Ole Miss Quarterback Austin Simmons Enters Transfer Portal
College football is often a game of sliding doors. One moment you’re the starting quarterback for a national contender, and a twisted ankle later, you’re watching from the sidelines as your backup turns into a Heisman candidate. That is the unfortunate, yet fascinating reality for Austin Simmons, who is now looking for a fresh start.
According to reports from ESPN and On3, the Ole Miss sophomore quarterback plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. But this isn’t your standard “I’m unhappy and leaving immediately” breakup. In a move that speaks volumes about his character, Simmons plans to stick with the Rebels through their College Football Playoff run before officially moving on.
The Writing Was On the Wall For Simmons
The writing has been on the wall in Oxford for a few months now. Simmons opened the 2025 season as the guy. He was QB1. He led the Rebels to wins over Georgia State and Kentucky, and things looked promising.
Then came the ankle injury in Week 2.
While Simmons was rehabbing, Trinidad Chambliss stepped in and didn’t just keep the seat warm—he set it on fire. Chambliss led the team to a 13-1 record and a playoff berth, effectively cementing himself as the future of the program. For Simmons, that’s a tough pill to swallow. You never want to lose your job to injury, but when the guy behind you plays lights-out football, the math just doesn’t work in your favor anymore.
Simmons enters the portal as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility left, making him a very attractive veteran option for teams needing a plug-and-play starter.
Why Missouri Is the Heavy Favorite
Here is where things get interesting. Simmons is entering the portal with a “do-not-contact” tag. In the world of college recruiting, that usually translates to: “I already know where I’m going, so don’t bother blowing up my phone.”
All signs are currently pointing toward Missouri. The Tigers are in desperate need of a signal-caller after their starter, Beau Pribula, hit the portal last month. It feels like a perfect match. Missouri gets a quarterback with SEC starting experience and elite arm talent, and Simmons gets a clear path to the field without looking over his shoulder.
A Rare Dual-Sport Talent
It’s easy to forget just how high the ceiling is for Simmons. Remember, this is the kid who reclassified up two full years from the Class of 2025 to 2023 because he was so ahead of the curve academically and athletically. He was a four-star prospect who flipped from Florida to Ole Miss, and he even pitched for the Rebels’ baseball team, posting a 2-0 record.
While his time at Ole Miss didn’t end with a trophy in his hand, his story isn’t over. He threw for over 700 yards and four touchdowns in limited action this year, proving he can hang at the highest level. If he lands at Missouri as expected, the Tigers aren’t just getting a castoff; they’re getting a guy with a massive chip on his shoulder ready to prove he’s still QB1 material.
