The winds of change have blown through Ole Miss as sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons seeks a fresh start amid the opening day of college free agency. Simmons a former two sport athlete here at Ole Miss has been with the Rebels for two seasons, but his journey has not been without its challenges. Initially playing behind former starter Jaxson Dart during the 2024 campaign, Simmons saw limited action—appearing in nine games and completing 19 of 32 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. His performance hinted at promise, but it wasn’t until 2025 that fans expected him to take center stage.
AUSTIN SIMMONS
A Promising Start Cut Short
Simmons began the 2025 season leading Ole Miss to impressive victories over Georgia State and Kentucky. His ascent seemed inevitable until disaster struck in a crucial game against Kentucky when he suffered an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. The setback proved pivotal; instead of reclaiming his starting role upon recovery, Simmons watched as Trindidad Chambliss—a former DII national champion quarterback—stepped up and led the Rebels to four consecutive wins.
This unfortunate turn left Simmons relegated to the bench once more, now serving as an understudy to Chambliss. While this situation was undoubtedly frustrating for a player with such talent and ambition, it also set him on a path toward new opportunities.
The Transfer Portal Beckons
As he prepares to enter one of college football’s most lucrative markets—the transfer portal—Simmons finds himself among some of the most sought-after quarterbacks available. With two years of eligibility remaining as a graduate transfer, he will undoubtedly attract interest from numerous programs looking for experienced signal-callers.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that shortly after announcing his intent to hit the portal, Simmons entered with a do-not-contact tag attached. This strategic move suggests that he may already have plans or preferences regarding his next destination.
Where Will He Land?
One potential landing spot generating buzz is Mizzou, which recently faced its own quarterback dilemma following Beau Pribula’s departure after just one season in Columbia. The Tigers are actively seeking someone who can lead their offense effectively—and many believe that Simmons could be an ideal fit given his pedigree and experience.
However, while speculation swirls around possible destinations like Mizzou or other SEC schools eager for talent at quarterback positions, it’s important to note that Simmons intends to stay focused on his current team through their College Football Playoff (CFP) run. The Rebels are gearing up for their semifinal matchup against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Ole Miss?
As Austin Simmons contemplates his future beyond Ole Miss, there are implications for both him and the Rebels program moving forward. As he is set to depart after this CFP run concludes and there is uncertainty about current starter Trinidad Chambliss ability to get a waiver, Ole Miss will need to explore options for bolstering its depth chart at quarterback.
With their storied playoff aspirations underway and uncertainty surrounding their QB position next year, Pete Golding may want to consider bringing in another veteran presence or even focusing on recruiting fresh talent who can step into critical roles immediately. We will keep you updated here at OleMiss365.