Ahmad Hardy and Austin Simmons Duo Raise Stakes for Eli Drinkwitz’s CFP Run

In a fascinating twist to the start of spring practices, Austin Simmons has already been named the starting quarterback for the Missouri Tigers, and it’s turning heads. Typically, even when a high-profile transfer arrives, especially one coming from a program like the Ole Miss Rebels, you expect a drawn-out quarterback battle stretching into summer or even fall camp.

But that’s not the case here. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz wasted no time making his decision, signaling complete confidence in Simmons as the leader of this offense.

Austin Simmons and Ahmad Hardy Raise Missouri’s Expectations

That decision alone says plenty: there wasn’t much of a competition, and Drinkwitz knows exactly who he wants under center. The buzz around Missouri doesn’t stop there. As highlighted by RJ Young on his “Adapt and Respond” YouTube show, the emerging backfield duo of Simmons and running back Ahmad Hardy could significantly raise the ceiling for a potential College Football Playoff run.

Young went on to say: “Missouri is right there in that mix right. One of those mid-tier power 4 programs that feel like they’ve invested enough and have enough stars to warrant us talking about them making that 12-team playoff…”

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Missouri quietly put together an impressive season last year. While they may have flown under the national radar, they were a tough out week in and week out, finishing with eight wins. What makes that mark even more intriguing is the adversity they faced, losing both their starting and backup quarterbacks to injury.

With more stability at the position, the Tigers’ record and national perception could have looked very different. That’s where Simmons enters the equation.

Missouri’s passing game struggled in 2025, averaging just 210.5 yards per game, well below the standard of top-tier SEC offenses. Simmons’ arrival brings hope for a much-needed aerial boost.

If he can elevate the passing attack even to an above-average level, it would dramatically change the complexion of this offense. Hardy was nothing short of elite last season.

His 91.3 PFSN CFB RB Impact grade ranked sixth nationally, and he piled up 1,649 rushing yards, the second-most in the country. His ability to consistently produce on the ground gives Missouri a reliable offensive foundation. Now imagine combining that with a quarterback who can stretch the field.

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The Simmons-Hardy tandem has the potential to create serious problems for SEC defenses. With Simmons’ arm forcing defenses to respect the pass and Hardy’s explosiveness punishing them on the ground, Missouri suddenly boasts one of the most dangerous offensive pairings in the conference.

If everything clicks, this isn’t just a good offense; it could be one of the best in the country. And if that happens, Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers won’t just be a tough out anymore; they’ll be legitimate College Football Playoff contenders.