‘We’re Like Best Friends:’ Rebels’ Core Offensive Duo of Austin Simmons, Cayden Lee Reflects on their Connection
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss football is in a new era as quarterback Austin Simmons will take the helm for his first collegiate career start on Saturday when the Rebels host Georgia State.
Simmons, a redshirt sophomore, has been the understudy to Ole Miss’ legendary quarterback Jaxson Dart for the last two seasons, but now its his turn to build his own legacy.
Simmons, however, is not alone on his journey as he and wide receiver Cayden Lee have built their friendship over the last two seasons, coming in together as members of the class of 2023 recruiting cycle.
In Monday’s press conference both players spoke on their relationship and how it has grown — with Simmons putting an emphasis on the importance of their bond both on and off the field, as well as its early beginning.
“It’s definitely prepared us in the best way possible,” Simmons said when asked about how their friendship helps on the field.
“We talk on the phone about certain looks we see and what we can do better, options. He’ll tell me he’s going to do this on that look,” Simmons said.
“It’s always been close (the relationship) since I enrolled. We’ve just gotten so much closer over time.“
Austin Simmons on friendship with Cayden Lee
Simmons really made sure to note how he and Lee better each other in all aspects of the game, including skill, communication and overall leadership.
Lee spoke after Simmons, and he touched on a lot of the same topics, noting especially how their friendship goes beyond the gridiron.
“I feel like me and Austin’s relationship goes like beyond the football field. We’re like best friends.“
Cayden Lee on Austin Simmons
Lee continued, explaining how their off-the-field bond translates onto the field also including the rest off the offensive side of the ball.
“I just feel like it just builds chemistries, the other receivers that come in, they join that too. It makes them gel with us as well. Also, I feel like overall offensively like we’re all like brothers and I feel like that’s the most important thing. If you are brothers, you know what each other’s going to do on the field and you can have each other’s backs.”
Cayden Lee on his relationship with Simmons
It’s clear their friendship helps keeps things light, notably evidenced as Simmons exclaimed, “Go get ’em Tiger” as he exited the press room with Lee entering for his turn on the mic Monday.
Both Simmons and Lee, as well as the rest of the Rebels’ team, are now in game-week mode as they prepare to kick off their season on Saturday, hosting the Georgia State Panthers at 6:45 pm CT. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Billy Kuhl
Billy Kuhl joins The Rebel Walk as a sophomore at Ole Miss majoring in Journalism with a Sports Media concentration. He is from Jefferson Township, New Jersey and graduated from Jefferson Township High School where he played varsity baseball, and soccer, and swam competitively in his summers. You can contact him at wpkuhl88@gmail.com or DM him on X @Billykuhll or instagram @Billykuhll_
