the board, and the other side adjusts its knights and bishops accordingly. Simmons isn’t just another piece—he’s the queen on defense. He moves fast, strikes hard, and changes the game in an instant.

The silent repost wasn’t about attention. It was a warning shot. A mental edge. A quiet reminder that Sayin’s welcome to the starting job comes with a Texas-sized test.

If anything, Simmons’ move shows how locked in he is. You don’t have to say anything when your play does the talking. That’s been his calling card since he stepped foot in Austin—less talk, more havoc. But when he does decide to drop a little something on social media, even without a caption, it reverberates.

And it’s not just Texas fans who noticed. The college football world picked it up immediately. Message boards lit up. Pundits debated whether Simmons was being petty, motivational, or strategic. Some even said he was showing respect. But for anyone who’s been in a locker room, who’s been in those trenches, it was crystal clear: Simmons is already in the fight. And Sayin better be ready.

The stage is set. Columbus is going to be electric. Two powerhouse programs. Two top-tier quarterbacks. And one edge rusher who seems very ready to be the villain of the Buckeyes’ story.

Week 1 matchups rarely feel this big. This one feels like a playoff game in August. It feels like one of those clashes where someone makes a Heisman statement, where a defense puts its stamp on the season, or where a legend is born. Sayin could walk away as a hero—or as a cautionary tale of what happens when you run into a buzzsaw wearing burnt orange and white.

So while Simmons didn’t say a word, his Instagram repost said everything that needed to be said. He saw the news. He took note. And he’s ready.

Now the ball’s in Sayin’s court. Let’s see what he’s got. Because on August 30th, it won’t be about who had the better post. It’ll be about who controls the pocket—and who gets buried in it.