SEC Contender Surges as Top Pick for Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons

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Austin Simmons, the quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, is set to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after spending three seasons in Oxford. Multiple reports indicate that this move comes after a challenging period for the player.

Simmons initially entered the season as the starting quarterback following the transition from Jaxson Dart. However, an ankle injury in Week 2 changed the dynamics of the team. Trinidad Chambliss then took over as the starting quarterback and never looked back, eventually making it to the Top-10 of the Heisman Trophy voting.

The Florida native had a redshirt year during the 2023 season before playing in nine games for the Rebels in 2024 as a freshman. By his redshirt-sophomore season in 2025, Simmons recorded 744 yards on 45-for-75 passing with four touchdowns and five interceptions.

After suffering an ankle injury in Week 2, Chambliss became the clear starter and made a significant impact in his first season at Ole Miss. Now, there are signs that Simmons may be looking for a new opportunity, with a Southeastern Conference rival gaining momentum in the process.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Missouri Tigers are emerging as the top choice for Simmons' transfer. "Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per an ESPN source," Thamel wrote via X. "He’s entering with a no contact tag, with Missouri as the favorite to land him. He’s expected to stay with Ole Miss through the CFP."

The future of the Ole Miss quarterback room remains uncertain with Simmons now leaving and Chambliss awaiting a decision on a waiver he submitted in November.

"I feel like my case is very strong," Chambliss said, according to the Clarion Ledger. "I don’t see a reason why they should deny it, frankly. I have a lot to back up what I’m stating, what I’m putting in front of them. It’s up to the NCAA. Out of my control. I have all my faith in Jesus Christ."

"I deserve it," Chambliss added. "I’ve only played three seasons of college football. I feel like I deserve to play four. I redshirted in 2021. That was my freshman redshirt. Then I medically redshirted in 2022. Played in 2023, 2024 and this is 2025."

With the College Football Playoff semifinals against the Miami Hurricanes on January 8, the focus has shifted away from the roster changes in Oxford. The upcoming game will be a crucial moment for the team as they navigate through the uncertainty of their quarterback situation.

Key Points:

• Austin Simmons, the quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, is entering the NCAA Transfer Portal after three seasons.
• His time as a starter was affected by an ankle injury, which led to Trinidad Chambliss taking over as the starting quarterback.
• Chambliss made a significant impact, even finishing in the Top-10 of the Heisman Trophy voting.
• The Missouri Tigers are seen as the top choice for Simmons' transfer, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
• The future of the Ole Miss quarterback room is uncertain, with Chambliss awaiting a decision on a waiver.
• The team is now focusing on the College Football Playoff semifinals against the Miami Hurricanes.