Austin Simmons, a promising quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, has garnered significant attention for his exceptional talent and unique journey to collegiate football.
Born on November 8, 2005, in Pinecrest, Florida, Simmons has demonstrated remarkable athleticism and academic prowess from a young age. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, he possesses the physical attributes that make him a formidable presence on the field.
Early Life and High School Career
Simmons began his high school education at Pahokee High School in Pahokee, Florida, before transferring to Moore Haven Junior Senior High School in Moore Haven, Florida. During his sophomore year, he showcased his quarterbacking skills by passing for 3,253 yards and 27 touchdowns, highlighting his potential as a dual-threat athlete.
Reclassification and Commitment to Ole Miss
In a strategic move to accelerate his collegiate career, Simmons reclassified from the 2025 recruiting class to the 2023 class. Initially committed to the University of Florida in April 2023, he made a significant change in June 2023 by committing to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Simmons expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “No one can really say they got the chance to jump two years ahead and compete in the SEC. Ole Miss has a reputation of building great quarterbacks for the league. So it’s really an opportunity I couldn’t miss.”
Dual-Sport Athlete: Football and Baseball
Upon joining Ole Miss, Simmons embraced the challenge of being a dual-sport athlete, participating in both football and baseball. In baseball, he made a notable impact as a left-handed pitcher. In his freshman year, he maintained a 2.00 ERA while striking out 61 batters. During the 2024 season, he appeared in 13 games for the Rebels, achieving a 3.21 ERA, the second-best on the team. However, his baseball season was cut short due to a UCL strain he suffered while pitching against Alabama.
Transition to Full-Time Football Focus
In January 2025, Simmons made a pivotal decision to focus exclusively on football, leaving the baseball team to concentrate on his role as a quarterback. Ole Miss baseball released a statement confirming his departure, stating, “Austin Simmons is no longer on the baseball roster so that he can concentrate on playing football.”
2024 Football Season and Performance
During the 2024 football season, Simmons served as the backup quarterback to Jaxson Dart. He made a significant impact in his limited playing time, notably throwing his first career touchdown pass in the season opener against Furman. His performance in the game against Georgia was particularly impressive, where he entered the game under challenging circumstances and delivered a remarkable performance, showcasing his potential as a future starter. citeturn0news10
Future Outlook and Expectations
Looking ahead, Simmons is poised to take on a more prominent role in the Ole Miss offense. With Jaxson Dart’s departure, Simmons is expected to step into the starting quarterback position for the 2025 season. His dual-sport background and rapid development have positioned him as a player to watch in the upcoming season. Early depth chart speculations for the 2025 season indicate that Simmons is anticipated to start at quarterback, with AJ Maddox and transfer Pierce Clarkson as backups.
Conclusion
Austin Simmons’ journey from a high school standout to a dual-sport athlete at Ole Miss exemplifies his dedication, versatility, and potential. His decision to focus solely on football in 2025 underscores his commitment to excelling in the sport. As he prepares to take on the starting quarterback role, both fans and analysts are eager to see how his unique skill set and experiences will contribute to the success of the Ole Miss Rebels in the upcoming season.
