Texas Longhorns Star Turns Up the Heat at Spring Practice: ‘That’s What We Need’As spring football heats up in Austin, so do the expectations surrounding the Texas Longhorns. With the 2025 season just around the corner and SEC competition looming larger than ever, every practice rep matters. And one Longhorns standout is making sure nobody forgets it.During this week’s spring practice, junior linebacker Malik Simmons delivered a fiery performance that caught the attention of coaches, teammates, and fans alike. From delivering crunching tackles to barking out calls with the authority of a seasoned general, Simmons brought the kind of energy that championship-caliber teams thrive on.“That’s what we need,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said after practice, visibly energized. “We need leadership, we need accountability, and we need intensity. Malik brought all three today.”Simmons, a returning starter and All-Big 12 selection, has long been known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. But what set him apart this week wasn’t just his physical performance — it was his attitude. After a tough defensive rep where he batted down a pass and immediately rallied his teammates with a loud, impassioned huddle, it became clear: Simmons isn’t just playing for himself — he’s setting the tone for the entire defense.“Coach [Pete] Kwiatkowski always tells us, ‘Be the thermostat, not the thermometer,’” Simmons said after practice. “Anybody can react to the temperature. Leaders set it. I’m trying to bring that heat every day.”And the heat he brought was felt across both sides of the ball. Quarterback Arch Manning — who’s been praised for his poise and maturity — acknowledged the extra edge Simmons and the defense brought to the session.“He came out like it was a game day,” Manning said with a smile. “I like it. It makes us better. It’s the kind of competition we’re going to face every week in the SEC.”Indeed, the looming challenge of competing in the SEC is top of mind for the entire Longhorns program. With juggernauts like Alabama and Georgia waiting in the wings, Texas knows they have to elevate their level of play — and do it fast. That urgency was on full display in Simmons’ demeanor.Fans watching the open practice lit up social media with praise, calling Simmons a “future captain” and “the emotional engine of the team.” Others simply said what everyone was thinking: “We need more of that.”Coach Sark echoed the sentiment, adding, “This is the time when your leaders emerge. When your culture reveals itself. We want guys like Malik stepping up
