Missouri football is making a move in the transfer portal, and it’s already targeting a quarterback from a top-tier program. The latest reports suggest that Austin Simmons, the backup quarterback for Ole Miss, is entering the transfer portal with Missouri as his top choice. This development comes just days after the official opening of the college football transfer portal on January 2.

Simmons was expected to be the starting quarterback for Ole Miss in the 2025 season under former head coach Lane Kiffin. However, an ankle injury during a game against Kentucky in Week 2 changed the course of his season. Trinidid Chambliss, a transfer from Division-II Ferris State, took over the starting role and has led Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Before this turn of events, Simmons had been the starter for the first two weeks of the season. Now, with Chambliss holding onto the job, it seems that Simmons is looking for a new opportunity. If he does end up at Missouri, he would join a team that is also looking to strengthen its quarterback position. Beau Pribula, the current starting quarterback, is set to transfer out of the program this offseason.

Who is Austin Simmons?

Austin Simmons turned 20 years old in November 2024 but has already completed three full seasons of college football. He reclassified from the 2025 class to sign with Ole Miss in the 2023 class. He has earned his degree from Mississippi, which makes him a graduate transfer.

Simmons attended Pahokee High IB World School in Florida and hails from Moore Haven, Florida. His high school recruiting rankings were impressive, with ESPN ranking him as the No. 77 prospect in the Class of 2025 before he reclassified. As a 2023 prospect, he was the No. 292-ranked player nationally and the No. 19 quarterback in 247Sports’ national composite rankings.

A Versatile Athlete

Simmons is not only a football player but also a former baseball player. He made 13 relief appearances for Ole Miss’ baseball team in the 2024 season. He finished with a 2-0 record and a 3.21 ERA, giving up nine hits and five earned runs across 14 total innings of work. However, he did not play baseball in the 2025 season, focusing solely on football.

College Football Stats

Over his college football career, Simmons has made two starts for Ole Miss over three seasons, appearing in 17 total games. He has completed 60% of his pass attempts (64-of-107) for 1,026 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions.

In his two starts during the 2025 season, which came against Georgia State and Kentucky, he went 33-of-55 (60%) for 288 yards per game, three touchdown passes, and four interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he has recorded eight total Big Time Throws and five Turnover Worthy Plays in his career.

While Simmons is not known as a runner, he has shown some ability with his legs. He has 25 rushing attempts in his career for 103 yards, one touchdown, and three fumbles. He has recorded four-career runs of 10 or more yards.