For the first time in three years, Ole Miss is starting a season without Jaxson Dart leading the offense. Dart, who left his mark as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Rebels history, is now suiting up for the New York Giants after being drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His departure created a massive void, and into that spotlight steps sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons.
How Will Austin Simmons Handle the Pressure as Ole Miss’s New Starting Quarterback?
Simmons isn’t a stranger to high-stakes moments. When he replaced an injured Dart against Georgia last season and led a valiant game-winning drive, he displayed flashes of poise that gave teammates and coaches hope for his future. He’s not just the promising backup anymore. He’s the leader, the starter, and the face of an Ole Miss offense trying to find its new identity.
His debut as QB1 came in Week 1 against Georgia State, where he threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns in a dominant 63-7 win. However, the night wasn’t flawless. He also tossed two interceptions, serving as reminders that growth comes with mistakes. What mattered most wasn’t the stat line but how Simmons responded when things didn’t go perfectly.
That composure caught the attention of wide receiver Harrison “Tre” Wallace immediately. Wallace, who has been a steady presence in the Ole Miss offense, praised his young quarterback for the way he carried himself through the ups and downs.
“Just keeping his head up… a lot of emotions high, but he kept his composure and didn’t make any more mistakes after that,” Wallace said. “That’s what you want to see out of your quarterback.”
“Just keeping his head up… a lot of emotions high, but he kept his composure and didn’t make any more mistakes after that.”
– Tre Wallace on Austin Simmons
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) September 2, 2025
Beyond throwing touchdowns, Simmons faces the challenge of learning how to control the spotlight while managing expectations for a program with championship aspirations. The team he inherits looks significantly different from last season, with more new faces and fewer seasoned veterans on the roster. Head coach Lane Kiffin has all but called 2025 a rebuilding year, but Simmons’ leadership could potentially change that narrative into something more promising.
What Challenges Await Simmons in the Tough 2025 Season?
The road ahead won’t be easy. With formidable opponents like Georgia, LSU, and Oklahoma on the schedule, the Rebels face a gauntlet that will test every aspect of Simmons’ game. These aren’t just any opponents – they’re programs that can exploit mistakes and punish inexperienced quarterbacks.
If Simmons maintains the level-headed attitude Wallace described, he has the opportunity to develop rapidly throughout the season. Mistakes will inevitably happen, but his response to adversity could determine whether Ole Miss remains competitive or struggles to find its footing.
His first start showcased his arm talent, but more importantly, it revealed his mental toughness. That resilience might be exactly what Ole Miss needs to navigate this transitional season and potentially exceed expectations along the way.
