Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons Ready to Lead the Rebels, Build Brotherhood, and Chase a Title

OXFORD, Miss. —As Ole Miss sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons steps into a larger role heading into the 2025 season, his focus remains steady: improve daily, block out distractions and help lead the Rebels take a step towards championship aspirations.

Yes, we’re a LONG way away from the Fall…but Simmons looks smooth in the pocket so far for the Rebels.

Videos: @kam_wicker pic.twitter.com/CtqacrifoF

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 25, 2025

Goals over status

Coming into college two years early and competing on the baseball diamond for Ole Miss is impressive enough, but what Simmons did during the Georgia game in 2024 made waves around the college football world.

For Simmons, the title on the depth chart isn’t what motivates him, it’s the daily grind of becoming the best version of himself. Even with enrolling early and having been around the program, he isn’t rushing to label himself ‘the guy’ — He’s keeping it simple.

“I don’t really look at being like ‘the guy’ here very different. Football is football at the end of the day, regardless of if I’m the starting quarterback, if I’m the backup quarterback doesn’t matter. We’re still playing football, we’re preparing for one thing and we always have one goal to win a national championship. I always like to set forth a goal for myself each and every day to always progress and get better at one thing every day.”

Simmons on being labeled ‘the guy’ at Ole Miss now

Simmons credits his growth to the guidance of veterans around him, most notably former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, and sees this upcoming season as his opportunity to apply those lessons under the lights. Even as the competition heats up, Simmons remains grounded in the foundation he’s built in Oxford.

The passing of the torch..

The Austin Simmons era as QB1 officially begins today 🔥pic.twitter.com/bfCWCTRho9

— Everything Ole Miss (@EverythingRebs) March 18, 2025

There’s a clear respect for the game in how he speaks and not just about the reps on the field, but about the mentorship and development behind the scenes that have helped shape his perspective.

“I’m still another player on the team. I don’t really want to sell myself and say I’m a veteran. This is going to be my first year getting meaningful playing time — I feel like I’m going to take all the development, all the time spent like learning from Dart, learning from all the other quarterbacks and just take it on to the field.”

~ Simmons on learning from others

With more responsibility comes more demand, but Simmons isn’t backing down from the loss of free time that comes with being the quarterback. Whether it’s time spent in the film room or answering to the expectations off the field, Simmons is keeping his eyes locked on the prize.

Distractions are part of the game, especially in today’s college football world, but Simmons is clear with his goals: he came to Ole Miss to win and he’s willing to sacrifice whatever’s necessary to make that dream a reality.

“Things are more time consuming. You have more responsibilities outside the facility. Of course, you’re going to watch film with coaches and stuff like that — I really want to prioritize on the reason I came here and that’s to be a great football player and to win a national championship. I’ll do whatever it takes to reach those goals and I’ll do whatever it takes to minimize the distractions outside the facility to make those dreams happen.”

~ Simmons on having more responsibility as QB1

Austin Simmons posting this on his Instagram👀👀

Ole Miss Football 2025 🔜 pic.twitter.com/Wxbt8ataos

— Everything Ole Miss (@EverythingRebs) January 21, 2025

Building a bond

Despite the competitive nature, there’s no tension in the Ole Miss quarterback room. Simmons reports the group has found a rare balance between pushing each other and truly connecting as teammates, even spending time together outside the building. A new face is on the way with recent Ferris State transfer Trinidad Chambliss, and Simmons is already eager to welcome him into the fold.

Simmons understands that chemistry isn’t built overnight. While spring ball was a solid foundation, he believes summer workouts will be the key to finding the Rebels’ true identity.

The offense during the Lane Kiffin era at Ole Miss has always been one of the best in the country and Simmons is well aware that is what he will have to live up to. The Rebel quarterback spoke about the need to “find ourselves” as a group, showing a mindset focused more on chemistry rather than individual success.

“Right now, we’re still finding ourselves, and we’re really just looking to find that true identity, really get to build that chemistry with all of us. I think summer’s going to be very big for us, and I feel like that’s where we’re going to find ourselves. Really just figure out who we are as a team and how we’re going to be a great.”

~ Simmons on the Rebel offense

In it together#ComeToTheSip | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/dTz9iQvQrN

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) March 27, 2025

Looking back on the spring, Simmons says the growth is already there. The team has spent time building trust, not just in meetings and assignments, but in relationships. As the Rebels head into the summer phase of the 2025 season, Simmons’ message for the team’s goals are clear: the foundation and the brotherhood will be made.

“I’ve seen a whole lot of chemistry being built throughout this entire Spring ball. Having that whole core chemistry on and off the field, getting to know each other as a team rather than just as players — gaining more trust with each other and really just having each other’s backs.”

~ Simmons on the team chemistry thus far