Mon Mar 10 19:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Ole Miss’ Simmons Ready to Step into Starting QB Role After Stellar 2024 Performance

**Oxford, MS** – Redshirt freshman Austin Simmons is poised to take the reins as Ole Miss’ starting quarterback in the upcoming 2025 season, following a breakout performance in 2024 that solidified his status as Jaxson Dart’s successor. While his first collegiate touchdown pass was impressive, it was a crucial drive against No. 3 Georgia that truly cemented his place. With Dart injured and Ole Miss trailing, Simmons led a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, sparking a stunning 28-10 upset victory.

Simmons’ performance against Georgia highlighted his talent and composure under pressure. In his limited playing time last season, he completed 19 of 32 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Though his rushing stats were limited, his strong arm and impressive intellect – he boasts a 5.0 high school GPA – have drawn comparisons to Tua Tagovailoa.

However, the starting quarterback position is not guaranteed. Simmons will face competition from fellow quarterbacks Pierce Clarkson, a four-star recruit with a strong coaching pedigree, and AJ Maddox, another four-star recruit who redshirted in 2024 and expressed his determination to compete for the starting role.

“It’s been good. I have no complaints…As far as going into the spring, we’re going to be competing. I’m looking forward to that,” Maddox recently told Inside the Rebels. The spring competition will ultimately decide who leads the Rebels into the 2025 season opener against Georgia State on August 30th. The quarterback battle will begin when Ole Miss’ spring football period commences on March 18th.

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