Texas star Colin Simmons had to be carted off the field after suffering a worrying injury during the Longhorns' clash with Florida on Saturday.

Simmons is one of the best defensive players in college football, with the 20-year-old edge rusher expected to be a top-five pick in the 2027 NFL draft.

Early in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game in Austin, however, he appeared to hurt his lower leg after being thrown to the ground.

Trainers rushed on to treat Simmons, who was helped toward the sideline before he was put on a cart and driven from the field.

The injury occurred after the edge rusher was blocked by Florida tight end Lacota Dippre and offensive tackle Bryce Lovett with the two teams tied at 17-17. 

'[A] scary sight for Colin Simmons - and if you're a Texas fan. Not just of the best defensive players in the country, but one of the best football players period,' ESPN’s Jordan Rodgers said on the live broadcast.

Simmons gave fans the Longhorns' customary 'Hook 'em' gesture before the cart left the field. But he cut a devastated figure as he headed toward the locker room.

Before the injury, no one in Texas burnt orange had amassed more tackles (eight) than Simmons, who had also recorded a sack.

The edge rusher has been one of the most devastating players in college football this season. Over the past three games alone, the 20-year-old has 8.5 sacks to his name.

Without Simmons, Texas fell to a stunning 27-24 loss to the Gators that could prove pivotal in the Longhorns' hopes of making the playoffs.