5 Explosive Takeaways From Colin Simmons' Subtle Message To Ohio State QB Julian Sayin

The latest flashpoint in one of college football's most anticipated future rivalries erupted recently, setting the stage for an explosive season opener. As of today, December 17, 2025, the conversation is dominated by a seemingly subtle yet highly provocative social media post from Texas Longhorns star defender Colin Simmons, aimed directly at Ohio State's newly named starting quarterback, Julian Sayin. This incident has instantly injected a personal, competitive edge into the highly-touted 2025 Week 1 matchup, turning a non-conference game into a must-watch national event. The 'Simmons Message'—a simple repost of the Buckeyes’ announcement naming Sayin as QB1—was immediately interpreted by fans, analysts, and players alike as a direct taunt. While Simmons later attempted to downplay the post, the damage was done, solidifying the narrative: the Texas defense is already targeting the young, five-star signal-caller from Ohio State. This is more than just social media fodder; it is a calculated move that provides genuine "bulletin board material" for both powerhouse programs heading into their epic clash.

The Protagonists: Colin Simmons and Julian Sayin Biography & Profile

The rivalry's intensity is amplified by the caliber of the two players at its center. Both Colin Simmons and Julian Sayin are elite, highly-touted recruits who represent the future of their respective programs.

Julian Sayin: The Ohio State Quarterback

Julian Sayin steps into one of the most high-pressure roles in college sports as the designated starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

• Position: Quarterback (QB)
• Jersey Number: 10
• Hometown: Carlsbad, California
• High School: Carlsbad High School
• Recruiting Rank: Consensus Five-Star Recruit (Top-10 overall prospect in his class)
• Previous College: University of Alabama (Transferred to Ohio State via the Transfer Portal)
• Year: Sophomore (as of 2025 season)
• Key Attributes: Known for an extremely high football IQ, exceptional accuracy, poise under pressure, and advanced understanding of timing and anticipation.
• 2025 Role: Named the starting QB, succeeding a long line of elite Ohio State quarterbacks, and is tasked with leading the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff title.

Colin Simmons: The Texas Longhorns Edge Rusher

Colin Simmons is one of the most feared defensive players in the nation, a disruptive force whose job it is to make life miserable for quarterbacks like Sayin.

• Position: Defensive End / Edge Rusher (EDGE)
• Jersey Number: 1
• Born: January 8, 2006
• Hometown: Dallas, Texas
• High School: Duncanville High School
• Recruiting Rank: Consensus Five-Star Recruit (often ranked as the No. 1 Edge Rusher in the nation)
• Year: Sophomore (as of 2025 season)
• Key Stats (Through 2024 Season): Simmons has accumulated significant defensive statistics, including over 20.0 sacks and nearly 90 total tackles in his first two seasons, establishing himself as a premier pass rusher.
• Role: The undisputed leader of the Texas pass rush, expected to be a major factor in the Longhorns' transition to the SEC.

The Rivalry Context: Why the Message Matters

The seemingly small social media gesture by Colin Simmons holds massive significance due to the historical and immediate context of the Ohio State-Texas rivalry. This is not just a standard Week 1 game; it is a clash of two titans with national championship aspirations.

The two programs are scheduled to meet on August 30, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, to kick off the new season. This game is a pivotal moment for both teams. For Ohio State, it is a chance to prove their status as a national title contender under coach Ryan Day, especially with a new quarterback at the helm. For Texas, now officially a member of the SEC, it is a statement game to show they can compete with the Big Ten’s best on the road.

Simmons’s post, which appeared shortly after the Buckeyes’ official announcement of Sayin as the starter, was a clear attempt to get inside the head of the young quarterback. It suggests that the Texas defense—a unit known for its aggression—views the new Ohio State signal-caller as a target, potentially seeing his relative inexperience as an opportunity. This psychological warfare is a hallmark of elite college football rivalries.

5 Explosive Takeaways from the Simmons-Sayin Exchange

The simple social media post has created a ripple effect, generating five major narratives that will dominate the college football landscape leading up to the 2025 season opener.

1. The Creation of Instant Bulletin Board Material

Colin Simmons' explanation that the post was "really nothing major behind it" and that he was "just excited that they chose a quarterback" is unlikely to be accepted by the Ohio State locker room. The message, regardless of intent, is now cemented as a piece of "bulletin board material" for Ohio State coach Ryan Day. It provides a tangible source of motivation for Julian Sayin and the entire Buckeyes offense to prove the Texas star wrong on the field. This type of trash talk elevates the stakes beyond just a season-opening win.

2. A Direct Challenge to Sayin's Poise and Experience

Sayin is a former five-star recruit with an advanced football IQ, but he is still a sophomore who transferred from Alabama. Simmons, an elite edge rusher, is challenging the young quarterback’s mental toughness right out of the gate. The message forces Sayin to carry the weight of this public challenge into his first major start. How he handles the pressure from Simmons and the Texas defense will define the early narrative of his Ohio State career.

3. The SEC vs. Big Ten War of Words

With Texas moving to the SEC, the rivalry between the Longhorns and the Buckeyes is now a proxy battle between the two most dominant conferences in the sport. Simmons, as a face of the new SEC, is essentially sending a message to the Big Ten’s standard-bearer. The subtext of the post is a declaration of confidence that the SEC’s defensive intensity will overwhelm the Big Ten's offensive talent. This conference-level bragging rights will be a significant talking point in the lead-up to the game.

4. A Key Matchup That Defines the 2025 Season

The Simmons vs. Sayin battle is the most critical individual matchup of the game. If Simmons and the Texas defensive line can consistently pressure Sayin, forcing turnovers or mistakes, Texas has a clear path to victory. Conversely, if Sayin can remain poised, utilize his accuracy, and neutralize the pass rush with quick decisions, he will not only silence Simmons but also establish himself as a legitimate Heisman contender and Ohio State as a national favorite. The outcome of this matchup could determine the trajectory of both teams' seasons.

5. The Strategic Use of Social Media in Modern Rivalry

In the era of NIL and the transfer portal, social media has become a primary weapon for competitive advantage. Simmons’s post is a perfect example of a modern, low-risk, high-reward tactic. It generated massive engagement, put pressure on the opponent, and created a viral narrative without violating any major rules. This type of psychological warfare is now a standard part of the recruiting and rivalry landscape, making every announcement, like a QB naming, an opportunity for a counter-punch. The entire college football world is now watching to see if Simmons's confidence will pay off or if Sayin will make him regret the post.